https://www.scmp.com/rss/44/feed All the latest international property market news, advice on moving house, new homes, lettings and rentals search en https://assets-v2.i-scmp.com/production/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Peggy Ye Peggy Ye Hong Kong’s property market is bucking a wider shift towards selling across Asia-Pacific, with three-quarters of market professionals reporting stronger buying intentions among their clients, even as rising borrowing costs are making investors across the region more cautious. About 75 per cent of respondents in Hong Kong reported stronger buying intentions in the third quarter, up from 71 per cent in the first quarter, making the city an outlier in a region where more investors are looking to... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3373513/hong-kong-property-investors-buck-asia-pacific-buying-shift-survey-shows https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3373513/hong-kong-property-investors-buck-asia-pacific-buying-shift-survey-shows Fri, 06 Nov 2026 06:10:07 +0000 Chris Tsang Chris Tsang An expected 0.25 percentage point rate increase by the US Federal Reserve in December is unlikely to dampen Hong Kong family offices’ interest in European, US and Japanese property investments, according to industry insiders. Ken Peng, chief investment officer at Raffles Family Office, said there were currently no signs of a large-scale sell-off in the US real estate market, with some local markets in the US even seeing supply shortages. “I believe the Federal Reserve’s current rate-hiking cycle... https://www.scmp.com/business/money/investment-products/article/3372717/what-would-december-rate-rise-mean-hong-kong-family-offices-property-portfolios https://www.scmp.com/business/money/investment-products/article/3372717/what-would-december-rate-rise-mean-hong-kong-family-offices-property-portfolios Sun, 01 Nov 2026 07:00:16 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Argentina is the latest country seeking to lure investors with an investment-for-citizenship programme, providing another residency and diversification option for the wealthy, including those from mainland China and Hong Kong, according to analysts. Buenos Aires in October announced two principal investment routes for applicants. One is a US$350,000 non-refundable contribution to the National Treasury and a subscription to a US$800,000 government bond created specifically for the programme,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3372780/will-argentinas-citizenship-scheme-lure-property-buyers-mainland-china-and-hong-kong https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3372780/will-argentinas-citizenship-scheme-lure-property-buyers-mainland-china-and-hong-kong Sun, 01 Nov 2026 03:00:15 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Even as Hong Kong remains the world’s least affordable housing market, many buyers still shun heavily discounted homes linked to an “unnatural death”, such as murder or suicide, according to property agents. Prices for such properties could fall by as much as 50 per cent, while rents were typically about 20 per cent below market rates, they added. The aversion stands in stark contrast to parts of Europe, particularly in France, where buyers are often willing to purchase homes under a “vente en... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3372257/scary-deals-what-makes-hong-kong-shun-death-linked-homes-while-france-embraces-risk https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3372257/scary-deals-what-makes-hong-kong-shun-death-linked-homes-while-france-embraces-risk Sat, 31 Oct 2026 03:00:13 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren A Chinese developer behind one of Sri Lanka’s biggest projects has reason to celebrate as a luxury property boom lifts sentiment in the South Asian nation and fuels optimism about the market’s prospects. Analysts, however, cautioned that a string of disappointing Chinese overseas property investments over the past decade underlined the risks of speculative excess that could lead to a boom-to-bust scenario, particularly in a country where regulation remained uneven. “Chinese developers, having... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3371938/sri-lankas-property-boom-gives-chinese-developers-hope-familiar-risks-linger https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3371938/sri-lankas-property-boom-gives-chinese-developers-hope-familiar-risks-linger Sun, 25 Oct 2026 01:00:11 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal US-based money manager Principal Asset Management says it is poised to become more active in Asia-Pacific property markets, believing investors have been “underweight” in the region’s office property segment. Richard Hill, its senior managing director and head of global real estate research and strategy, said the group was also seeing continued interest from institutional investors in the Asia-Pacific region looking to access opportunities in US commercial real estate as it was “too big to... