港铁康城12期火速开标会德丰力压八财团得手
梁志坚：出价考虑疫情因素
武汉疫情在港蔓延，并缠绕楼市。港铁日出康城12期周二截标后，昨日火速开标，由会德丰地产再下一城，并击败其餘8家财团夺得物业发展权，属该公司第4度取得区内发展项目，晋身为区内大地主。会德丰副主席梁志坚表示，是次出价有考虑疫情因素。据悉，发展商除需向港铁提供定额15%分红比例外，亦需支付一笔额外款项作竞投条件，有关金额成为发展商成功突围关键。
在淡市下，港铁将军澳日出康城12期于周二截标，吸引9家财团入标竞投。港铁昨迅速公布结果，由会德丰地产力压8家财团夺标，其餘入标发展商为长实、新地、信和、华懋、恒基、中国海外，另新世界则伙拍帝国集团以合资形式入标等。
会德丰副主席梁志坚表示，是次出价有考虑疫情因素，而集团过往于区内有多个发展项目，均录理想成绩，但相信疫情只属短暂影响，集团对区内前景有信心。而投资额方面，因条款所限，目前未能透露。对于年内楼市发展，他指，料今年将健康平稳发展，楼价大跌机会不大，料有窄幅上落。
黄光耀：主打中小户型
会德丰地产常务董事黄光耀表示，是次属集团第4度于区内夺地，过往亦有多个项目先后推出销售，集团对区内环境熟悉，亦了解区内客源及社区发展。而在过往销售的项目中，以中小型单位最受市场追捧，而最新12期项目亦会主打中小型单位，以迎合市场需求，涉约2000伙；同时该期数可与系内区内发展项目产生协同效应。
第四度区内夺地
黄光耀续指，受疫情影响，料月内不论一手及二手成交量将会放缓，料今年首季楼市将有5%上下波幅。推盘方面，系内同区9C期早前已获批预售，仍在筹备当中，集团会留意市场环境，再落实推售时间表。
资料显示，该公司先后于区内连夺4个发展项目，部分更已推出销售，分别为5期（MALIBU）、7期（MONTARA）及9期（MARINI）项目；连同是次的12期项目，晋身为区内大地主。
坐落商场上盖
有代理表示，近日疫情属短期影响。且近年不少发展商面对买地难问题，始终需要补充土地储备，而且港铁的项目有其吸引性。加上中标发展商于同区已有项目，销售经验十足。再者区内配套日渐成熟，商场即将开幕，对将来卖楼及定价有帮助。估计以中小型单位为主，落成后每呎可售16000元起。
该项目坐落于日出康城商场的上盖，在港铁康城站之南面，住宅楼面上限为96.1万方呎，提供不多于2000伙；消息指，项目补地价27.25亿，每方呎2835元。除补地价及固定分红比例约15%外，并须以价高者得的「一口价」决定胜负，最少为3.5亿，故该笔额外款项成发展商突围的关键。综合业界估值指，连同补地价金额，该地皮估值约52.8亿至62.4亿，楼面呎价约5500至6500元。
(星岛日报)
中环中心呎租90元证券行续约两年
中环指标甲厦中环中心录一宗续租，市场消息指，该厦一个单位，面积约11644方呎，现址为证券行，刚以每呎90元续租，较旧租金加54%。
上址为中环中心42楼01室，面积约11644方呎，该全层业主陈秉志接受本报查询时回应，该单位租客华泰证券，刚以每呎90元续租，涉及月租104.8万，续约两年，由于该单位旧租金为偏低水平，当时月租约67.84万，平均呎租仅58.26元，故新租金加幅54%。
市场消息指，上环信德中心招商局大厦高层28D室，面积约2508方呎，于空置约一年后，以每呎约61元租出，每月租金15.3万，有代理指出，该单位属于优质单位，全海景，向东面望四季酒店，同类单位于市况回落之前，呎租高达68元，今番回落约10%，惟在当今市况下，属于不俗水平。
信德每呎61元租出
信德中心近月承租单位，每呎由51至逾60元不等，去年11月，该厦西翼中层02室，面积1402方呎，以每呎约51元租出，涉资约7.15万，属该厦逾1年以来新低。有代理指，该单位景观一般，因附设装修才租出，较市价低约5%。
据代理资料显示，该甲厦去年底承租个案，包括高层单位，面积2491方呎，以14.4万租出，呎租约58元；另一宗亦为同层单位，面积约1352方呎，以83824元租出，呎租约62元。
(星岛日报)
Wheelock wins bid for Lohas Park Phase 12
Wheelock and Company (0020) won the bid for the Lohas Park Phase 12 plot in Tseung Kwan O, and Centaline Property Agency expects prices of completed properties at the project to start from HK$15,000-16,000 per square foot.
