Media OutReach
Hong Kong Residential Market Remains Resilient Despite Geopolitical Tensions, with Primary and Secondary Transactions Buoyant
Greater Central Grade A Office Rents Bottom Out, High Street Vacancies Continue to Fall
- Residential Market: Market sentiment turned more positive after the Chinese New Year as purchasing power continued to be released. Strong primary market home sales also drove secondary market activity, with Q1 residential transaction numbers surging 53% y-o-y to more than 18,650 units. Home prices across different segments recorded growth, reflecting that buyer appetite has yet to be impacted by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Grade A Office Market: Net absorption remained positive for the tenth consecutive quarter at 217,100 sq ft in Q1, mainly driven by leasing activity from the banking & finance sector. Greater Central rents have now bottomed out, strengthening by 5.5% q-o-q and supporting the city’s overall office rents to increase by 2.4% q-o-q.
- Retail Market: Overall retail sales have continued to recover on the back of rising tourist arrivals. The average high street vacancy rate fell further to 4.2% in Q1, with tier-1 high streets in Causeway Bay and Central being fully occupied.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today held its Hong Kong Property Markets Q1 2026 Review and Outlook press conference. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Hong Kong’s residential market continued to perform resiliently, with both primary and secondary market transactions recording sustained growth. Total residential transaction numbers in Q1 rose by 9% q-o-q and 53% y-o-y. In the Grade A office market, net absorption reached 217,000 sq ft in Q1, driven by leasing demand from the banking & finance sector. However, rental performance continued to diverge between core and non-core submarkets, and the recovery was chiefly led by core areas. As for the retail sector, total retail sales continued to recover gently, supporting a further drop in the overall high street vacancy rate in Q1. Hong Kong Island outperformed the overall market, with rents in Central and Causeway Bay rising by 1.1% and 0.8% q-o-q, respectively.
Grade A office leasing market: Tenth consecutive quarter of positive net absorption, Greater Central rents continue to pick up
Sentiment in Hong Kong’s Grade A office market remained positive in Q1 2026 on the back of sustained demand from the banking & finance and insurance sectors. The quarterly total new leased area reached 866,000 sq ft, with the banking & finance and insurance sectors accounting for more than 70%. Citywide net absorption fell q-o-q to record 217,100 sq ft but remained positive for the 10th consecutive quarter.
Greater Central and Greater Tsimshatsui rental levels continued to pick up in Q1, by 5.5% and 0.4% q-o-q, respectively, driving the overall rental level up by 2.4% q-o-q to mark two consecutive quarters of rental growth for the first-time since Q1 2019. However, average rents in non-core submarkets continued to soften, suggesting the overall rental recovery is chiefly led by core areas in a two-tier market. As no new projects were completed in Q1, the overall availability rate remained broadly stable at around 20.0%, edging down by 0.3 percentage points q-o-q.
John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield,said, “Looking ahead, despite the recent stock market volatility, leasing demand from the banking & finance sector is expected to remain a key pillar this year, underpinned by expectations that Hong Kong will remain the leading global IPO market in 2026, with more than 400 companies in the listing pipeline up to the end of March. Geopolitical developments in the Middle East may also prompt investors to review asset deployment strategies and reallocate capital to Hong Kong, potentially supporting demand from banking & finance and wealth management-related occupiers. We have revised our 2026 rental forecast for Greater Central to +6% to +8%, from the previous range of +2% to +4%. In turn, the citywide Grade A office rent forecast is also revised to +1% to +3% y-o-y in 2026, compared with a previous forecast of ±1%.”
Retail leasing market: Retail sales demonstrate resilience with the overall high street vacancy rate falling further to a new post-pandemic low
The Hong Kong retail market continued to demonstrate resilience in Q1 2026, supported by improved tourist arrivals and sustained local consumption sentiment, enabling the city’s overall retail sales for the January to February 2026 period to pick up by 11.8% y-o-y to record HK$72.4billion. Among major retail categories, the Jewellery & Watches sector led the market recovery with a notable 27.8% y-o-y increase, followed by the Medicines & Cosmetics and Fashion & Accessories sectors at 8.3% and 6.6% y-o-y, respectively. This suggests the ongoing recovery and strengthening of tourist-oriented business sectors.
The overall high street vacancy rate continued to trend downwards, standing at 4.2% in Q1, marking a new low since the pandemic. Across core retail districts, Hong Kong Island outperformed Kowloon, with high street shops in Causeway Bay and Central within our basket fully leased during the quarter. The vacancy rate in Tsimshatsui also dropped further to 7.1% in Q1, while Mongkok remained stable at 6.1%.
