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Hong Kong Residential Market Post-Budget Sentiment Strengthens as Smaller-Sized Unit Transactions Pick Up
Grade A office rents remained under pressure in Q1, while a tourist inflow recovery is yet to boost retail market confidence
- Smaller-sized residential units have been more sought-after following the relaxation of the maximum property value chargeable at a HK$100 stamp duty level as announced in the latest government budget speech, supporting first-hand residential sales. The total residential unit transaction number for Q1 climbed 24% y-o-y to reach 12,200 units.
- The Grade A office market recorded positive net absorption of 143,700 sf in Q1, although the high availability rate saw the overall rental level soften further by 2.5% q-o-q.
- Growing visitor arrival numbers in Q1 failed to drive up retail sales, with high-street rents across core retail districts adjusting within a +/-2% range q-o-q. However, an expected boost from the mega event economy is expected to be reflected later this year.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2025 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today held its Hong Kong Property Markets Q1 2025 Review and Outlook press conference. Following the government’s announcement to raise the residential property maximum value chargeable at a stamp duty level of HK$100 from HK$3 million to HK$4 million in the latest budget speech, first-time home buyers and investors were more active, resulting in a significant uptick of transactions in March from the first two months of the year. However, overall home prices in Q1 continued to trend down as interest rates stayed at a relatively higher level.
In the Hong Kong office market, the Grade A sector recorded positive net absorption in Q1, although the abundant available space continued to weigh on the rental outlook. In the retail market, the structural changes seen in tourists’ and local residents’ consumption patterns continued to curtail retail sales performance, in turn hindering retail market rental grow. However, we expect that the city’s ongoing mega event program activity will support greater visitor arrivals and consequent retail sales in the coming few quarters.
Grade A office leasing market: New demand led by banking & finance sector, although new supply ensures continued high availability and pressure on rental levels
The Grade A office market achieved a sixth consecutive quarter of positive net absorption in Q1 2025, reaching 143,700 sf. Despite the positive leasing momentum, the citywide overall availability rate edged up q-o-q to 19.2%. The expanded availability was primarily due to the completion of THE CENDAS project in Kowloon East, bringing 352,800 sf of new Grade A space to the office market. Relocation and expansion activities from the banking & finance and insurance sectors were the key drivers of new leasing activity in the quarter, with the two sectors accounting for approximately 46% of total new leased area. Notable transactions included American hedge fund Point72’s commitment to a 49,500 sf space at The Henderson.
With incoming new supply and the availability rate remaining at a high level, the citywide overall Grade A office rental level softened further by 2.5% q-o-q to record HK$43.9 per sf per month. Compared with the peak of Q1 2019, the overall Grade A office rental level has now fallen by 42.2%.
Chart 1: Rents of Grade A offices in Hong Kong
John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “Looking ahead, the recovery of Hong Kong’s initial public offering (IPO) pipeline and stock market performance, as well as the measures introduced by the Hong Kong Government to attract more global capital, enterprises, and family offices, should help support downstream demand from the finance sector, in turn underpinning the city’s office market sentiment. As current office rents are now discounted by more than 40% against the prior peak level, occupiers pursuing flight-to-quality strategies have greater options. In the coming three quarters of 2025, around 3 million sf of new supply is expected to enter the market. This presages a further intensifying of the competitive leasing environment. We expect the overall average office rental level to remain under pressure, with a decline of 7%–9% throughout 2025.”
Retail leasing market: Retail performance recovery missed expectations, high street rents mixed
The Hong Kong retail market has been unable to demonstrate a significant sales performance improvement despite the continued growth in tourist arrival numbers, predominantly due to the continued structural changes in the consumption preferences of visitors and locals. The city’s overall retail sales for the January to February 2025 period recorded HK$64.8 billion, representing a drop of 7.8% y-o-y.
Generally, inbound visitors from the Chinese mainland no longer focus their time on traditional shopping activities at malls. In turn, high-end categories in the city’s key retail sectors have been the most impacted. Retail sales in the Jewellery & Watches and Fashion & Accessories sectors declined 15.8% and 6.4% y-o-y in the first two months of January and February, respectively. The Supermarkets sector, which had performed steadily in the past few years, also recorded a 4.4% y-o-y drop. Meanwhile, Food, Alcohol & Tobacco; and Medicines & Cosmetics, were the only sectors to post growth, albeit modestly at within 1% y-o-y.