MTR Corporation (0066) announced the result yesterday, one day after ending the tender submissions on Tuesday.
Nine developers submitted tenders for Phase 12 of Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O on Tuesday, including Henderson Land Development (0012), CK Asset (1113) and Sun Hung Kai Properties (0016).
MTRC is asking for a land premium of HK$2.7 billion, or HK$2,835 per square foot, for the project, according to reports.
The per square foot price was 10 percent lower than the land premium of HK$3,194 per sq ft of the phase 11 of Lohas Park, which was won by Sino Land (0083), K Wah International (0173) and China Merchants Land (0978) last April.
Meanwhile, real estate agent expects the number of property transactions to fall 30 percent month-on-month in February, as market sentiment has turned sour due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
The number of private residential property transactions in Hong Kong fell 5 percent month-on-month to 613 in January, the lowest in 13 months, with the total consideration plunging 34 percent month-on-month to HK$7.28 billion, according to another real estate agent. However, the agent expects private residential property transactions to rally in February, as some registrations last month had to be delayed to February due to the epidemic.
In the secondary market, a 910-sq-ft flat at Whampoa Garden was available for HK$16 million after the owner cut HK$2 million from the original asking price.
In the commercial property market, a 3,000-sq-ft street shop at Cannon Street in Causeway Bay was rented for HK$300,000 per month, after HK$150,000 was cut from the original asking rent.
In the capital market, the overall Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate continued a pullback on Wednesday. The one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate, which is linked to the mortgage rate, fell to 2.01 percent, a two-week low.
(The Standard)
NWD halts all construction over outbreak
New World Development (0017) became the first local developer to shut down all of its construction sites for two weeks from yesterday until February 17 amid the coronavirus outbreak, as the number of completed private residential units fell to a four-year low in 2019.
The developer said it would review the epidemic's development on a weekly basis and adjust the reopening day of construction sites if required.
It also denied that any employees were infected with the virus, saying none of its staff were confirmed or suspected cases and the suspension was a proactive measure to protect its staff and their families.
The company has been developing six residential and commercial projects, among which, the project atop the Tai Wai Station is expected to offer 3,090 units with the first batch to be launched in the first half of this year.
The Hong Kong Construction Association estimated that 20-30 percent of Hong Kong's construction workers had visited the mainland during the Lunar New Year holiday, and other developers may follow NWD in suspending projects as virus cases escalate.
Meanwhile, the number of completed private residential units dropped 35 percent year-on-year to 13,600 in 2019, a four-year low, according to the Transport and Housing Bureau.
A real estate agency firm expects the number of completed units to continue to fall in the future, as developers are on the sidelines amid the escalation of the coronavirus crisis.
The Transport and Housing Bureau expects that in the following few months, six residential sites could be ready for construction and could provide 3,900 units.
In other news, Wharf Holdings (0004) is set to hand out 10 million yuan (HK$11 million) to establish a fund for the prevention and control of the coronavirus following donations by NWD and Henderson Land Development (0012), but the largest two property operators - Sun Hung Kai Properties (0016) and CK Asset (1113) - have yet to make such an announcement.
(The Standard)
Nine target Lohas site as valuation slips from virus
Nine developers have submitted a tender for Phase 12 of Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O yesterday, including Henderson Land Development (0012), CK Asset (1113) and Sun Hung Kai Properties (0016).
But analysts have revised down the site's valuation to as little as HK$4.8 billion in view of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.
Empire Group said although the virus has impacted the company's bidding price, the group believes it will not affect the development of the whole project in the long term. Besides, there are few units atop the MTR station and they have a rigid market demand.
MTR Corporation's chief property manager David Tang Chi-fai billed the response to the tender submissions as enthusiastic.
A real estate agency valued the site at HK$4,500 per buildable square foot, down by 10 percent due to the Wuhan virus outbreak, and the estimated price for the land at about HK$4.33 billion.
Meanwhile, another agency valued the site at HK$6,000 to HK$6,500 per buildable square foot as primary flats in the same district have sold well and the price should be higher than that of phase one.
In other news, the overall Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate saw a pullback yesterday. The one-month Hibor, which is linked to the mortgage rate, fell to 2.15661 percent.