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3371391/money-manager-eyes-asia-pacific-property-growth-tells-investors-keep-bet-us https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3371391/money-manager-eyes-asia-pacific-property-growth-tells-investors-keep-bet-us Mon, 19 Oct 2026 23:00:05 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye From Hong Kong to New York, a deep divide is opening up in office markets around the world, as tenants compete for space in prime buildings while other properties face falling rents, low occupancy and financing pressures. The divergence reflects a global flight to quality, but also a disconnect between improving leasing fundamentals and a recovery in property values, according to analysts at Morgan Stanley and JLL. The divide is being reinforced by limited new supply in prime locations,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3371225/investors-there-are-now-just-2-kinds-offices-best-and-rest https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3371225/investors-there-are-now-just-2-kinds-offices-best-and-rest Sun, 18 Oct 2026 06:00:11 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Tokyo’s implementation of a rule that requires all property buyers to declare their nationality is raising concerns among investors, according to analysts. Japan’s shift from an ultra-loose monetary policy to gradual normalisation of its interest rates was also likely to force investors to reconsider whether real estate assets were still attractive, they added. “Japan has had a really strong run for the last seven or eight years,” said Neil Brookes, head of Asia-Pacific capital markets at... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3371224/new-property-purchase-disclosure-rule-japan-sparks-fears-it-may-curb-foreign-investment https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3371224/new-property-purchase-disclosure-rule-japan-sparks-fears-it-may-curb-foreign-investment Sun, 18 Oct 2026 03:00:07 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Higher interest rates have weighed on property markets in both Hong Kong and New York, but Morgan Stanley sees greater upside potential in the Asian financial hub – particularly the office segment – in the months ahead, according to its latest report. The US investment bank highlighted the similarities between two of the world’s leading financial centres, pointing out that Hong Kong’s monetary policy moved in lockstep with the US Federal Reserve, while both cities faced limited land supply,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3370022/why-morgan-stanley-sees-more-upside-hong-kong-offices-new-york-towers https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3370022/why-morgan-stanley-sees-more-upside-hong-kong-offices-new-york-towers Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:12 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Malaysia is proving to be a middle ground for many Hong Kong and mainland Chinese investors looking to buy property in a country that provides the stability Singapore offers, but with competitive price points similar to those found in Thailand, according to analysts. Data from Juwai IQI, a property portal with 7 million listings across 111 countries, showed that in the first half of 2026, Malaysia was the fourth-highest destination for inquiries received from Chinese buyers. That compared with... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3369646/how-malaysia-offers-chinese-investors-singapores-comfort-prices-lower-thailand https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3369646/how-malaysia-offers-chinese-investors-singapores-comfort-prices-lower-thailand Sun, 04 Oct 2026 03:00:09 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Italy is becoming a magnet for wealthy property investors thanks to its high quality of life and flat tax regime, and interest is also on the rise among mainland Chinese and Hong Kong buyers, according to property agents. Rome introduced a flat tax regime nine years ago to attract high-net-worth individuals, with foreign residents allowed to make a flat annual tax payment of €300,000 (US$342,000) on all their overseas income under the scheme’s latest rules. The tax incentive has become a draw... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368963/italy-attracts-wealthy-chinese-property-buyers-food-fashion-and-flat-tax https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368963/italy-attracts-wealthy-chinese-property-buyers-food-fashion-and-flat-tax Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:21 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Property markets in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to remain attractive despite heightened uncertainty over monetary policy after the US Federal Reserve delivered its first interest rate increase in more than three years this month, analysts say, with several asset classes and sectors expected to draw investor interest. “We’ve seen volumes, specifically cross-border volumes in the region, increase by around 30 per cent to date,” said Emily Fell, senior director for living sectors in... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368796/how-asia-pacific-property-markets-are-drawing-fresh-capital-despite-us-rate-uncertainty https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368796/how-asia-pacific-property-markets-are-drawing-fresh-capital-despite-us-rate-uncertainty Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:00:16 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Investor appetite for hotel assets increased in Hong Kong and the wider Asia-Pacific region in the first half of the year as consumers showed growing eagerness to travel and constrained supply supported property values, according to CBRE. The region netted US$8 billion of investment in the period, up 21 per cent from a year earlier, with Japan, mainland China and South Korea attracting the most activity, the property consultancy said in a report on Thursday. “Hotels have become one of the most... