Online Dispute Resolution Scheme for Real Estate Agency Services

About the Scheme

Launched by eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre (eBRAM), the "Dispute Resolution Service for Real Estate Agency Disputes" aims to assist the public in resolving disputes with estate agents arising from property transactions or leasing, providing both parties with highly efficient dispute mediation and arbitration services.

As the first and only Hong Kong ODR service provider recognized by APEC, eBRAM's APEC ODR Platform incorporates innovative LawTech, integrating video conferencing, secure document management, and electronic signature systems. It enables disputing parties to participate securely in online negotiations, mediation, and arbitration anywhere and at any time, eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction, reducing confrontation, and significantly shortening processing times.

✓ Reasonable Fees

✓ Simple and Time-saving

✓ Neutral and Independent Mediators / Arbitrators to Handle Your Disputes

Submit Application Contact Us

Read the Flyer of Online Dispute Resolution Scheme for Real Estate Agency Services

What is Mediation?

The goal of mediation is to resolve disputes with the assistance of a mediator. eBRAM's Mediation Rules and Online Dispute Resolution Platform are designed for amicable and efficient mediation, allowing parties to negotiate disputes with the assistance of a neutral and independent third party.

What are the Benefits of Mediation?

• Time and Cost-saving: Compared to litigation, mediation is generally faster and more cost-effective. Parties do not need to endure lengthy scheduling and trial processes, nor do they need to pay high litigation costs.
• Parties Retain Control: In mediation, the parties can jointly decide on a solution, rather than having a judge make a ruling.
• Reduction of Direct Conflict: Mediation emphasizes fairness and understanding, helping to ease tension and conflict between the parties, and preserving relationships.
• Objective and Amicable: The mediation process is guided by a professional third-party mediator who does not advocate for either side, helping both parties discover mutually acceptable solutions that might otherwise be overlooked.
• Confidentiality: Unless agreed by all parties, the mediator must keep all information arising from or related to the mediation confidential.

What is Arbitration?

Arbitration is a method of dispute resolution where the parties agree to let a third-party arbitrator make a legally binding decision. Arbitration is typically faster, more flexible, and more cost-effective than litigation. Arbitral decisions are generally final and difficult to appeal, making arbitration an effective dispute resolution mechanism.

What are the Benefits of Arbitration?

• Neutrality: Arbitration allows the parties to choose a neutral seat of arbitration and independent arbitrators, ensuring a fair and impartial ruling.
• Flexibility: Arbitral proceedings can be tailored to the needs of the parties, offering greater flexibility than court litigation.
• Time and Cost-efficiency: Arbitration is often faster and more cost-effective than litigation, since arbitral awards are final.
• Confidentiality: Arbitral proceedings are conducted in private, and awards are generally not made public, helping to protect commercial secrets and privacy.

Why Use eBRAM's APEC ODR Rules?

• One-stop - Flexibly combines and adopts a fast three-stage online dispute resolution process to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration within 2.5 to 7 weeks. The appointed neutral will assist the parties throughout the process.
• Reasonable Fees - More affordable than general mediation and arbitration schemes.
• International Recognition - eBRAM APEC ODR Rules are tailored in accordance with the APEC Collaborative Framework for Online Dispute Resolution, meeting international standards.
• Experienced Neutrals - Neutrals on eBRAM's Panel are proficient in multiple languages, possess a global perspective, and have extensive experience in commercial dispute resolution.
• Global Enforceability - Arbitral awards issued by eBRAM can be enforced in over 170 jurisdictions including Mainland China, with interim measures available under the arrangement between Mainland and Hong Kong courts.
• LawTech - Through proprietary online video conferencing, AI translation systems, and electronic signature services, eBRAM provides a secure, one-stop online dispute resolution experience, including communications, document exchange, mediation, and hearings.

Platform Features:

How to Use eBRAM's Dispute Resolution Services?

This scheme is designed for owners, buyers, tenants, or estate agents involved in disputes arising from property transactions or leasing. Relevant parties may choose to conduct online dispute resolution proceedings under the eBRAM APEC ODR Rules ("APEC ODR Rules").

How to Pre-arrange the Use of eBRAM APEC Rules in Future Contracts?

Before a dispute arises, the parties may incorporate eBRAM's dispute resolution clause into their contracts:

Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, shall be settled in accordance with the APEC Rules of eBRAM in force when the Notice of Claim is submitted to eBRAM (the “eBRAM APEC Rules”), and in accordance with the schedule of fees under the eBRAM Online Dispute Resolution Scheme for Real Estate Agency Services.

Scheme Fees:

* Note: Arbitration fees are shared equally between the parties unless the arbitral tribunal directs otherwise in the award.