(The Standard)
上月甲厦交投跌50% 50指标项目仅三宗买卖
肺炎事件令商厦市场观望气氛浓罩。据代理资料显示，上月50大甲厦仅录3宗成交，按月急挫逾50%，创两年以来次低水平。
两年来次低水平
代理数据显示，今年1月50大甲厦仅录3宗买卖，较去年12月份的7宗跌逾半，是近两年以来的次低水平，仅较去年9月份的1宗为多。1月份的成交面积仅约1.7万方呎，按月急挫64%。该行预期，疫症问题短期内仍会继续困扰市场，并影响投资气氛，相信第一季交投仍继续冰封。
若以区域划分，上月九龙区录2宗，按月减少4宗，至于港岛区录1宗，并已是连续第3个月仅1宗买卖。上月录得成交的大厦，分别为湾仔海港中心、观塘寧晋中心及观塘宏基资本大厦，这亦意味着上月高达47座甲厦「零」成交，属去年9月份以后最多。
该代理表示，本地政治事件虽然逐渐缓和，但疫症事件爆发，对市场交投打击沉重，部分睇楼活动也因而暂停。至于整体第一季，虽然新春假期将过，但预计市场仍然会观望疫症事件去向，参照2003年「沙士」时的经验，疫症大约持续数个月，市场成交大幅萎缩，代理相信今次肺炎事件亦影响市场交投步伐，第一季成交量仍会于低位徘徊。
(星岛日报)
上环信德中心比邻港澳码头
上环信德中心为区内地标，因比邻港澳码头，吸引不少来往中港澳三地业务频繁的企业进驻。
信德中心位于上环干诺道中168至200号，设有两座办公室大楼，信德中心西翼及招商局大厦。物业楼高41层，分别于1985年及1986年落成，楼龄约34年。
全层2.3万呎合总部使用
其中信德中心西翼，为一梯12伙的设计，单位面积由1,354至2,559平方呎，业户可选择将单位打通作全层使用，全层面积约2.3万平方呎，适合公司当作总部使用。
西翼大楼共设有16部客用升降机，以楼层分隔，每层有4部升降机可到达，有效疏导人流。而洗手间则为全层共用。
物业可享多种景观，向北的单位可外望维多利亚港海景，景观开扬；另一边的单位外望为中上环一带都市景观。
由于物业邻近港澳码头，往返中港澳三地便捷，故吸引不少有需要来往两地办公的企业，如贸易公司等进驻。物业亦有多国驻港领事馆，如挪威及智利驻港领事馆。
而物业基座为信德中心6层商场，设有不少食肆及商店，日常饮食及购物选择一应俱全。商场连接上环港铁站，旁边亦设有巴士总站，比邻亦有电车，出入相当方便。
中层户去年7月呎造4万
另物业亦提供停车场设施，方便业户驾车出入；信德中心设有行人天桥连接中上环各主要地区，四通八达。
信德中心西翼交投未见活跃，对上一宗要追溯至去年7月，一个中层09室单位，面积1,391平方呎，以5,564万元易手，呎价4万元。
租赁方面则较为活跃，今年1月份共录2宗租赁，平均呎租为48元。最新近一宗成交为中低层06A室，面积1,000平方呎，以5.5万元租出，呎租55元。
(经济日报)
Adidas租观塘海滨汇呎租30
近期商厦租务以九龙区相对活跃，体育品牌Adidas刚承租观塘海滨汇全层合共约7万呎楼面，呎租约30元，品牌原租用港岛东，搬迁可节省租金及整合业务。近日该厦连环录成交，包括宏利保险租全层。
市场消息指，东九龙录大手租务成交，涉及观塘海滨汇10楼全层，及9楼部分楼面，总面积约7.2万平方呎，成交呎租约30元。据悉，新租客为体育品牌Adidas。
该品牌原租用港岛东太古城中心商厦，以及观塘Landmark East，两个办公室合共涉约10万平方呎，按太古城中心呎租约50元计，搬迁后楼面有所缩减，既可节省少许开支，亦整合业务。
宏利近日租11楼5.2万呎
领展（00823） 旗下观塘商厦项目海滨汇去年入伙，大厦卖点为全层面积大，逾5万平方呎，为同区罕有，总楼面达90万平方呎，出租率达8成。事实上，该厦近日亦曾录租务成交，涉及物业11楼，楼面面积约5.2万平方呎，呎租约30元，新租客为宏利保险，该集团总部正比邻海滨汇，早年购入全幢并命名为宏利大厦，租用海滨汇作扩充业务。
整体市况一般，近期大手租务多涉及节省开支，因此租金较便宜的九龙区，租务相对活跃。消息指，尖沙咀港威大厦中层半层楼面，面积约1.3万平方呎，以每平方呎约55元租出。据悉，新租客为英国皮鞋品牌Dr. Martens，该品牌目前租用天后电气道商厦，搬迁料可整合业务。港威大厦最近亦有不少机构洽租，包括友邦保险洽租大厦高层全层，面积约2.6万平方呎，呎租料约60元。
(经济日报)
Coronavirus fears will further slow Hong Kong’s sluggish construction work, say analysts, as property transactions slump to 13-month low
Property transactions in Hong Kong fell to a 13-month low as analysts warned the coronavirus outbreak is likely to further derail the world’s most expensive housing market.
