Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the expansion of the "Easy Payment" system to second-hand residential property transactions starting February 28, allowing for faster and safer payment transfers between buyers and sellers [1] Group 1: System Overview - The "Easy Payment" system enables mortgage loan funds to be transferred electronically between banks, eliminating the need for traditional payment methods that require checks and lawyers' bank accounts [1] - This system is designed to facilitate quicker transactions, with sellers able to receive proceeds from property sales on the same day as the transaction [1] Group 2: Implications for Stakeholders - Buyers and sellers can inform their real estate agents to include relevant clauses in the provisional sale and purchase agreements, enhancing the efficiency of the transaction process [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, along with other stakeholders, announced the expansion of the "Easy Payment" property transaction payment arrangement to include second-hand residential property sales starting from February 28, 2026, enhancing efficiency and security in property transactions [1]. Group 1: Payment Arrangement Details - The "Easy Payment" arrangement allows mortgage loan payments to be transferred electronically between banks, enabling sellers to receive proceeds on the same day as the transaction [1]. - Compared to traditional payment methods, which require checks and involve both parties' lawyers, "Easy Payment" offers a faster and safer alternative [1]. Group 2: Stakeholder Support and Implementation - The HKMA President, Yu Wai-man, emphasized the authority's commitment to promoting electronic payments in property transactions to improve efficiency and security, encouraging public adoption of the new arrangement [1]. - The Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Banks, Sun Yu, stated that the banking sector is fully prepared for the implementation of "Easy Payment" in second-hand residential property transactions, having conducted extensive research and consultations [1]. - The Chairman of the Law Society, Tang Man-long, noted that "Easy Payment" is not a new concept, as it has been successfully used in refinancing transactions, and supports its expansion to second-hand property sales as a natural progression in line with technological advancements [1]. - The CEO of the Estate Agents Authority, Leung Chung-tai, expressed strong support for the expansion of "Easy Payment" and encouraged estate agents to inform clients about its benefits [1].