Centaline: Hong Kong's property price index has accumulated a rise of 7.08% in the first nine months; property prices are expected to rise 2% to 3% in the fourth quarter.

The Hong Kong Rating and Valuation Department's latest publication shows that the private domestic price index for September 2026 stood at 320.8 points, up 0.19% month-on-month, rising for two consecutive months. In the first nine months of this year, the property price index has accumulated a rise of 7.08%. On rents, although the summer holiday ended in September, the leasing market continued to benefit from the talent and quality migrant schemes; the rental index continued to hit a record high, rising for 11 consecutive months, up 0.47% month-on-month. Chen Yongjie, Vice Chairman of Centaline Property Asia-Pacific and President of the Residential Department, said that the primary market improved in September, recording about 1,400 primary transactions. Supported by transaction volume, the overall market sentiment was positive, and second-hand property prices also recorded a slight rise. Although the increase was not large, Chen Yongjie believes that sustaining the upward trend and the index rising for two consecutive months is a healthy signal for the property market's development. It is worth noting that the September index is believed not to have reflected the impact of the US interest rate hike of 0.25% in the middle of the month. In October, the primary market maintained its strength, with multiple projects in Kowloon launched at restrained prices. As of yesterday, primary transactions in October had exceeded 1,700 units, a five-month high. With brisk primary transactions, the secondary market is inevitably under pressure, and the October index may see a slight adjustment. However, Chen Yongjie remains optimistic about the property market's performance in the fourth quarter. He pointed out that the market now expects a significantly lower chance of another US rate hike this month, Hong Kong's rental yield remains at a high level, and the latest Centaline City Rental Yield stands at 3.31%, rising for three consecutive months, which is believed to continue to attract many investors into the property market. In addition, next month's APEC meeting in Shenzhen, with heads of state attending and showing a harmonious side, will help stabilize the property market. Various favorable factors provide a foundation for the fourth-quarter property market to rise, and property prices are expected to record a 2% to 3% increase in the fourth quarter. On rents, Chen Yongjie said that although the summer holiday ended in September, the leasing market is being carried forward by talent and quality migrants. The new Policy Address continues to focus on attracting talent to Hong Kong, and housing demand in Hong Kong is increasing rather than decreasing, so the rental index is believed to remain elevated.