The annual Policy Address was released last week, and as always, housing is a key issue of public concern. Even before the report was announced, Chief Executive John Lee had already hinted at addressing the issue of subdivided flats (also known as “劏房”), and there was much speculation in...

If you’re interested in a highly sought-after property, agents often suggest showing your sincerity by writing a small deposit check and signing a Provisional Sale and Purchase Agreement. This way, if the seller agrees to the offer, the contract can be signed immediately, securing the property...

These days, more and more new developments come with balcony designs. But what are the pros and cons of having a balcony?This trend dates back to the 2000s when the government incentivised developers to include balconies and utility platforms by offering floor area exemptions. The goal was to...

The U.S. Federal Reserve recently announced a 0.5% interest rate cut, its first reduction in over four years. Following this, Hong Kong banks lowered their prime rates (P) by 0.25%, meaning that monthly mortgage payments for homeowners have decreased slightly.In this rate-cutting cycle, many people...

When applying for a mortgage, the repayment term can extend up to 30 years. It takes a long time to pay off a property, and the associated costs can be substantial. Many people often express how burdensome mortgage payments can be, so what are some ways to save on mortgage interest?In additio...

The US Federal Reserve is expected to announce a rate cut on September 19, with a 0.25% reduction being the most likely. The market is also watching to see if Hong Kong banks will follow suit with interest rate adjustments.Ahead of the rate decision, the second-hand property market has slowed signi...

In recent years, the property market has been on a continuous decline, leading some people to consider buying during this dip. However, buyers should be prepared for potential issues, such as properties being undervalued by banks. Deciding between purchasing a new property or a second-hand one can b...

The annual application period for the Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) has arrived once more. The scheme will launch in the fourth quarter of this year, offering a total of 7,132 units across five estates, priced at 30% off the market rate. Unit prices range from HK$1.43 million to HK$4.67 million....

Recently, there has been ongoing debate about whether homeowners should invest in renovations before selling properties that are over a decade old and retain their original or somewhat outdated interiors.The decision ultimately varies, as each seller has unique selling strategies and every bu...

In the latest real estate headlines, one of the most startling developments has emerged from North Point's Braemar Hill Mansions, where 95% of the units feature unauthorised external wall modifications to their kitchens, converting them into balconies for drying clothes. The Buildings Department has...

Following the government's removal of property cooling measures, there was a spike in market transactions, but property prices have not improved. Many owners are still forced to sell at a loss. In response to the changing economic environment, mortgage insurance companies have introduced new arrange...

Applying for a mortgage is one of the most crucial steps in purchasing a property. It involves evaluating the borrower's financial capacity, the property's valuation, and the bank's stance. Recently, banks have tightened their mortgage application processes, making them more cautious. Therefore, it'...

Recently, Hong Kong's secondary property prices have been falling, while new developments are being offered at attractive low prices. For those looking to buy, it might seem like a great time to snag a bargain. However, many buyers overlook the importance of property valuation.What exactly is...

Buying a home is a significant life event, and everyone has different preferences and lifestyles. Therefore, it is not possible to generalise which type of unit is better. In the last issue, we discussed the differences between standalone buildings and large housing estates. This time, we will compa...

For many homebuyers, choosing a property is never easy. Factors such as location, school network, layout, size, and surrounding facilities all come into play. Whether it's a new development or an older building, one decision remains: should you choose a large housing estate or a standalone building?...