Hongkong Land’s leasing deal with law firm Harneys a sign of ‘flight to quality’


Hongkong Land has secured the return of international law firm Harneys to its office portfolio in the Central business district, in a deal that underscores improved sentiment in Hong Kong’s premium commercial property market.

Harneys, which mark its 20th year in Hong Kong in 2025, has signed an eight-year lease for 11,048 sq ft on the 14th floor of Alexandra House, part of Hongkong Land’s Landmark complex. The firm, a repeat tenant previously based in Exchange Square, will relocate in February 2026. No rental price was disclosed.

“We are excited to be moving into our new premises in Alexandra House and returning to Hong Kong’s core Central district,” said Paul Sephton, managing partner of Harneys’ Hong Kong office. “Our new office puts us back in the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district, helping us to further strengthen our connectivity with clients and business partners.”

An aerial view of Hong Kong’s Central district at night. Photo: Shutterstock Images
An aerial view of Hong Kong’s Central district at night. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Hongkong Land said the deal highlighted a continued “flight to quality”, as tenants prioritise location and stability amid a patchy recovery across the broader office market. Legal firms now account for 31 per cent of tenants in the developer’s Central office portfolio.

The uptick follows several years in which Central’s office rents and occupancy rates were under pressure, as new supply and a weaker economic backdrop saw many corporate clients remain cautious about expansion.

The announcement comes as Hongkong Land accelerates leasing and redevelopment across its Landmark-branded properties, where luxury retailer Schiaparelli is set to open its first permanent boutique in Asia in January. The Paris fashion house is among at least five global brands expanding or re-entering Landmark as part of Hongkong Land’s US$1 billion “Tomorrow’s Central” upgrade project.

Developers and agents said leasing demand for top-tier locations had firmed up, even as the broader market remained sensitive to global economic conditions.

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