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368759/asia-pacific-hotels-most-compelling-investment-amid-travel-growth-flat-supply-cbre https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3368759/asia-pacific-hotels-most-compelling-investment-amid-travel-growth-flat-supply-cbre Fri, 25 Sep 2026 08:00:16 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye Hong Kong has significantly narrowed Dubai’s lead as the world’s top market for “super-prime” residential property in recent months, as rising conflict weighs on activity in the Middle East market, according to Knight Frank. Dubai retained first place for deals involving homes sold for US$10 million or more in the second quarter of the year, with 131 sales worth a combined US$2.17 billion, but the total value of those transactions fell 27 per cent compared with the previous quarter. Hong Kong,... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3368687/hong-kong-catching-dubai-super-prime-property-sales-amid-iran-war https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3368687/hong-kong-catching-dubai-super-prime-property-sales-amid-iran-war Fri, 25 Sep 2026 01:00:22 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Nearly one-fifth of surveyed companies in the Asia-Pacific region believe wider adoption of artificial intelligence will reduce their real estate needs, a new study by CBRE has found. More than half – 56 per cent – held a neutral view, believing either that AI had no impact on office space demand or that it was too early to determine its effect, according to the property consultancy’s poll of corporate real estate executives in the region. The remaining 25 per cent said AI adoption would require... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3367940/will-ai-adoption-shrink-office-space-asia-pacific-firms-are-fence-survey https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3367940/will-ai-adoption-shrink-office-space-asia-pacific-firms-are-fence-survey Fri, 18 Sep 2026 10:00:06 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Comments by US Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh at its annual economic policy symposium in Jackson Hole last month have reinforced expectations of an impending interest rate rise in the world’s largest economy, which would have significant impacts on assets and investors around the world. While the Fed kept its target rate in the range of 3.5 to 3.75 per cent at its meeting in July, Warsh’s comments last month about it having work to do in controlling inflation have heightened expectations... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3366386/which-overseas-property-markets-will-be-winners-and-losers-if-fed-raises-us-rates https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3366386/which-overseas-property-markets-will-be-winners-and-losers-if-fed-raises-us-rates Sun, 06 Sep 2026 08:00:08 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye The owner of Hong Kong’s iconic Peninsula hotel plans to invest HK$2.1 billion (US$268 million) to renovate its flagship hotel in the city and its Tokyo property, betting on the long-term strength of the luxury travel market despite geopolitical uncertainty and volatile consumer demand. Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels (HSH), which owns and operates The Peninsula hotel chain, announced the renovation plan on Wednesday alongside interim results showing a return to profit after stronger performances... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3363063/peninsula-group-renovate-hong-kong-flagship-tokyo-hotel-us268m-project https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3363063/peninsula-group-renovate-hong-kong-flagship-tokyo-hotel-us268m-project Wed, 05 Aug 2026 11:00:10 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian Foreign purchases of US homes fell to their second-lowest level on record between April last year and March, although Chinese buyers remained the largest spenders as they bought higher-priced properties primarily in California, a new report found. Chinese buyers, last year’s top group, fell to third place in terms of home buying volume, behind Canada and Mexico. India and the UK were in fourth and fifth spots, according to a report on international transactions by the National Association of... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3362454/foreign-buying-us-homes-falls-14-chinese-remain-top-spenders-despite-state-curbs https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3362454/foreign-buying-us-homes-falls-14-chinese-remain-top-spenders-despite-state-curbs Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:38 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye Hongkong Land will acquire Singapore’s Wheelock Place for about S$1.1 billion (US$900 million) through its Singapore Central Private Real Estate Fund (SCPREF), marking the fund’s first acquisition since its launch in February. The mixed-use commercial property on Orchard Road is being acquired from an entity owned by Hong Kong-listed Wharf Real Estate Investment Company, according to a statement released by Hongkong Land on Thursday. The