The value of all properties changing hands in January dropped 17 per cent to HK$29 billion, while the number of transactions slipped to 3,776 from 3,908 a month earlier, the Land Registry revealed on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, data from the Transport and Housing Bureau showed a total of 13,600 new flats were built last year, the lowest number since 2015.
That was a drop of 35 per cent from the previous year, as developers held back in a housing market rocked by months of social unrest, the effects of the US-China trade war, and an impending vacancy tax that would penalise them for harbouring unoccupied, finished apartments.
Now the viral outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, and has infected at least 15 people in Hong Kong looks set to further dampen sentiment in the world’s most expensive property market.
New World Development announced it would stop construction work at its sites from Tuesday afternoon for two weeks to minimise the threat of the virus.
It was “a proactive measure to better protect the health of our staff and their families,” New World said in a statement. It added: “We will review the development of the epidemic on a weekly basis and may adjust the reopening day of our construction sites if required.”
Some contractors have had to stop work as they failed to get a government permit while civil servants worked from home last week, according to a consultancy firm.
“They expect the situation will continue as most business will be disrupted until the end of the coronavirus,” the consultant said.
On January 28, the government ordered civil servants to stay away from the office for a week as part of efforts to minimise the spread of the disease. Government offices began to resume work this week.
The release of the construction data itself had been delayed from January 31 to today because of the special working arrangements.
In the week ended February 2, sales of used homes dropped to a 23-week low of just 51 deals across 50 housing estates tracked by a real estate agency firm.
“Prospective buyers are reluctant to go out to view flats as the government advises people to avoid public gatherings during the outbreak of the coronavirus,” the agent said.
The health emergency is also likely to disrupt shipments of vital construction materials, another agent said.
“The latest coronavirus will somewhat slow the construction activities in the first quarter since imports of some materials and appliances, in particular from China, will not be as smooth as expected,” the agent said. “However, local construction activities are expected to pick up in the second quarter and thereafter.”
The consultant said last year’s fall in construction of new homes was down to a combination of the impending vacancy tax, protracted anti-government protests and the US-China trade dispute.
“As developers acknowledged these negative factors would dampen buying demand, there were no incentives for them to build fast. On the other hand, developers would be liable to pay vacancy tax if their completed units remain empty for six months,” he said.
The government proposes levying a tax of 5 per cent of a flat’s value if it is left empty for six months or more after it receives an occupation permit, to stop developers from hoarding completed but unsold properties, and to ease the city’s housing shortage.
The consultant does not believe the low completion rates will push up prices.
“The upward pressure on home prices would be offset by the depressed market sentiment,” he said.
The official price index for used homes dipped 1.7 per cent to 378.5 in December, according to the Rating and Valuation Department.
Panic-selling has seen some flats change hands at large discounts as homeowners fear prices could fall further in the coming months.
In Tung Chung, a 736 square-foot unit at Caribbean Coast was sold for HK$7.18 million, after the vendor slashed the price twice from the original asking price of HK$9.5 million last April.
“The owner reduced the price again last week in view of the coronavirus becoming more serious. The flat finally sold without the buyer even viewing the unit,” another agent said.
(South China Morning Post)
Masks order for close of Lohas Park tenders
The tender submission for Phase 12 of Lohas Park in Tseung Kwan O will end today but there will be a special arrangement for media interviews.
The MTR Corporation (0066) said media personnel should wear masks and take temperatures at the press briefing.
The residential project has a gross floor area of 961,100 square feet and will offer up to 2,000 flats.
Meanwhile, buyers are walking away from home purchase deals as the Wuhan virus crisis continued to weigh on the lackluster property market.