As for high street retail rental levels, recovery was also led by Hong Kong Island, with Central and Causeway Bay recording q-o-q increases of 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively. Mongkok high street retail rents picked up by 0.6% q-o-q, while a more affordable, mass-market tenant mix prompted Tsim Sha Tsui rental levels to move down by 1.1% q-o-q (Chart 2). Regarding the F&B sector, high availability continued to weigh on rents across districts, with Causeway Bay, Central, Tsimshatsui and Mongkok all recording declines within 1% q-o-q.
John Siucommented, “Retail leasing sentiment across districts remained positive in the first quarter, particularly on Hong Kong Island side. We anticipate Central and Causeway Bay to lead the rental level recovery, given Causeway Bay has continued to attract young locals and tourists, while Central has been benefitting from relatively stable high-end local consumption. On Kowloon side, Tsimshatsui and Mongkok are expected to see gradual absorption of vacant spaces if landlords are willing to offer reasonable asking rents. Looking ahead, the city’s retail market is poised for a positive recovery in 2026, yet we anticipate a gradual rental recovery rather than a rapid rebound. Supporting factors, including the wealth effect from the housing price recovery, are set to lift local consumption sentiment. The ongoing mega-event campaign, coupled with a stronger renminbi, is also expected to draw a promising influx of tourists, supporting greater foot traffic and tourist spending on high streets. Nevertheless, given the shift in consumption patterns and the entry of more affordable brands into high streets, overall rents are unlikely to see a rapid rebound in the near term. We maintain our forecast of a 2% to 3% increase in overall high street retail rents for 1H 2026.”
Residential market: Market transactions remain active amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supporting home price rises across market segments
The Hong Kong residential market continued to gain momentum in Q1, driven by strong sales of primary projects and more active participation from potential buyers in the secondary market who have expedited purchase decisions. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have yet to exert a significant impact on Hong Kong residential market activity. Since March last year, the monthly number of residential sales and purchases agreements has exceeded 5,000 for 13 consecutive months, with February 2026 reaching close to 6,700 units. Total residential transactions in Q1 recorded approximately 18,650 units, up 53% y-o-y and 9% q-o-q (Chart 3). Strong sales at new launches saw primary market transactions take a 30% share of total transactions in the quarter.
Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted, “Strong market activity continued to support home prices to trend upward in Q1 2026. According to the Rating and Valuation Department, as at February, the overall residential price index picked up by 2.6% in the first two months of the year. Meanwhile, our Cushman & Wakefield mid-and-small size units price index shows that home prices rose by around 5% in March from the end-2025 level. At the same time, our tracking of popular housing estates demonstrates that prices across different market segments maintained upward momentum throughout the quarter. Prices at City One Shatin, representing the mass market, rose 5.6% q-o-q, while prices at Taikoo Shing, representing the mid-market, strengthened by 8.6% q-o-q. Residence Bel-Air, representing the luxury segment, recorded a notable 7.1% q-o-q rise. At the same time, underpinned by housing needs from incoming talent, the residential rental index continued to trend up to hit a new record high. Coupled with interest rates now remaining at relatively low levels, investors have been encouraged to enter the market, while renters and potential buyers are expediting home ownership decisions.”
Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, added, “The city’s housing market largely sustained the strong momentum carried over from late-2025, with both transaction numbers and prices continuing to climb in Q1. Despite recent Middle East geopolitical tensions, the overall residential market has continued to demonstrate resilience, with the number of residential sale and purchase agreements exceeding 6,000 cases in both February and March. Looking ahead, more capital is expected to flow into Hong Kong as a safe haven, helping to keep local interbank rates at relatively low levels and providing support to the housing market. Moreover, our Verbal Enquiry index has now risen for three consecutive months, reflecting sustained positive sentiment in the Hong Kong residential market. We anticipate full-year transaction numbers in 2026 to reach 65,000 to 70,000 units. As for the home prices forecast, if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East ease in the near term, the impact on the Hong Kong residential market is likely to be limited, and we would expect full-year home prices to rise in a range of 7% to 10%. However, if tensions further escalate, uncertainty may weigh on interest rates and buyer confidence, with annual price growth to moderate to around the 5% mark.”