Leasing transactions in the Tsimshatsui retail district were relatively active, with landlords more willing to offer greater flexibility and rental discounts. In turn, this attracted tenants from different sectors along with Chinese mainland brands to expand into core districts, while also encouraging some local retailers to look for opportunities again. Key district vacancy rates in Kowloon remained stable with Tsimshatsui and Mongkok at 9.4% and 8.4%, respectively. Causeway Bay was the only core retail district to record greater vacancy in Q1, jumping to 5.3% from 0% in Q4 2024. The overall vacancy rate in Central dropped slightly q-o-q from 8.6% to 7.1%.
Overall high street retail rents in Tsimshatsui and Causeway Bay fell slightly at 2.3% and 1.0% q-o-q, respectively. In Mongkok, the entry of some aggressively moving tenants prompted a moderate q-o-q increase of 0.5%. The Central district overall rental level was unchanged. In the F&B sector, rental levels remained soft, with Causeway Bay and Mongkok falling in a range of 0.4% to 1.8% q-o-q. Tsimshatsui F&B rents remained unchanged, while the Central F&B sector saw a 0.5% uptick q-o-q, chiefly supported by high-end dining options.
Chart 2: High street retail rents in prime districts in Hong Kong
John Siu added, “In Q1, leasing activity on Haiphong Road was particularly active. Deals concluded during the quarter involved retailers that already have a presence in the area. Most of these retailers believe that the current rental level has dropped to an attractive level. In spite of the change in tourists’ spending patterns and uncertain sales levels, they are still willing to sign new leases as the costs become more controllable. We expect these uncertainties to stay in the short-term, hence hindering the pace of rental recovery. Looking ahead, we believe Chinese mainland retailers will continue to be the major source of new leasing demand in the market, to cater to the consumption habits and preferences of residents coming to Hong Kong from the mainland in recent years. The government’s efforts to promote tourism and the development of the mega event economy also led us to believe that the local retail market will gain support and receive a boost later this year with the successive hosting of mega events and concerts.”
Residential market: Relaxation of stamp duty policy supports transaction numbers recovery, price decline narrows by end of quarter
With the government’s relaxation of the stamp duty levy on properties priced up to HK$4 million in the February budget speech, coupled with the wealth effect brought by the stock market recovery at the start of the year, overall residential market sentiment improved in Q1. The residential transaction number in March strengthened significantly to close to 5,400 units, driving the total Q1 transaction number up 24% y-o-y to circa 12,200 units. As some buyers regained confidence to enter the market, developers seized the opportunity to launch new projects, leading to a pick-up in the primary residential market, with the proportion of first-hand sales expected to increase in March.
Chart 3: Number of residential sale & purchase agreements
Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Consultancy Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, commented, “Rating and Valuation Department data shows that overall residential prices continued to decline in February by 0.9% m-o-m, bringing a combined drop of 1.6% for the first two months of 2025. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s small- to medium-sized residential price index, home prices exhibited further fluctuations by correcting at around 1.7% in Q1. Among the residential unit sectors, price levels corrected most notably in City One Shatin, representing the small-sized sector, with a drop of 9.1% q-o-q. Prices fell by 2.2% in Taikoo Shing, representing the mid-sized sector, while prices at the luxury sector Residence Bel-Air saw an overall 7.4% decrease in Q1 2025. We expect that upcoming residential transactions will be mostly focused on smaller-sized units.”
Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, added, “Although our Cushman & Wakefield verbal inquiry index in March rebounded by around 26% from the January low, and transaction numbers have risen to more than 5,300 units, the local property market is still constrained by the uncertainties brought about by recent global trade and economic conditions. Looking ahead, if the economy and stock market can stabilize again, and the U.S. Federal Reserve continues to cut interest rates within the year, it will support the residential transaction level, thereby stabilizing housing prices. Given that the current market conditions are more volatile than expected at the beginning of the year, some investors and potential buyers may adopt a wait-and-see approach again. We expect overall transaction numbers to be similar to last year, and property prices may fluctuate within a range of ±3% during the year.”
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Photo 1: (From left to right) Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Consultancy Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield; John Siu, Managing Director, Head of Project and Occupier Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, and Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield.
Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2024, the firm reported revenue of $9.4 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).
