Construction and Adjudication in Hong Kong

Construction and Adjudication in Hong Kong is the first comprehensive textbook addressing the Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance (Cap 652), enacted on 27 December 2024 and fully operational from 28 August 2025. This landmark legislation, culminating from over 20 years of consultation, introduces compulsory payment requirements and statutory adjudication to Hong Kong's construction industry—marking a fundamental transformation in how construction disputes are resolved and cash flow challenges are addressed.  

Written by three construction law barristers from Des Voeux Chambers, this authoritative work provides detailed analysis of all 72 sections of the Ordinance across its 6 parts and multiple divisions. The book draws extensively on the experiences of similar legislation in the United Kingdom, Australia (particularly New South Wales), and Singapore, providing invaluable comparative insights while highlighting the unique features of Hong Kong's regime.  

The book systematically covers all key aspects including: the scope of application, progress payments, statutory compliance and anti-avoidance provisions, pre-adjudication procedures (payment claims and responses), the adjudication process, enforcement and setting aside of determinations, rights to delay work or supply, and costs. Each chapter provides detailed analysis of relevant case law from overseas jurisdictions to illustrate how the Hong Kong legislation may operate in practice, while identifying material differences that practitioners must consider.  

With forewords by the Honourable Mr Justice Anthony Chan JA and Ian Pennicott KC, SC, this book serves as an essential resource for all construction industry participants—owners, contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and lawyers—who need to understand and apply this transformative new legislation. 

Key highlights:

• First Comprehensive Guide: The pioneering textbook on Hong Kong's new statutory security of payment and adjudication regime, published as the Ordinance became operational in August 2025.  
• Proven Comparative Insights: Draws on 25+ years of jurisprudence from the UK, Australia, and Singapore to guide the readers on the interpretation of the provisions of the Ordinance.
• Industry-Wide Impact: The Ordinance fundamentally changes construction industry operations. This book sheds light on the compliance and competitive advantage of the Ordinance for all participants.  
• Practical and Essential: Provides guidance on critical daily questions—when to make payment claims, how to initiate adjudication, grounds for setting aside determinations—with legislative texts and case law included.