Home prices in Hong Kong are escalating despite the government’s attempts to curb the rapid and steep climb.
Photo credit: www.onekt.com.hk/
Buying a resale private property from the secondary market has become difficult due to the heavy stamp duties levied by the Hong Kong government on open market homes in an effort to curb rising property prices and a ballooning market. Stamp duties for first-time local buyers are particularly high and the move has slowed down activity in the secondary market considerably. Instead, it has created a demand for new homes in the primary market. Since homes in this market are sold directly by the developers, they are able to adjust home prices according to market demand and requirements, sometimes even offering incentives and discounts.
In the first month of 2016, the demand for new homes fell by 76 per cent. In the same time this year, it rose by 48 per cent. A complete turnaround. With the current lack of interest and activity in the secondary market, developers are ceasing the current window of opportunity by its neck and adjusting prices according to rising demand. And the demand is high indeed. At China Overseas Land & Investment‘s new residential project situated on the site of the old Hong Kong airport, One Kai Tak, all 188 units were sold out in a single day last month.
Buyers may ramp up their buying speed and fervency in the months ahead, as they pre-empt the possibility of the Hong Kong government implementing further curbs on the market, in particular on individuals who sell their properties to purchase new ones.