transaction is expected to conclude by the end of... https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3362425/hongkong-land-acquires-singapores-wheelock-place-us900m-deal https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3362425/hongkong-land-acquires-singapores-wheelock-place-us900m-deal Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:46:20 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The US-Israel war on Iran has cooled demand for homes in Dubai as buyers hold off on making purchases and businesses delay relocations of executives and staff to the Middle East, according to analysts. The hostilities began in February with strikes in Tehran and later developed into a wider regional conflict. “While citywide sales volumes were down just 13.6 per cent year on year in the first half of 2026, activity weakened markedly in May and June, with the number of homes changing hands... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3361877/demand-dubai-homes-cools-middle-east-conflict-drags https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3361877/demand-dubai-homes-cools-middle-east-conflict-drags Sun, 26 Jul 2026 10:00:06 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Mainland Chinese immigrants were estimated to have bought as much as C$5.7 billion (US$4 billion) worth of homes in Canada last year, making them a key group of non-local investors propping up the residential property market, according to one estimate. Ottawa barred most foreigners from purchasing homes in 2023 to cool soaring prices, initially imposing the restriction for two years before extending it until 2027. The ban, however, exempted students, foreign workers and permanent residents. “A... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3361175/chinese-immigrants-emerge-pivotal-players-canadas-property-market-amid-foreign-ban https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3361175/chinese-immigrants-emerge-pivotal-players-canadas-property-market-amid-foreign-ban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:00:10 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Australia’s tourism appeal and property price correction are reinforcing the case for mainland Chinese and Hong Kong investors to buy homes down under, according to agents. Education had long been a major draw for many mainland and Hong Kong buyers, but the country’s tourist attractions, relaxed lifestyle and moderating property prices in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne were burnishing its appeal as a top investment destination, agents said. “Who wouldn’t like to look out from their... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3360988/tourism-appeal-adds-australias-edge-drawing-mainland-chinese-hong-kong-homebuyers https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3360988/tourism-appeal-adds-australias-edge-drawing-mainland-chinese-hong-kong-homebuyers Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:00:10 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Berkshire Hathaway’s all-cash acquisition of home builder Taylor Morrison for US$6.8 billion is likely to trigger more investment in the US housing market, as institutional confidence in the segment encourages more home purchases in the world’s largest economy by local and overseas buyers, according to analysts. The US-based conglomerate made the investment in May, deepening its bet on the US residential property market. It marked the first multibillion-dollar acquisition under CEO and president... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3359411/berkshire-hathaways-multibillion-dollar-buy-taylor-morrison-boost-us-housing-market https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3359411/berkshire-hathaways-multibillion-dollar-buy-taylor-morrison-boost-us-housing-market Sun, 05 Jul 2026 12:00:09 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal With Japan imposing higher visa fees for tourists from July while moving away from an ultra-loose monetary policy, foreign investors must prepare themselves for both direct and indirect impacts on their real estate assets, according to agents and analysts. There is a dearth of data on the total number of homes bought by non-residents in Japan, but agents said the two main reasons for purchasing were to either use them as a primary base while they explored the country’s tourist destinations, or... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3358584/will-japans-tourist-visa-fees-interest-rate-policy-impact-its-booming-property-market https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3358584/will-japans-tourist-visa-fees-interest-rate-policy-impact-its-booming-property-market Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Thailand’s crackdown on a loophole that effectively bypasses its restrictions on land ownership by foreigners is causing prospective buyers to delay purchase decisions on luxury villas in resort destinations such as Phuket and Koh Samui, according to agents. Bangkok has stepped up its scrutiny of business and property ownership in the country, with the Department of Business Development (DBD) flagging 11,426 companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui where foreigners hold stakes, accounting for... