Strategic management and operations of real estate valuation service providers in Hong Kong

Purpose - The paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the current valuation practices and services offered across Asia, in particular the valuation techniques and methodology used by practising valuers in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach - In order to gain professional opinions and an in‐depth understanding of Hong Kong valuation service providers, the methods and concepts used, and the extent of involvement with Chinese clients and businesses, the paper reports the findings of interviews with major real estate valuation firms and a survey of individual valuers involved in the appraisal of properties in Hong Kong and China. Findings - The results show that there are significant differences between the strategic management and the operational level across several facets of the valuation process in Hong Kong and China. The paper contributes to an understanding of behavioural influences within valuation. Research limitations/implications - The main limitation is the restriction of the survey on Hong Kong‐based valuers. Further research will widen evidence to valuers based in mainland China. Originality/value - This paper presents the results of original empirical research utilising data drawn from interviews and survey questionnaires. The value of the work lies in the analysis of the strategic overview of the organisation, management and operation of appraisal practice in Hong Kong.