Lai Fong: Adequate market funding, Hong Kong commercial buildings converted into student dormitories on the rise.

Maggi Mak, executive director of the investment department and head of private clients in Greater China at Laifang, pointed out that both local and foreign capital have been entering the market successively recently, reflecting ample market funds and driving strong transaction growth in the second half of the year. The trend of student dormitory investment remains strong, with fewer hotel properties available for sale. Investors are now turning to acquiring and renovating commercial buildings instead. According to Laifang's statistics, as of May, non-residential transactions totaling over a billion dollars, including commercial buildings, shops, industrial buildings, and hotels, have reached nearly HK$30 billion. Maggi Mak analyzed that the overall market fundamentals have improved significantly, with the recovery of the financial industry playing a key role. "The large number of new IPOs raising funds have kept a lot of money in Hong Kong, keeping interest rates from rising and boosting the investment atmosphere in real estate." He also mentioned that the financial sector is thriving, with Central prime office rents increasing by 12% in the past year. Companies are expanding their workforce, there is a shortage of properties in Mid-Levels, and this trend indicates an improvement in the economy. On the capital side, mainland Chinese funds are flowing in, including wealthy individuals from the mainland and various talent development programs, giving Hong Kong new momentum. Additionally, there has been a return of immigrants from earlier years, resulting in an overall improvement in the atmosphere. "As transactions increase, investors will feel more confident and make faster decisions to enter the market."