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3357761/thai-property-crackdown-foreign-buyers-hit-pause-villas-nominee-loophole-closes https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3357761/thai-property-crackdown-foreign-buyers-hit-pause-villas-nominee-loophole-closes Sun, 21 Jun 2026 03:30:09 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Asia-Pacific cities account for 39 per cent of the top global financial services companies and about 36 per cent of the world’s leading financial centres, Colliers said. Supported by strong labour markets and venture capital activity, cities such as Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong ranked among the region’s top talent hubs. However, New York emerged as the clear leader in the property consultant’s report, scoring 4.6 out of a possible 5, followed by London with a mark of 3.9 and... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3356653/asia-pacific-home-more-third-worlds-top-finance-centres-colliers https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3356653/asia-pacific-home-more-third-worlds-top-finance-centres-colliers Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:31:46 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong families in the United Kingdom and Canada are facing deep uncertainty due to shifting immigration policies and the rising cost of living, and some are looking for alternative destinations to settle. Property agents said Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), designed for retirees and anyone who can support themselves without employment, had become one of their top choices. The NLV provides a pathway for citizens outside the European Union and the European Economic Area who have enough... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3355359/spains-property-market-sees-boost-hongkongers-others-depart-uk-and-canada https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3355359/spains-property-market-sees-boost-hongkongers-others-depart-uk-and-canada Sun, 31 May 2026 01:30:14 +0000 Daniel Ren Daniel Ren Chinese companies have found it difficult to secure offices, logistics facilities and retail space when expanding their footprints abroad, forcing some to put their global expansion plans on hold due to failed property strategies, according to a JLL report. The real estate services firm said 82 per cent of corporate respondents in a survey reported either paying more than expected to buy or rent properties, or wasting time in failed searches or prolonged furnishing, representing a stern... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3354678/property-challenges-put-chinese-firms-go-global-plans-risk-jll-says https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3354678/property-challenges-put-chinese-firms-go-global-plans-risk-jll-says Mon, 25 May 2026 03:00:06 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The artificial intelligence boom is partially spurring investment in Asia-Pacific’s data centre properties with a record US$11.6 billion worth of capital poured into the segment in 2025, according to CBRE. In Hong Kong, while AI-related demand is unlikely to be met because of technical limitations, leasing of data centre space was supported by “hyperscale CSPs (cloud service providers), mainland Chinese technology and e-commerce companies and financial institutions”, the property consultancy... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354407/ai-boom-fuels-us116b-data-centre-investment-asia-pacific-hong-kong-eyes-niche-role https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3354407/ai-boom-fuels-us116b-data-centre-investment-asia-pacific-hong-kong-eyes-niche-role Thu, 21 May 2026 23:00:10 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye The liquidators of China Evergrande Group are seeking 57 billion yuan (US$8.4 billion) from three PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) entities in one of the largest corporate lawsuit claims in Hong Kong, arguing the firm’s global coordinating arm assumed responsibility for audits linked to the collapsed developer’s accounting scandal. Evergrande’s liquidators, Tiffany Wong and Eddie Middleton of Alvarez & Marsal, were pursuing the claim against PwC International, PwC Hong Kong and PwC China jointly,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353983/evergrande-liquidators-seek-us84-billion-pwc-entities-hong-kong-lawsuit https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353983/evergrande-liquidators-seek-us84-billion-pwc-entities-hong-kong-lawsuit Mon, 18 May 2026 10:03:29 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal The Asia-Pacific region’s commercial property investments surged in the first quarter, according to data tracked by analysts, as early signs of recovery in office and retail segments across Hong Kong and mainland China boosted deal volumes. Total investment in offices, retail spaces, industrial units, data centres, hotels, apartments, senior housing and other asset classes climbed 22 per cent to US$51.1 billion from the same period in 2025, data from MSCI showed. Hong Kong contributed US$1.8... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353239/hong-kong-mainland-china-spur-surge-asia-pacific-commercial-property-deals https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353239/hong-kong-mainland-china-spur-surge-asia-pacific-commercial-property-deals Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui has retained its title as Asia’s priciest luxury retail strip, commanding €16,160 (US$18,980) per square metre in annual rents, as the city remains among the world’s most active markets in terms of new high-end store openings, according to Savills. London’s Bond Street replaced Tsim Sha Tsui as the top global luxury retail property market with rents of €19,228 per square metre per year, according to the ninth edition of the UK-based property consultancy’s Global Luxury... