Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong government's recent budget proposal to extend the HKD 100 stamp duty to residential properties valued up to HKD 4 million has alleviated the financial burden on buyers, leading to a significant increase in second-hand housing transactions [1] Group 1: Market Activity - In April, Hong Kong recorded 496 second-hand housing transactions, a 36% increase from 366 in March, marking the highest level in nearly nine months [1][2] - The total transaction value for the same period was approximately HKD 18.7 billion, up 35% from HKD 13.88 billion in March [1][2] - The average price of second-hand housing in April was about HKD 3.771 million, a slight decrease of 0.6% from March's HKD 3.792 million, reaching the lowest level in over 104 months [2] Group 2: Price Segmentation - All six price segments for second-hand housing saw an increase in transaction volume, with the segment under HKD 2 million experiencing the largest growth, recording 23 transactions, a 109% increase [3] - The most active segment was the HKD 3 million to HKD 4 million range, with 246 transactions, up 59% from 155 in March [3] - By region, Kowloon recorded 151 transactions, a 72% increase; New Territories saw 297 transactions, up 29%; while Hong Kong Island had 48 transactions, a slight increase of 2% [3] Group 3: Notable Transactions - The highest recorded transaction in April was for a unit in Ngau Chi Wan, sold for HKD 8 million, with an average price per square foot of HKD 12,618, the highest for second-hand housing that month [2] - The top-performing estate in terms of transaction volume was Regal Garden in Kowloon Bay, with 26 transactions, a 271% increase from the previous month [4] Group 4: Market Outlook - The easing of the US-China trade war and the reduction in Hong Kong's interbank lending rates are expected to boost buyer confidence and overall market activity [6] - However, the transition period for the "White Form" housing scheme and the upcoming sale of new public housing units may create competition for second-hand housing, potentially leading to a decrease in transaction volume in May [6]