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Hong Kong parking space transactions rise as investors capitalise on removal of double stamp duty

  • About 410 parking spaces have changed hands in first 18 days of December, rising from 299 during the same period in November
  • Car parking turnover will ‘remain enthusiastic’: Ricacorp Properties executive

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Parking spaces have been less affected by the coronavirus pandemic and Hong Kong’s economic recession, compared with other property segments. Photo: Nathan Tsui
Lam Ka-sing

The sales of parking spaces in Hong Kong jumped about 37 per cent in the first 18 days of this month, as investors encouraged by the removal of the double stamp duty on non-residential property returned to the sector.

About 410 parking spaces have changed hands in this period, rising from 299 during the same period in November, according to Land Registry data. Only 237 parking spaces changed hands during a trough in the whole month of February.

The removal of the double stamp duty had benefited the sector, said Derek Chan, head of research at Ricacorp Properties. Transaction “figures show that turnover has become more upbeat. We believe car parking [turnover] will remain enthusiastic,” he said.

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The double stamp duty – known as Doubled Ad Valorem Stamp Duty (DSD) – was introduced in February 2013 with the aim of tackling speculative activity in the market. It doubled or increased stamp duty rates across the board. The double levy was rolled back on November 25, with stamp duties reverting to their original rates.

Parking spaces have been less affected by the coronavirus pandemic and Hong Kong’s economic recession, and hardly require any maintenance. The scrapping of the double stamp duty has also made them more accessible.

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Whether the number of transactions will rise further depends on launches, Chan said.

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