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353134/hong-kongs-tsim-sha-tsui-tops-asia-luxury-retail-rents-bond-street-worlds-priciest https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3353134/hong-kongs-tsim-sha-tsui-tops-asia-luxury-retail-rents-bond-street-worlds-priciest Mon, 11 May 2026 08:35:05 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal China has become one of the largest sources of investment in land parcels and other properties in Singapore, as the safe-haven status of Southeast Asia’s top financial hub continues to attract global capital, according to analysts. China-linked developers and business entities have become more active in the market, said Alan Cheong, executive director for research and consultancy at Savills Singapore. “Chinese developers who have had experience in Singapore are now familiar with the rules,... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352046/singapores-safe-haven-status-draws-more-chinese-capital-property-sector https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3352046/singapores-safe-haven-status-draws-more-chinese-capital-property-sector Sun, 03 May 2026 02:00:09 +0000 Morning Studio editors Morning Studio editors Saudi Arabia is poised to become the world’s next major real estate investment hub, following record-breaking transactions at Cityscape Global, a Riyadh-based mega-event and platform for international exhibitors and investors shaping the future of global urban planning. The four-day event last November reinforced its position as the largest real estate exhibition globally, achieving US$63.2 billion in transactions – almost 1 billion dollars up on the previous year; it also drew institutional... https://www.scmp.com/native/property/international/topics/riyadhs-real-estate-showcase/article/3344678/global-real-estate-event-riyadh-sees-record-transactions-amid-growing-influence-sector https://www.scmp.com/native/property/international/topics/riyadhs-real-estate-showcase/article/3344678/global-real-estate-event-riyadh-sees-record-transactions-amid-growing-influence-sector Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Mainland China’s population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) – those with assets exceeding US$30 million – has grown by 23 per cent over the past five years to 121,677, and is projected to expand a further 18.8 per cent to 144,602 by 2031, according to Knight Frank. Despite that growth, China’s share of global UHNWIs edged down by one percentage point to 17 per cent this year and was expected to fall further to 15 per cent by 2031, as rapid wealth creation in the United States... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351114/mainland-chinas-ultra-wealthy-numbers-rise-hong-kong-tipped-faster-growth https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3351114/mainland-chinas-ultra-wealthy-numbers-rise-hong-kong-tipped-faster-growth Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:00:03 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye Global flexible workspace operator WeWork is expanding in Hong Kong as companies scale back long-term office commitments, opening its fifth site in Causeway Bay to tap rising demand for short-term, flexible space amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The new location at Soundwill Plaza II Midtown, owned by Soundwill Holdings, was previously occupied by another co-working operator. WeWork secured the site after competing with several rivals. “In the current uncertain market outlook,... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3351036/wework-finds-new-lease-life-hong-kong-global-uncertainty-drives-demand https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3351036/wework-finds-new-lease-life-hong-kong-global-uncertainty-drives-demand Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:15 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye Rents in Hong Kong’s luxury housing market are rising as supply tightens, with returning overseas professionals heating up the competition to secure prime homes. The rebound is most evident in traditional upscale districts such as The Peak and Southside, where leasing activity has picked up sharply this year. Transactions reached 108 in the first quarter, with more than 40 per cent involving monthly rents above HK$100,000 (US$12,760), according to Midland Realty. At the centre of the surge is... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3349068/return-overseas-hires-meets-tighter-housing-supply-driving-hong-kong-luxury-rents https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3349068/return-overseas-hires-meets-tighter-housing-supply-driving-hong-kong-luxury-rents Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:00:08 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal A proposed cap on the ground rents paid by leasehold homeowners in England and Wales is seen as favouring foreign property investors, including those from Hong Kong and mainland China, but another measure tightening rules in setting rents is dampening demand ahead of its implementation, according to analysts. An estimated 203,000 homes in England and Wales are registered to owners with an overseas address. Hongkongers hold 14 per cent, making them the largest group of foreign investors in the... