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Rare momentum: Hong Kong universities, schools prop up commercial property market
Educational institutions pour more than US$1.4 billion into deals, helping steady the city’s commercial real estate sector
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Hong Kong’s educational institutions are forecast to ramp up their investment and leasing in the commercial property segment, with leading universities and international schools among those paying top dollar to acquire or lease office and retail spaces, according to Colliers.
In the first five months of the year, property acquisitions by educational institutions accounted for nearly 40 per cent of total investment in the commercial property sector, the consultancy said.
“Education-related investments have already reached HK$11.1 billion [US$1.4 billion] in the first five months of 2026 alone,” said Thomas Chak, head of capital markets and investment services at Colliers.
“This reflects very strong momentum as institutions increasingly shift from leasing to ownership,” Chak said. “The current pace suggests 2026 could be one of the most active years on record for education-driven real estate investment, with transaction volume projected to exceed HK$15 billion.”
The investments had already surpassed the HK$5.6 billion and HK$4 billion such institutions deployed in the property sector in 2024 and 2025, respectively, Colliers said.
Hong Kong’s commercial real estate sector has struggled as offices grapple with a supply glut amid slower demand, while retail properties face pressure from e-commerce and the surge in northbound travel for shopping and dining.
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