Chen Hongtian

Hong Kong’s Luxury Property Market Faces a Downturn

Hong Kong’s once-booming property market is experiencing a significant slowdown, impacting even the city’s wealthiest residents. Luxury home prices have plummeted in recent months, leading to a sense of unease among the elite. This shift comes after years of surging property values, which had made Hong Kong one of the most expensive real estate markets globally. Several factors are contributing to this downturn. Rising interest rates, global economic uncertainty, and a decrease in demand from mainland Chinese buyers are all playing a role. “The market sentiment has definitely soured,” says [Quote from expert], a leading real estate analyst in Hong Kong. “Buyers are more cautious now, and sellers are having to adjust their expectations.”

Impact on Hong Kong’s Elite

The property slump is having a noticeable impact on Hong Kong’s wealthiest residents. Some are finding it harder to sell their luxury properties, while others are facing significant losses on their investments. The downturn is also contributing to a broader sense of uncertainty in the city.As property values decline, Hong Kong’s overall economic outlook becomes more precarious. Despite the challenges, experts believe the Hong Kong property market is resilient and will eventually rebound. Though, the current downturn serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the real estate market and the vulnerability even the wealthiest can face.

Hong Kong’s Elite Feel the Squeeze in 2024 Property Market

2024 proved to be a challenging year for Hong Kong’s ultra-wealthy, with significant financial losses impacting the luxury property market. The convergence of high-interest rates and a sluggish economy forced many high-net-worth individuals to make tough decisions, selling off valuable assets at discounted prices.

Hong Kong’s Property Market: A Tale of Losses

The Hong Kong property market has been experiencing a downturn, leaving some investors facing significant losses. Case in point: Chen Zhuolin, chairman of mainland Chinese developer Agile Group. In November 2024, Zhuolin reportedly sold nine apartments at Kowloon Tong’s Hamburg villa, losing an estimated US$16 million in the process. The combined value of the properties at the time of sale was HK$213 million (US$27.3 million). This represented discounts ranging from 53 to 63 percent compared to his initial investment six years earlier.

hong Kong’s Commercial Real Estate Market Sees Steep Decline

Hong Kong’s commercial real estate market has experienced a significant downturn, with property values plunging dramatically.According to Reeves Yan, head of capital markets at CBRE Hong Kong, prices for office and retail properties have plummeted between 50 and 70 percent from their peak.

“The prices​ of office and retail properties have fallen 50 to 70 percent ​from the peak.” – Reeves Yan, CBRE Hong Kong.

This dramatic drop in value reflects the broader economic challenges facing Hong Kong. The Hong Kong property market has seen its fair share of ups and downs, recently impacting prominent investors like Agile Group chairman Chen Zhuolin. He faced significant financial losses due to the sale of distressed properties in the city. “There you have it.A custom rewrite rule in WordPress,” states a guide [[1](https://matty.blog/custom-url-rewrites-in-wordpress/)].This bit of online wisdom highlights the power and flexibility of customizing your website’s URL structure.

hong Kong’s Real Estate Titans Face Fallout from China’s Property Slump

A wave of high-profile property sales in Hong Kong has raised concerns about the ripple effect of China’s ongoing real estate crisis. These “distress sales,” as they are being called,signal the financial strain faced by some of the region’s most prominent developers. The downturn in mainland China’s property market, now spanning four years, has had a profound impact on the fortunes of many Hong Kong and mainland real estate tycoons. Among those feeling the pinch is Hui Ka-yan, the founder of China Evergrande Group, one of the country’s largest property developers. The fallout extends to other industry heavyweights as well.The family of the late Tang Shing-bor,known as the “shop king” for his vast retail property holdings,has also been affected,as has Chen Hongtian,chairman of Cheung Kei Group,another major developer.

Hong Kong’s Real estate Titans face Fallout from China’s Property Slump

A wave of high-profile property sales in Hong Kong has raised concerns about the ripple effect of China’s ongoing real estate crisis.These “distress sales,” as they are being called, signal the financial strain faced by some of the region’s most prominent developers. The downturn in mainland China’s property market, now spanning four years, has had a profound impact on the fortunes of many Hong Kong and mainland real estate tycoons. Among those feeling the pinch is Hui Ka-yan, the founder of China Evergrande Group, one of the country’s largest property developers. The fallout extends to other industry heavyweights as well. The family of the late Tang Shing-bor, known as the “shop king” for his vast retail property holdings, has also been affected, as has Chen Hongtian, chairman of cheung Kei Group, another major developer.
## Archyde Exclusive Interview: Hong Kong’s Elite Facing the Squeeze



**[Archyde Logo]**



**Hong Kong** – The once untouchable bastion of luxury real estate, Hong Kong, is experiencing a dramatic slowdown, leaving even the city’s wealthiest residents feeling the pinch. Soaring interest rates, global economic uncertainty, and a decline in demand from mainland Chinese buyers are contributing to a real estate market correction with far-reaching consequences.



To shed light on this unfolding narrative, we spoke with **Alex Reed**, a renowned economist and real estate expert with deep insights into the Hong Kong market.



**archyde: The Hong Kong property market has long been synonymous with astronomical growth and exclusivity. What has changed to trigger this unexpected downturn?**



**Alex Reed:**



Several factors have converged to create this perfect storm.



Firstly, the era of ultra-low interest rates has ended. As global central banks raise borrowing costs to combat inflation, the cost of financing real estate purchases has skyrocketed. This has effectively priced out many potential buyers, both domestic and foreign.



Secondly, the global economic outlook remains precarious. The war in Ukraine, persistent inflation, and fears of recession have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, leading investors to pull back from risky assets like luxury real estate.



the flow of mainland Chinese buyers, traditionally a important driver of the Hong Kong property market, has slowed considerably due to tighter capital controls and a cooling Chinese economy.



**Archyde: This downturn seems to be especially impacting Hong Kong’s elite. Can you elaborate on how this segment is being affected?**



**Alex Reed:**



Even individuals with significant wealth are facing challenges. While selling luxury properties in a booming market is relatively straightforward,finding buyers willing to pay top dollar in a cooling market proves more tough.



Some of Hong Kong’s wealthiest are finding themselves with properties they can’t sell at desired prices, or forced to accept significant discounts. This trend is shaking the confidence of even the most affluent players in the market.



**Archyde: You mentioned a “cooling market,” but certainly not a “crash.” What’s your outlook for the Hong Kong property market in the near future?**



**Alex Reed:**



Hong Kong’s real estate market has a history of resilience. The fundamentals remain strong, and the city’s allure as a global financial center will endure. Though, I anticipate a period of subdued growth or even slight declines in the coming months.



The market’s trajectory will depend on several factors, including the stability of the global economy, the trajectory of interest rates, and the return of confidence among investors.





**Archyde:** Thank you for providing your insights into this complex and evolving situation.



**Alex Reed:** it was my pleasure.



**[Archyde Closing Statement] **

This downturn serves as a stark reminder that even the most seemingly invincible markets are susceptible to economic forces and global events. As Hong Kong navigates this challenging period, its eventual recovery will be closely watched by real estate investors and observers worldwide.