Group 1: Residential Market Outlook - The chairman of JLL Hong Kong, Zeng Huanping, predicts a 5% decline in small to medium-sized residential prices this year, driven by an increase in non-local professionals and students [1] - Residential rents are expected to reach historical highs due to the influx of non-local talent and students [1] - The forecast for luxury property prices has been adjusted from a 5% decline to a range of 5% to 10% due to an increase in distressed sales of commercial properties affecting luxury homeowners [1] Group 2: Commercial Property Market Outlook - The office market is showing signs of improvement, with increased leasing activity in prime locations, particularly in Central, despite an overall vacancy rate rising to 13.6% [1] - The net absorption recorded in the first half of the year was 130,700 square feet, driven by transactions in key areas like Central, Wan Chai/Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui [1] - JLL anticipates that rental rates for prime office buildings in Central will stabilize by the end of the year, although overall office rents are expected to decline by about 5% for the year [2] Group 3: Retail Market Outlook - The vacancy rate for core area street shops remains at 10.5%, while the vacancy rate for premium shopping malls has reached a new high of 10.5% due to increased new supply and additional vacant space in existing malls [2] - The upcoming completion of approximately 600,000 square feet of new retail space is expected to exert upward pressure on vacancy rates for premium shopping malls [2] - Rental rates for core area street shops and premium malls are projected to decline by 5% to 10% this year [2]

Group 1: Overall Market Sentiment - The Hong Kong property market remains cautious in the first half of 2025, with no significant measures introduced in the latest government budget [1] - Recent reductions in actual mortgage interest rates and increased cash rebates from banks have slightly improved the residential market sentiment, although the non-residential property market continues to be affected by investor sell-offs [1][2] Group 2: New Property Sales and Inventory - The high inventory issue of new properties persists, with expected lower transaction volumes in 2025 compared to 2024 due to the high base effect from government measures [2] - Approximately 20,900 and 20,100 residential units are projected to be completed in 2025 and 2026, respectively, while the total first-hand transaction volume for 2024 is estimated at around 16,900 units [2] Group 3: Secondary Market Dynamics - The secondary market is stabilizing as some buyers enter due to a 30% drop in prices from previous peaks, lower interest rates, and government stamp duty relaxations, but prices remain influenced by the primary market [2] - The residential rental market is benefiting from increased demand from international students and skilled professionals, leading to a positive trend in overall rental prices [2] Group 4: Luxury and Commercial Property Market - The luxury market shows signs of demand absorption with nearly 1,000 transactions for large units in the first five months of 2025, supported by mainland buyers due to the government's investment immigration policy [3] - The overall commercial property market remains weak, with low-priced transactions and rising yields affecting property appreciation potential, although a slight improvement in the office market is expected in the second half of 2025 [4] Group 5: Student Accommodation Opportunities - The severe supply-demand imbalance in student accommodation presents an opportunity to convert underutilized commercial properties into student housing, supported by a pilot program from the Hong Kong Development Bureau and Education Bureau [4]