Please click here to download photo and presentation deck
Caption: (From left to right) Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield; John Siu, Managing Director, Head of Project and Occupier Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield and Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield.
Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield
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 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 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).
Starting university is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new expectations, from independent learning to navigating a new social environment. With early access to academic support, peer networks and wellbeing resources, SIM GE aims to ensure that students do not have to navigate this transition alone.
A “First 30 Days” Guide for New Students
To help students hit the ground running, the guide focuses on four key pillars: administration, academics, community and wellbeing, offering a clear roadmap for a confident and well-rounded start to university life.
Getting setup from Day One
The first week is all about laying the groundwork. Students are encouraged to attend orientation, activate essential academic systems and familiarise themselves with campus resources that will support their journey ahead. For international students arriving in Singapore, SIM GE provides dedicated onboarding through its International Student Office (ISO). From pre-departure preparation and Student’s Pass guidance to accommodation support and buddy programmes, students are guided every step of the way. Welcome receptions and orientation activities also offer early opportunities to build connections, helping students feel at home even before classes begin.
Establishing academic habits early
As classes begin, students quickly discover that understanding expectations early can make all the difference. The guide encourages students to review module outlines, plan ahead for assessments and actively seek support when needed. SIM GE offers a range of academic resources, including workshops and consultations focused on writing, research, presentations and effective study strategies. These resources are designed not just to support learning, but to help students develop the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a university environment.
Finding community beyond the classroom
Unversity life extends far beyond lectures. In their first month, students are encouraged to explore co-curricular activities (CCAs), student clubs and peer networks that enrich their overall experience. Programmes such as student ambassador initiatives and peer mentoring provide valuable opportunities for students to learn from seniors, gain practical insights and form meaningful friendships. By getting involved early, students can build a strong sense of belonging and become part of a vibrant campus community.
Prioritising wellbeing during the transition
Adjusting to university life can be both exciting and challenging. Recognising this, SIM GE places strong emphasis on student wellbeing, providing access to counselling and wellness services that support mental health and personal development. These services help students manage academic pressures, build resilience and maintain balance, ensuring they are well equipped to navigate both the highs and challenges of university life.
Supporting students every step of the way
SIM Global Education believes that a strong start can make a lasting difference. By encouraging students to actively engage with academic resources, peer support and wellbeing services from the outset, the institution aims to create an environment where students can grow with confidence, both academically and personally.
References:
- SIM – International Students Onboarding – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/international-students-onboarding
- SIM Global Education – International Student Office – https://regional.simge.edu.sg/en/international-student-office/
- SIM GE – International student support and buddy programmes – https://regional.simge.edu.sg/en/navigating-the-transition-to-studying-abroad/
- SIM GE CCA – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
- SIM GE Student Ambassadors – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-ambassadors
- SIM Student Care – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg.
Media OutReach
XEV Dismantles the Dealership Model: New “Hardware + Service” Ecosystem Separates Vehicle Cost from Power and Slashes EV Entry Prices in Europe
Decoupling the Battery from the Price Tag
For decades, the battery has been the most expensive single component of an electric car. It is also the component most likely to depreciate. XEV’s innovative business model fundamentally alters this equation by separating the vehicle (hardware) from the battery (service).
Customers purchase the car but lease the energy capacity. This strategy significantly lowers the initial purchase price. It makes premium urban mobility accessible to a broader demographic. This ranges from young professionals seeking their first vehicle to fleet operators managing tight margins.
“We are not just manufacturing cars. We are redefining vehicle ownership,” says the XEV leadership team. “Our goal is to make car production as flexible as smartphone manufacturing. We give users exactly what they need for city living without the financial weight of traditional ownership.”
3 Minutes to Full Power: Solving the Charging Crisis
Range anxiety remains a critical hurdle for European EVs. This is particularly true for drivers without private home charging infrastructure. XEV addresses this with its proprietary battery swapping network.
The XEV YOYO and the upcoming XEV XPRESSION are engineered with a modular battery system. Instead of waiting hours at a charging point, drivers pull into a dedicated station. They complete a fully automated battery replacement in approximately three minutes.
This “SWAPPING” technology does more than save time. It improves operational efficiency for commercial users and ensures the vehicle is immune to battery degradation. Since the driver does not own the battery, they never have to worry about the cell’s lifespan affecting the car’s resale value. This creates a “Zero Usage Anxiety” experience for the owner.