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349067/how-changes-home-rental-laws-england-will-impact-hong-kong-mainland-investors https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3349067/how-changes-home-rental-laws-england-will-impact-hong-kong-mainland-investors Sun, 05 Apr 2026 08:00:07 +0000 Aileen Chuang,Peggy Ye Aileen Chuang,Peggy Ye For Hong Kong’s Topaz Family Office, investing in hotels in Japan holds up as a sound decision even as a Middle East war clouds the macroeconomic environment. The wealth manager has made Japan a central plank of its pivot into hospitality and real estate over the past two years, driven by a sharp post-pandemic tourism rebound. The investment thesis now looks increasingly robust thanks to multiple structural tailwinds and a growing pool of institutional capital flowing into the same trade. “Japan... https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3346535/japan-hotels-keep-luring-hong-kong-families-global-investors-despite-geopolitical-strains https://www.scmp.com/business/markets/article/3346535/japan-hotels-keep-luring-hong-kong-families-global-investors-despite-geopolitical-strains Sun, 15 Mar 2026 03:00:10 +0000 Peggy Ye Peggy Ye From Sydney to Hong Kong, wealth migration is reshaping the global super-luxury property market as activity picks up after two subdued years – though the dominance of relative newcomer Dubai is now being tested by the war in the Middle East. In Sydney, Peter Li, general manager at Plus Agency, said commission revenues on super-luxury homes had risen about 20 per cent from a year earlier. The firm, which handles more than US$300 million in annual sales, has hired six new staff members since... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3345695/worlds-wealthy-relocate-rewriting-property-map-will-hong-kong-win-out https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3345695/worlds-wealthy-relocate-rewriting-property-map-will-hong-kong-win-out Sat, 07 Mar 2026 03:00:16 +0000 Cao Li Cao Li Singapore is the most expensive city in the Asia-Pacific region to outfit an office, driven by increased labour costs, a shortage of contractors and strict building standards, according to real estate consultancy Knight Frank. The city had the highest average fit-out cost at US$2,029 per square metre – ahead of Tokyo (US$1,994) and Taipei (US$1,593) – in the firm’s survey of 23 cities across Australasia, East Asia, Southeast Asia and India. It was also the most expensive place to set up an... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3345398/singapore-offices-cost-most-outfit-asia-pacific-survey-says https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3345398/singapore-offices-cost-most-outfit-asia-pacific-survey-says Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:30:32 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal As Hong Kong, mainland China and several other Asian markets usher in the Year of the Horse on Tuesday, the region’s commercial real estate sector is expected to draw increased cross-border capital, with certain segments set to outperform as mega-deals make a comeback, analysts said. Asia-Pacific was set to be a focus among global investors, with data cited by global commercial real estate consultancy Colliers showing that capital raised for the region’s property markets had surged by 130 per... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3343573/asia-pacific-properties-set-steal-spotlight-mega-deals-return-year-horse https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3343573/asia-pacific-properties-set-steal-spotlight-mega-deals-return-year-horse Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:00:12 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian Chinese companies are driving a fresh wave of investment in overseas properties, with new energy industrial facilities, cross-border e-commerce logistics centres, and smart city projects becoming investment hotspots, Knight Frank has said. Traditional residential development was on the wane, while industrial property, logistics real estate and commercial complexes were emerging as core investment priorities, according to a January report by the London-based property consultancy. It forecast that... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3341527/chinese-firms-are-scoping-out-overseas-property-what-catching-their-eye https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3341527/chinese-firms-are-scoping-out-overseas-property-what-catching-their-eye Sun, 01 Feb 2026 08:00:10 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Japan’s property market was less likely to deliver significant rewards to investors because of heightened geopolitical tensions with China, more than a tightened monetary policy, according to analysts. “The yield spread is likely to narrow as cap rates are unlikely to widen,” said Chinatsu Hani, head of research at Tokyo-based CBRE. “However, spreads should remain in positive territory.” The Bank of Japan in March last year began unwinding its nearly decade-long negative interest rate policy –... