Hot properties to rent and buy in Hong Kong, August-September 2015

By: Letizia Casalino, Hong Kong Sotheby’s International Realty

Are prices softening? Are owners more flexible? Yes and no, but unfortunately it’s more of a no. Although the media continues to tease us all with the suggestion of a downward price shift, the lack of available stock currently on the market remains a reality and is consistently outweighed by demand in the hot spots of Hong Kong.

As a result, prices are inflated by 5 to 10 percent in the mass rental market. The luxury tier is where negotiation is slightly more flexible, however, even there the lack of premium stock encourages owners of rare and exclusive properties to maintain their luxury prices. The peak season has come to an end and so the diamonds are harder and harder to find.

The first-hand property market is still the talk of the town, with new developments popping up in great quantities on the Kowloon peninsula. Compared to the same period last year, however, the number of sales figures have decreased.

The secondary market has seen a few strong weeks as investors from Hong Kong and abroad have taken the end-of-season opportunity to purchase a home or investment property. Now that the effects of the cooling measures are well understood throughout the market, the momentum of investing is back on track.

Prestigious Apartment

District: Mid-levels Central
Rental Price: $95K
Size: 1,524 sq. ft
Bedrooms: 3 (1 ensuite)
Bathrooms: 2

This apartment features a spacious L-shaped living and dining room, big master bedroom that leads to a walk-in-closet, and bathrooms with granite and marble finishes.

Spectacular Sea Views

District: Pok Fu Lam
Sale/Rental: $40M / $90K incl.
Size: 1,707 sq. ft
Bedrooms: 3 (1)
Bathrooms: 2
Sole Agent

A beautifully renovated, three-bedroom flat, this Pok Fu Lam pad is bright and welcoming, with great views, and a fantastic chef’s kitchen.

Spacious Living

District: Kowloon Tong
Sale/Rental: $32M / $55K incl.
Size: 1,330 sq. ft
Bedrooms: 4 (2)
Bathrooms: 4

This duplex has glamorous bathrooms and a nicely fitted kitchen with storeroom and wine fridge; it’s also close to international schools, the MTR and Festival Walk mall.

Rare Duplex

District: Soho
Sale Price: $14M
Size: 771 sq. ft
Bedrooms: 1 (1)
Bathrooms: 2

Located in Prince’s Terrace, this rare colonial-style duplex has been renovated by a renowned designer; features include an enlarged bedroom with study.