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No Judgement, No Awkwardness: More Hongkongers Are Opening Up to AI for Mental Health Support
A newly completed Hong Kong study suggests there may finally be a way to bridge that gap. The AIM Greater China Psychology Research Group has completed a Hong Kong-based study conducted in the 2025–2026 academic year, comparing the effectiveness of human hypnotherapists against AI in delivering hypnotic experience-based stress relief experiences. The findings were striking: a significant proportion of participants felt that both approaches yielded virtually equivalent levels of relaxation — and more than 60% reported preferring their AI session after the fact.
Over 400 Applicants: A Reflection of a Generation in Need of Being Heard
The research team recruited participants experiencing family-related stress via Facebook. Within a short period of the post going live, over 400 individuals voluntarily applied — a figure that speaks not only to the pervasiveness of stress in modern life, but also to a growing willingness among the public to prioritise their own emotional wellbeing and actively seek self-care solutions.
From the applicant pool, 48 participants were randomly selected to take part. Each participant underwent two separate hypnotic experience stress relief audio sessions, each lasting approximately one hour — one recorded by a human hypnotherapist, and one fully generated by AI, including both the script and voice. Participants then compared their personal experiences of both sessions.
What Humans Can Do, AI Can Do Too
In the most critical area of comparison — stress relief effectiveness — the largest single group of participants (41.7%) rated the AI and human sessions as equally effective. On a scoring basis, the AI hypnotic experience averaged approximately 2.92 points, compared to 2.58 points for the human session — with AI coming out marginally ahead.
The study further found that nearly 90% of participants indicated they would enjoy a session if it genuinely helped them feel relaxed. In other words, what people truly care about is whether it works — not whether the voice behind it belongs to a human or a machine. On this front, AI has passed the test.
Over 60% More Willing to Share Their Feelings with AI
The results around personal preference were perhaps the most eye-opening. When asked which session they enjoyed more, 62.5% of participants chose the AI experience — and among women, that number climbed even higher, to 68.4%.
So what made AI the preferred choice? Researchers believe it comes down to one simple thing: feeling safe. With AI, there is no worry about being judged. No fear of saying the wrong thing. No awkwardness. About 1 in 4 participants said they actually found it easier to talk openly with AI — because it communicates in a way that feels clear, calm, and natural, much like everyday conversation.
The truth is, some things are just easier to say when no one is watching. That is not a flaw in human nature — it is simply how many of us work.
When it came to privacy, the findings were equally reassuring. More than half of all participants said they had no concerns about AI handling their personal information. Only a very small number — just 2.08% — said they felt uncomfortable. This points to a growing sense of trust in AI tools among the general public.
AI Reads the Data; Therapists Read the Person
Beyond the hypnotic experience itself, the local research team also evaluated AI’s capability as an analytical tool — with equally impressive results.
AI was able to rapidly process large volumes of participant responses, objectively assess individual stress levels, and identify underlying patterns. For instance, AI identified that 35% of participants independently expressed a desire for “personal space” or “better soundproofing” in their homes. On the surface, these may seem like trivial lifestyle concerns — yet AI connected this pattern to the reality of Hong Kong residents living in constrained spaces, highlighting a deeper psychological sense of having “nowhere to breathe”. This level of insight would be difficult to uncover through manual review of dozens of questionnaires alone.
AI also observed that many participants habitually occupied the role of “problem-solver” or “mediator” within their households, suppressing their own emotional needs in the process. Researchers noted that this reflects a widely recognised social phenomenon — the pressures faced by eldest daughters and the so-called “sandwich generation,” caught between the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents and raising children. AI’s ability to rapidly identify these hidden emotional burdens allows therapists to bypass lengthy preliminary assessments and focus more swiftly on the core issues that require their attention.
AI Is Here to Help, Not to Take Over
The local research team emphasises that the study was never intended to position AI as a replacement for human therapists. Rather, the aim is to explore how the two can work in tandem. Much like how blood test reports assist physicians in diagnosis, AI can play an analogous supporting role in the mental health field — organising data, identifying patterns, and lowering barriers to seeking help, so that mental health professionals can direct their energy towards the moments that truly require a human touch.
Those who proactively seek psychological support remain a minority, often deterred by the fear of inconvenience, social stigma, or the awkwardness of speaking up. If AI can serve as the bridge that encourages more people to take that first step, that alone may be its most meaningful contribution to society.
