Hong Kong's private home prices have experienced a second consecutive month of growth, rising 0.3% in April compared to March. This increase follows the government's decision in late February to remove additional stamp duties on foreign and second-home buyers, as well as on those selling properties within two years of purchase. The move aimed to revive the territory's struggling property market, which had seen a 20% decline from its 2021 peak due to factors like higher mortgage rates and talent outflows. While the market has seen a surge in transactions, analysts expect prices to remain subdued in the near term as developers offer steep discounts to attract buyers.
In April, Hong Kong's private home prices experienced a second consecutive month of growth, rising by 0.3% from March. This comes after the territory's authorities lifted various restrictions in an effort to revive its struggling property market.
The latest increase follows a revised 1.8% rise in March, which marked the end of a 10-month decline in home prices within one of the world's most expensive real estate markets.
In late February, Hong Kong's government made the decision to remove additional stamp duties that had been imposed on foreign and second-home buyers, as well as on those who sold their properties within two years of purchase. This move came as home prices had plummeted by 20% from their 2021 peak, a decline attributed to factors such as higher mortgage rates, talent outflows, and a weakening market outlook.
The property market's immediate reaction to the easing of these measures was a surge in transaction activity. However, industry analysts anticipate that prices may remain subdued in the near future, as property developers rush to launch new projects at significant discounts in order to attract buyers and stimulate the market.
This shift in Hong Kong's real estate landscape reflects the ongoing efforts of policymakers to address the challenges faced by the territory's property sector, which has been a crucial driver of its overall economic performance. The delicate balance between supporting homeowners and ensuring affordability remains a key consideration as the market navigates these changes.