Core Insights - The overall Grade A office leasing market in Hong Kong recorded a positive net absorption of 143,000 square feet in September, marking the longest streak of positive net absorption since May 2022 with six consecutive months of growth [1] Market Demand - The demand for leasing is primarily driven by banks and multinational corporations, with an acceleration in negotiations for office space consolidation and upgrades [1] - The active performance of the Hong Kong stock market has further solidified confidence in its status as an international financial center, prompting financial institutions to implement real estate plans for office spaces [1] Vacancy Rates - As of the end of September, the overall office vacancy rate slightly decreased to 13.4%, with improvements seen across most sub-markets [1] - The vacancy rates in Central and Wan Chai/Causeway Bay improved to 11% and 12% respectively, while Tsim Sha Tsui saw a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points to 7.7% [1] Rental Trends - Overall rents in September experienced a slight month-on-month decline of 0.1%, although some premium office buildings in core locations are showing signs of rental stabilization [1] - Rents in Wan Chai/Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui both recorded a month-on-month decrease of 0.2%, while rents in Central remained stable [1]

Core Insights - The report by CBRE highlights the recovery and analysis of Hong Kong's office market from 2022 to 2025, predicting a gradual increase in office demand until 2028 due to economic improvement and various driving factors [1][4]. Group 1: Market Trends (2022-2025) - Total leasing area increased by 1.1 million square feet, driven by some industries expanding office space despite cost-saving measures [2][3]. - The vacancy rate has risen to over 17%, nearly double the pre-pandemic level, due to significant supply increases [2][3]. - New Grade A office supply reached 7 million square feet, 2.3 times the previous period, marking the highest level of new supply in 15 years [2][3]. - 55% of the new supply remains unleased, contributing to 3.9 million square feet of vacant space [2][3]. - Rental rates have decreased by 17% during this period, a slower decline compared to the 27% drop observed in the previous study period [2][3]. Group 2: Emerging Trends - New trends in the Grade A office market include a recovery in total leasing area, with significant growth from public and educational sectors, as well as non-traditional banking and financial companies [3]. - There is a shift in corporate office footprints, with local companies expanding while multinational firms are downsizing [3]. - The trend of decentralization from Central has slowed, with a continuous decline in space involved over two research periods [3]. - Increased demand for green offices, with owners actively renovating to meet environmental standards [3]. - The shared office space sector is contracting, indicating a shift in market dynamics [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook (2026-2028) - CBRE expresses confidence in Hong Kong's economic prospects, with improvements in global rankings enhancing market confidence and attracting global enterprises [4][5]. - Office demand is expected to gradually recover, driven by the resurgence of traditional services, increased presence of mainland Chinese companies, and emerging new economy sectors [4][5]. - The market will see a rethinking of workplace strategies to adapt to the new normal, with varying competitive dynamics across different regions [4][5]. - Tsim Sha Tsui West is anticipated to emerge as a strategic alternative hub for financial companies [4][5]. - Owners are adopting flexible leasing strategies, including green leases and shared facilities, to meet evolving tenant demands [5].