Data-Driven Customization: The End of “One Size Fits All”
The XEV lineup is purpose-built for the narrow streets and high congestion of European cities. With a compact footprint of roughly 2.5 meters, the YOYO navigates historic city centers with ease. However, small size does not mean limited options.
Unlike legacy automakers that push stock inventory, XEV utilizes a data-driven C2M model. Users configure their vehicles via an online platform. They select distinct exterior colors, interior materials, wheel designs, and specific features. This user input triggers a flexible production process that creates a customizable car tailored to specific tastes. XEV uses the massive data generated from these customization choices to refine future designs and forecast market trends with precision.
Commercial Application: Powering the Last-Mile Economy
The flexibility of the XEV platform extends well beyond personal commuting. It is designed to serve the booming last-mile economy. The platform supports last-mile delivery vehicles and shared mobility fleets.
XEV provides specialized enclosed cargo options for logistics companies. The vehicle can even be customized for small business applications, such as mobile coffee carts or retail trucks. For small business owners, the vehicle serves as a mobile asset that can be configured for specific trades, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs.
XEV has already initiated pilot projects with major European logistics firms to prove the model’s viability for high-frequency urban commuting and commercial delivery. For car-sharing services, the high utilization rates and low maintenance needs of the YOYO make it an ideal asset for time-based rental fleets. The modular design further supports this eco-friendly lifecycle by facilitating easy repair and part upgrades. This extends the product lifespan and reduces waste compared to traditional vehicles that are often scrapped when a single major system fails.
A Strategic Supply Chain for a New Era
XEV achieves this level of flexibility through a strategic manufacturing model. The company adopts a capital-light approach that relies on deep collaboration with mature Asian automotive supply chains. This ensures rigorous quality control and cost efficiency without the bloating of traditional manufacturing.
Simultaneously, XEV is committed to European localization. The company is currently establishing assembly hubs and battery swapping networks across Europe to better serve local demand. This dual approach allows XEV to combine global manufacturing power with local market responsiveness. It ensures that while the technology is global, the support and infrastructure are local.
Availability
Sales and deliveries of the XEV YOYO have commenced in selected European markets, including Italy and Germany. The company continues to expand its infrastructure to support the growing network of users who demand a smarter and cleaner way to move through their cities.
For more information on the YOYO and the battery-swapping network, visit https://www.xev-global.com/yoyo or explore the upcoming XPRESSION model at https://www.xev-global.com/xpression.
Hashtag: #XEV
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About XEV
XEV is an innovative electric vehicle company committed to transforming the way cars are designed, built, and owned. Through its direct-to-consumer (DTC) online customization platform and a flexible production system, XEV integrates personalized user demand with modular smart manufacturing. The company’s mission is to make electric vehicles accessible and lifestyle-aligned for everyone. It drives the transition toward sustainable and personalized mobility. XEV positions itself not just as a manufacturer but as a global leader in urban electric mobility solutions.
LUX, the iconic global beauty brand, knows true radiance is about how you show up. That effortless “it girl” energy starts with posture. That’s why the brand is launching LUX Chin Up—a digital tool designed to tackle “Text Neck” and help women keep their heads high and their bold beauty even higher.
“LUX always inspires women to boost their presence and own their beauty power,” said Gaurav Datta, Global Brand VP. “Our phones are amazing for self-expression, but there’s a catch. They elevate our digital selves but often shrink our real-world presence. That constant downward scroll quietly chips away at posture, poise, and bold beauty. With ‘Chin Up,’ we’re offering a simple way for women to realign, lift up, and step back into their power.”
LUX offers a brilliantly simple, tech-forward solution without the need for complicated downloads. LUX Chin Up is a smart webpage that taps into your phone’s motion sensors. Used with the split-screen option, it stays on screen as a small tab, reminding you of the right angle to maintain while you doomscroll.
- The Sweet Spot: The tool encourages keeping your screen at an optimal 90-degree angle.
- The Gentle Nudge: If you start to slouch and the angle drops, the sensor detects it and the screen blinks, prompting you to raise your phone.
- The Reset: Straighten up, bring your phone back up, and carry on scrolling with boldness.
LUX believes this can be an essential modern-day beauty ritual that extends beyond the shower. By habituating women to hold the right posture, LUX naturally lifts their chins and opens their posture, instantly restoring a vibrant, room-commanding presence. It’s a small shift that brings Main Character Beauty to life, both on screen and off.
Make LUX Chin Up a habit, try it for a week, and improve your posture. Visit lux.com/chinup
Hashtag: #LUX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn