Thought Leadership

The pandemic-induced housing boom continues with prices rising by 9.2% on average across 55 countries and territories in the year to June 2021. Ten of the world’s developed economies averaged price growth of 12% in the 12 months to June, double that seen in key developing markets (4.7%).  The rise in Hong Kong home prices is almost the fastest in Asia in the second quarter by about 2% from a quarter ago. On a quarterly basis, the growth exceeded Singapore, Mainland cities, and Korea. 

• The index is now rising at its fastest rate since Q1 2005

• A breakdown by developed and developing economies shows a more nuanced picture with developed markets outperforming by some margin

• 18 (33%) of markets tracked saw prices increase by 10% or more in the year to June 2021

• At 16.4%, Australia recorded its highest rate of annual price growth since 2003

• Purchase sentiment in the primary market is strong, the residential price in Hong Kong raised 2.6% YoY  

This article was originally published in https://www.knightfrank.com/

The megatrend of ageing populations challenges cities worldwide in terms of accommodation and care, and Hong Kong is no different. The lack of buildable land and even buildings that can be refurbished create concerns over limited senior living options, especially for today’s seniors.

As a result, there is a market need to provide a product that caters for this senior demographic. And with limited supply, demand, and stable income, it creates viable interest for investors, developers and operators, especially as we believe senior living assets could reach yields of up to 3.25% per annum, outperforming residential and Grade A office returns.

To discover more, access our exclusive publication ‘Senior living; Hong Kong’s new investment horizon’ to #SeeWhatCouldBe, or contact one of our experts Hannah Jeong, Stella Ho or Winter Ren.

This article was originally published in https://www.colliers.com/

On 13^th September 2021, the Ministry of Law unveiled the Rental Waiver Framework (RWF) under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Amendment No 4) Bill. The RWF is expected to commence in October 2021.

During the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) (P2HA) periods between (1) 16 May to 13 June 2021, and (2) 22 July to 18 August 2021, some businesses were disrupted by the safe management measures imposed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Under the Rental Support Scheme (RSS) announced in May 2021, the government introduced support measures to alleviate the economic impact on both small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as eligible non-profit organisations (NPOs). The support measures included two cash payouts - the first pay-out was to be disbursed starting from 6 August 2021, while the second payout will be disbursed in October 2021.

A keen understanding of the nature of real estate and the legal and regulatory issues related to this asset class is critical to working out the basic features of any real estate deal. The Rajah & Tann Asia’s “Guide to the Real Estate Industry in Asia” gives you a brief overview of certain key insights to the real estate industry in the ten jurisdictions across Rajah & Tann Asia’s geographical footprint, namely, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Topics covered in the Guide include the legal framework, types of real estate, ownership and tenure, taxes as well as important issues that an investor of real estate in the region should take note of.

In its second edition, we hope that this Guide will be a useful aid to investors who are navigating or looking to navigate this part of the world for their real estate investments.

A key pillar of our strength is our Rajah & Tann Asia network with offices in these ten jurisdictions, as well as dedicated desks focusing on Japan and South Asia. With the most extensive legal network in Asia, our lawyers have a tight grasp of the local culture, business practices, and language not just within their own home countries, but in the other markets in which they frequently conduct cross-border deals as well. Our depth of transactional and regulatory experience allows us to advise clients strategically and creatively, from structuring to eventual execution and implementation of the transaction.

This gives us an unparalleled edge over our competitors in presenting and pursuing solutions that are both practical and cost-effective. It provides our clients with the "home advantage" in any corporate real estate matters.

This article was originally published in https://www.rajahtannasia.com/