Hashtag: #HypnosisInstitute
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hypnosis Institute
Hypnosis Institute is dedicated to helping people in Hong Kong lead healthier and more fulfilling lives through hypnotic experience. We offer accessible and practical hypnotic experience training programmes designed to integrate hypnotic techniques into everyday life, with a focus on stress management, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth.
Hypnosis Institute is Hong Kong’s only hypnotic experience professional development platform that simultaneously operates a research group, social innovation group, practical training group, crisis psychological support group, charitable initiatives, networking events, therapeutic services, and a comprehensive training pathway.
As the sole Hong Kong chapter of the Association for Integrative Medicine (AIM) in the United States, the sole overseas Hong Kong academy of UK educational institution Study House (Quality Licence Scheme), and the sole specialist hypnotic experience training school in Hong Kong under Cambridge International College in the United Kingdom, Hypnosis Institute provides internationally recognised qualifications that contribute to the advancement of the industry.
Founder Charles Leung is a trainer of trainers in the field of hypnotic experience, and has been specially appointed by the Association for Integrative Medicine as the Chief Instructor for Specialist hypnotic experience in Greater China. He has trained over 1,000 hypnotherapists and instructors, upholding the highest standards of professional development in the mental health field.
The Institute’s programmes integrate a comprehensive range of methodologies, including hypnotic experience combined with MBTI personality profiling, DISC behavioural analysis, mental health coaching, emotional education, and the HiddenMe Cards inner child tool — providing a holistic and personalised approach to hypnotic experience practice. Instructors specialise in paediatric hypnotic experience, Internal Family Systems (including inner child) hypnotic experience, stress and insomnia relief hypnotic experience, interpersonal relationship hypnotic experience, as well as hypnotic experience in reminiscence and palliative care.
Driven by the belief that everyone can harness the power of hypnotic experience to enhance their mental wellbeing, Hypnosis Institute is committed to sharing psychological knowledge and providing professional support in the areas of emotional management, life challenges, and the professional development of the hypnotic experience industry.
Follow us at hypnosisinstitute.com.hk, 
Facebook, 
Instagram and 
YouTube for the latest updates.
Held at deMori @ FCC Signature, the event featured a live platform demonstration, partner showcase, and networking sessions aimed at facilitating engagement between founders, advisors, and investors.
Introducing CapitalOS
CapitalOS, BizPal’s corporate finance platform, was presented through a live demonstration during the event. The system integrates operational, brand, and financial data into a structured framework designed to support investor readiness and due diligence.
According to BizPal, the platform is intended to help SMEs organise their business information into formats aligned with investor expectations, enabling clearer communication during fundraising discussions.
“SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal Malaysia.
MOUs Expand Distribution Network
The event also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between BizPal and two Malaysian partners, My Education Platform and VA Partners. Both organisations will serve as authorised distributors of BizPal’s education and advisory programmes across Malaysia.
The partnerships expand BizPal’s reach within the SME ecosystem by working with local organisations that support business development and capability building.
“Partnering with BizPal allows us to introduce structured, investor-ready methodologies to the SME community we serve,” said Mr. Jeff Lee, Director, My Education Platform.
A representative from VA Partners is expected to provide a statement following final endorsement.
Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX)
During the event, BizPal also presented the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMX), an ecosystem initiative designed to connect experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.
The initiative provides a structured environment for mentorship supported by data-based evaluation and standardised assessment criteria aligned with investor expectations. GMX was first introduced during BizPal’s Data Fundraising Masterclass in December 2025 and was presented to a broader network of partners and investors at BizPal Day.
Next Steps
Following the event, BizPal plans to expand the adoption of CapitalOS and continue developing its partner network across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.
Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs #BizPalDay
https://www.bizpal.tech/
https://www.facebook.com/simplyfi.sg
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BizPal
BizPal provides data-driven corporate finance solutions designed to help ASEAN SMEs become investor-ready. Its platform, CapitalOS, integrates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that supports business evaluation and investor engagement.
Media OutReach
Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio And IHG Hotels & Resorts Partner To Bring Four International Hotel Brands To The Coastal Mega Urban Development
Under the agreement, IHG will develop four hotels with a total of more than 1,000 rooms at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, including InterContinental Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio with 400 rooms, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms, and Garner Saigon Can Gio with 130 rooms.
