Victor Shih Wing Ching: It is expected that Hong Kong property prices could rise by nearly 15% in the first half of 2026, with the possibility of reaching close to 20% for the whole year.

Founder of the Midland Group, Shi Yongqing, pointed out that the estimated increase in Hong Kong property prices in the first half of the year is close to 15%, with a potential increase of nearly 20% for the whole year. As the prices of major housing estates have already increased by 15% in the first two months alone, he is confident that the property market will continue to rise and the upward trend will intensify. He believes that the increase in property prices in the first half of the year will be greater than in the second half, as developers have been more aggressive in pricing in the first half of the year due to the market turnaround. However, rapid price increases have slowed sales, prompting the market to respond to the prices. Shi Yongqing also estimates that in the short term, the Hong Kong government will continue to focus on real estate, and this upward cycle will last for several years. He further points out that the new budget does not include measures to support the property market, but instead increases stamp duty rates, reflecting the government's need for developers' cooperation in developing the northern district. He believes that the residential property market is quite stable and does not require further support. Regarding the land sale plan for the new year, he estimates that all 9 land parcels will be sold, with prices higher than market estimates, and expects land prices to increase more than property prices, as construction costs remain relatively stable. Executive director of the Midland Group, Shi Junrong, noted that the Hong Kong property market rebounded significantly in the second half of 2025, with the company recording over 7,200 first-hand transactions for the whole year, amounting to approximately HK$80 billion. He also predicts that the property market will continue to be hot this year.