The Hong Kong Institute of Housing was first incorporated in Hong Kong on 29 November 1988 under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong) as a company limited by guarantee. Effective from 9 May 1997, the Institute has become a body corporate under The Hong Kong Institute of Housing Ordinance (Cap. 507, originally 34 of 1997).

The Institute is the professional body in Hong Kong for those who are engaged in the co-ordination and execution of housing services incorporating the design, provision, improvement, rehabilitation, management and administration of all types of housing.

The management of the Institute's business is vested in the General Council which consists of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past President, plus not less than 10 and not more than 25 corporate members elected at the annual general meeting of the members.

The work of the Institute's members has a major contribution to a satisfying living environment for over 70% of the population of Hong Kong. Together, the Institute's members are responsible for the management of not less than 70% of all the housing stock in Hong Kong.

As at June 2006, the Institute has over 2,700 members. About 30% of them are employed by the Housing Department; the remainders are employed in the private sector, mostly in large property management companies as well as the Hong Kong Housing Society.

There are also members who work under the Government's Home Affairs Department in different administration districts. Their work is to promote quality housing management in private buildings, to create awareness and better understanding of building management problems through public education programmes, and to assist private property owners in carrying out management responsibilities themselves.

The activities of the Institute are organized by the General Council and its six Committees, viz. Education, External Affairs, Membership, Professional Practice, Publications and Social Activities., talks, seminars and study tours are organized regularly. In addition, the Institute holds an annual dinner to which our President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Housing Asian Pacific Branch are invited to exchange views and ideas. Other guests include the leaders of major professional and educational bodies in Hong Kong as well as the chairmen and members of the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society.

The Institute has established very close links with the Chartered Institute of Housing and is presently engaged in expanding its activities not only in Hong Kong but also in Taiwan, Macau and many parts of China.