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Writer's pictureWarren H. Lau

Hong Kong Real Estate: Short-Term Boom Amid Long-Term Challenges

Updated: Nov 7



Hong Kong Real Estate: Short-Term Boom Amid Long-Term Challenges | Warren H. Lau's Column | INPress International
Hong Kong Real Estate: Short-Term Boom Amid Long-Term Challenges | Warren H. Lau's Column | INPress International

In an era filled with uncertainty, many are seeking safe havens for their investments. The Hong Kong real estate market has historically been a favored choice, but now it faces unprecedented challenges. The short-term boom following the US interest rate cut is just a brief interlude in the market's volatility, with greater tests lying ahead. If you're considering investing in Hong Kong property, this article will help you understand the market dynamics and provide a clear outlook.


Introduction:

Hong Kong's real estate market has always been a focal point for investors, with its fluctuations affecting not only local residents but also drawing the attention of global investors. Recently, the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates has sparked new expectations for Hong Kong's property market. However, the impact of this move is likely to be short-lived, known as a "short-term boom." This article will delve into the current state and future trends of Hong Kong's real estate market, examining the influence of factors such as US interest rate cuts, potential Chinese market rescue efforts, stock market bubbles, and more.


US Interest Rate Cut and Hong Kong's Short-Term Boom

The recent decision by the US Federal Reserve to cut interest rates has been interpreted as a response to economic slowdown. For Hong Kong's real estate market, this typically leads to a decrease in borrowing costs, stimulating demand. However, this stimulation is often temporary, referred to as a "short-term boom."

According to the latest market data, the transaction volume of new residential properties in Hong Kong has increased while prices have fallen, confirming the expectation of a short-term boom. Many analysts believe this phenomenon will not last long, as the market will soon return to being influenced by supply and demand fundamentals.


Financial Market Expectations for China's Rescue

The entire financial market is closely watching China's economic policies, particularly potential rescue measures for the property market. While there is a general expectation that China will implement such measures, the timing is not yet ripe. Many experts believe China may wait for the US stock market bubble to burst before launching its rescue efforts, seizing the best opportunity.


Traditional Wisdom and Financial Asset Cycle Theory

Traditional Chinese business wisdom states, "The beginning of a rise is not yet a rise; the beginning of a fall is not yet a fall." This emphasizes the complexity of market fluctuations. In his book "The Alchemy of Finance," George Soros proposed a theory of financial asset cycles, noting that all assets experience a brief uptick (a "short-term boom") before quickly falling back to their original point and then beginning a true upward trend.


Supply and Demand Analysis in Hong Kong's Real Estate Market

Since 2021, the annual transaction volume of new private residential properties in Hong Kong has been around 10,000 units. However, there are currently 21,000 completed unsold units, 72,000 units under construction, and 19,000 units on land ready for development, totaling a potential effective supply of 110,000 units. At the current rate of absorption, it would take 11 years to digest the inventory of new properties held by Hong Kong developers.


Property Price Pressure and Bank Concerns

Recently, some properties in Hong Kong, such as those in the Kai Tak area, have been sold below cost price, causing banks to worry about further downward pressure on property valuations. Owners of second-hand properties are facing increased pressure from banks to repay loans, and the pressure to sell second-hand properties at lower prices is expected to grow over the next nine months. Currently, the potential supply of both new and second-hand residential properties in Hong Kong is in the tens of thousands, far exceeding demand.


Construction Company Layoffs and Land Sales

In response to the oversupply in both the residential and commercial real estate markets, some construction companies have planned to lay off 40% of their workforce and have decided not to purchase land for the next three years. This situation may lead to a scenario where land sales by the Hong Kong government are priced but find no buyers.


Tech Startup Funding and Bank Accounts

Tech startups relying on government funding have received letters of approval for funding, but the money has yet to appear in their bank accounts. This could impact their operations and expansion plans.


Loan Interest Rates and Buyer Sentiment

Loan interest rates are a significant factor hindering buyers from entering the market. If the market expects interest rates to continue falling over the next two years, potential buyers may choose to wait. This could lead to a challenging period for Hong Kong's real estate market over the next few months, with further price reductions becoming common.


Future Outlook

In summary, Hong Kong's real estate market faces long-term challenges due to oversupply. The only positive factor may be the potential for quantitative easing following the burst of the US stock market bubble, which could lead to a bottoming out of property prices in nine months, followed by a period of stability for three years.


Conclusion:

Hong Kong's real estate market is fraught with challenges, with the short-term boom being just a temporary fluctuation. Faced with oversupply, investors need to proceed with caution and keep a close eye on market dynamics. While there are some positive factors, the level of uncertainty remains high. Therefore, for potential buyers, patience may be the best strategy.

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