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3339362/have-investors-missed-boat-japans-property-market-amid-tensions-china https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3339362/have-investors-missed-boat-japans-property-market-amid-tensions-china Sun, 11 Jan 2026 01:30:13 +0000 Advertising partner Advertising partner [The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] Siam Piwat, Thailand’s leading real estate and retail developer, has long been recognized as a trailblazer redefining what world-class destinations can be. With NEXTOPIA, the company reinforces its role as a transformative force in the retail industry - creating a game-changing prototype that transcends physical design to spark imagination, inspire sustainable thinking, and open new possibilities for future... https://www.scmp.com/presented/property/international/topics/future-sustainable-living/article/3336575/nextopia-siam-piwats-game-changing-prototype-future-retail https://www.scmp.com/presented/property/international/topics/future-sustainable-living/article/3336575/nextopia-siam-piwats-game-changing-prototype-future-retail Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:22:55 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hongkong Land is set to launch what it expects to be the largest private real estate fund in Singapore, with more than S$8 billion (US$6.2 billion) in assets under management, including prime commercial projects in the waterfront Marina Bay district. At inception, the Singapore Central Private Real Estate Fund (SCPREF) would include one-third stakes in One Raffles Quay and Marina Bay Financial Centre Towers 1 and 2, the Hong Kong-based commercial landlord and developer said in a statement on... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336260/hongkong-land-poised-launch-us6-billion-singapore-property-fund https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336260/hongkong-land-poised-launch-us6-billion-singapore-property-fund Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:30:18 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), the private investment holding company of the Cheng family and the parent firm of debt-ridden New World Development (NWD), has no plans to sell its prized Rosewood brand, according to sources familiar with the matter. “Rosewood has delivered exceptional results in recent years and is one of the family’s most cherished luxury hotel brands,” a source said. The group’s properties were operating as usual, with strategic investments in nearly 30... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336121/rosewood-hotel-brand-hong-kongs-chow-tai-fook-not-sale-sources-say https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336121/rosewood-hotel-brand-hong-kongs-chow-tai-fook-not-sale-sources-say Fri, 12 Dec 2025 01:41:35 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, former heir apparent to Hong Kong property giant New World Development (NWD), has partnered with a Dubai royal and businessman to spruce up the retail, leisure and cultural offerings of Wafi City, one of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) city’s top shopping destinations. Cheng and Dubai Sheikh Mana bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, founder and chairman of the Wafi Group, signed an agreement to set up a new entity called Wafi Anime 11 in Dubai on Wednesday, according to a statement on... https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3336095/adrian-cheng-signs-retail-partnership-wafi-group-headed-dubai-royal https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3336095/adrian-cheng-signs-retail-partnership-wafi-group-headed-dubai-royal Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:16:29 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Prime office rents in Hong Kong and Singapore are expected to reach parity within two years, driven by diverging dynamics in demand and supply for office properties in the rival business hubs, according to CBRE. By the fourth quarter of 2027, tenants in premium office spaces in Hong Kong were set to pay just over US$122 per square foot per year, while those in Singapore would face slightly higher costs at about US$123 per square foot annually, said Ada Choi, head of research for Asia-Pacific at... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3333789/hong-kong-and-singapore-prime-office-rents-set-equalise-2027-cbre-says https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3333789/hong-kong-and-singapore-prime-office-rents-set-equalise-2027-cbre-says Mon, 24 Nov 2025 01:30:15 +0000 Cheryl Arcibal Cheryl Arcibal Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui remained the world’s fourth most expensive retail strip with rents at US$1,515 per square foot per year, as two other core shopping districts in the city – Causeway Bay and Central – also ranked among the Asia-Pacific’s priciest shopping locations, according to Cushman & Wakefield. London’s New Bond Street jumped two spots from last year to emerge as the world’s most expensive retail district, according to the real-estate services consultancy’s 35th “Main Streets Across... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3333415/hong-kongs-tsim-sha-tsui-holds-ground-worlds-fourth-priciest-shopping-district https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3333415/hong-kongs-tsim-sha-tsui-holds-ground-worlds-fourth-priciest-shopping-district Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:53:57 +0000