InterContinental Saigon Can Gio, a world-renowned luxury brand, will deliver premium hospitality experiences tailored to international travelers and domestic guests seeking high-end accommodation. Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio, one of the largest upscale hotel brands globally, will cater to frequent travelers with modern, flexible spaces designed to optimize productivity and foster connections.
Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio will expand the destination’s accommodation offering with efficient, high-quality stays focused on value, making the development more accessible to a broader range of guests. This also marks the official debut of both brands in the Vietnamese market.
According to the development timeline, Holiday Inn Express Saigon Can Gio and Garner Saigon Can Gio are expected to open in 2028, followed by InterContinental Saigon Can Gio and Crowne Plaza Saigon Can Gio in 2030.
In this partnership, Vinpearl, a member of Vingroup, will act as the project operator and lead the collaboration with IHG Hotels & Resorts, while coordinating with all stakeholders throughout the development and operational phases.
Together with Vinpearl’s world-class hospitality brand, the addition of four premium IHG hotels will help realize a 7,000-room accommodation ecosystem at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, meeting the growing demand for extended stays and diverse experiences year-round in Can Gio and Ho Chi Minh City.
Complementing the hospitality offering, a series of large-scale entertainment and resort facilities unique to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio will further elevate the destination. These include the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park featuring the world’s tallest artificial snow mountain and nearly 200 attractions, the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater, the 800-hectare Paradise Lagoon, the five-star international cruise port Landmark Harbour, and two 18-hole international-standard golf courses. Together, these developments aim to position Can Gio as a globally-recognized tourism and resort hub, targeting 40 million visitors annually and standing alongside leading destinations in Vietnam and worldwide.
Mr. Rajit Sukumaran, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, East Asia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between IHG and Vingroup. Bringing four of our standout brands to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio reflects the diversity of our portfolio, as well as our strong commitment to supporting Vietnam’s goal of becoming a leading global tourism destination. With brands spanning multiple segments, we believe this collaboration will help create an integrated hospitality ecosystem that meets the diverse needs of travelers at one of Vietnam’s most significant developments.”
Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer of Vinpearl Joint Stock Company, said: “We selected IHG not only for its global brand portfolio but also for its proven operational expertise across international markets. Introducing InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, and Garner to Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio is a key step in completing our service structure and establishing international operating standards for the mega project’s hotel system. With this partnership as a foundation, we believe Vinhomes Green Paradise will progressively emerge as a world-class destination, where a fully integrated ecosystem continues to enhance its appeal to residents and both domestic and international visitors.”
Vinhomes Green Paradise is located in the southeastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began on April 19, 2025, with a total area of 2,870 hectares. The development features three sides facing the sea and is adjacent to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. The project is being developed to leading ESG++ standards, integrating green, smart, ecological, and regenerative principles.
The development benefits from a well-connected transport infrastructure network, including the Ben Thanh – Can Gio high-speed railway, which will reduce travel time from central Ho Chi Minh City to just 13 minutes, the Can Gio Bridge, the interchange connecting Rung Sac Road with the Ben Luc – Long Thanh Expressway, and the Can Gio – Vung Tau sea-crossing route, enabling travel between two major tourism hubs in just 10 minutes.
With a diverse range of accommodation options, internationally-standardized hotel systems, and a wide array of cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment facilities aligned with green, smart, and community-friendly principles, Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio stands out as a rare mega urban development that both sets new benchmarks for ESG living and delivers a world-class tourism and resort experience.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IHG Hotels & Resorts:
IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a portfolio of 21 brands and IHG One Rewards, one of the world’s largest hotel loyalty programs with over 160 million members. IHG currently franchises, leases, manages, or owns more than 6,900 hotels across over 100 countries, with more than 2,300 hotels in its development pipeline.
IHG’s brand portfolio spans Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, Essentials, and Suites segments, including well-known brands such as Six Senses, Regent, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Garner, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.
About Vinhomes
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate developer, pioneering the development of large-scale, well-planned urban areas with integrated amenities, green living environments, and modern lifestyles. In addition to 36 urban developments currently in operation nationwide, Vinhomes continues to focus on building next-generation mega and super urban developments of regional scale and significance, aspiring to create some of the most livable cities in the world while significantly transforming Vietnam’s urban landscape.
For more information, please visit https://vinhomes.vn/vi
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