A potential purchaser forfeited deposits of about HK$490,000 after cancelling the purchase of a 318-sq-ft flat at L'aquatique in Tsing Lung Tau, which was priced at HK$4.87 million.
In the primary market, mainland developer Minmetals Land (0230) will apply for pre-sale consent for the Shung Shun Street Project in Yau Tong, which will provide about 690 flats and is expected to hit the market in the third quarter.
Minmetals Land said it will not provide nano flats, and the studio flats will measure at least 230 sq ft.
Property markets in Tai Wai and Diamond Hill are expected to benefit from the opening of the first phase of the Tuen Ma Line, property consultancy said.
In the luxury property market, a 3,780-sq-ft home at Crown of St Barths in Ma On Shan sold for HK$118.8 million, or HK$31,429 per sq ft, by tender.
In the secondary market, a 384-sq-ft flat at Chelsea Court in Tsuen Wan changed hands for HK$5.9 million, or HK$15,365 per sq ft, after HK$600,000 was slashed from the original asking price.
The number of licensed real estate agents in Hong Kong dipped 0.5 percent month-on-month to 39,322 at the end of January, the lowest in 18 months.
Another property agency only recorded 15 secondary transactions at 35 major housing estates over the past week, down by 54.5 percent week-on-week, the lowest in 25 weeks, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
In the Grade-A office market, the 50 major offices recorded only three transactions in January, down by 57 percent month-on-month and almost to a two-year low, due to the Wuhan virus crisis, the agent said.
The agent expects the virus crisis to weigh on the market in the short term and dampen sentiment, says the Estate Agents Authority.
In the capital market, the one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate, which is linked to the mortgage rate, rose to 2.25286 percent yesterday.
(The Standard)
HK office space deals plunge in January
The 50 major grade A office spaces only recorded three transactions in January, down by 57 percent month-on-month and hit a two-year low, due to the Wuhan coronavirus crisis, according to property agent.
The agent expects the coronavirus crisis to weigh on the market in the short term and dampen sentiment.
The agent also estimates the transactions in the first quarter to remain low as the epidemic may last for a few months.
(The Standard)
Secondary deals remain subdued
The escalating Wuhan coronavirus epidemic continued to weigh on the sluggish local property market, with secondary transactions for major projects remaining in single digits last weekend.
A property agency recorded only three secondary deals for the 10 major housing estates it tracks, the same number as the previous weekend. Visitings have plunged by 70-80 percent last weekend amid the outbreak, according to the chief executive of the property agency.
Another property agency saw single-digit deals for a third weekend, with four units sold in the 10 major projects last weekend.
In Tin Shui Wai, a 551-square-foot flat at Kingswood Villas changed hands for HK$5.18 million, or HK$9,401 per sq ft, after the vendor cut 11 percent from the initial asking price. South Horizons in the Southern District and City One in Sha Tin saw one transaction each.
In Tuen Mun, a 536-square-feet flat at Ori changed hands for HK$6.18 million, or HK$11,530 per sq ft, after HK$1.32 million was slashed from the original asking price. The vendor would incur a loss of about HK$100,000 after paying stamp duties and commission fees.
In Yuen Long, In 498-sq-ft apartment at the Grand Yoho a sold for HK$7.68 million, or HK$15,422 per sq ft, compared with an initial asking price of HK$8.08 million. The seller bought the unit at HK$69.5 million in 2016.
Elsewhere, a three-bedroom unit at Lake Silver in Ma On Shan, where three confirmed patients of the Wuhan coronavirus have lived, changed hands for HK$14.8 million, or HK$15,102 per sq ft, around 10 percent lower than market valuation. A two-bedroom flat at Sunshine City in the same district sold for HK$5.58 million, or HK$16,034 per sq ft, after HK$620,000 was cut from the initial asking price.
The former owner of an 826-sq-ft apartment at The Pavilia Bay, Tsuen Wan, sold the unit at HK$17.3 million, or HK$20,944 per sq ft, 13.5 percent higher than the initial purchase price in 2017.
Landlords were also cutting rents to woo tenants with a three-bedroom flat at The Belcher's in Kennedy Town rented for HK$51,000 per month, or HK$46 per sq ft, after HK$5,000 was slashed from the original asking price.
However, in the primary market, a 1,425-sq-ft special unit at Poggibonsi in Discovery Bay sold for HK$36 million, or HK$25,263 per sq ft, the highest price for the project.
(The Standard)
信德中心每呎68元市价租出
正当中环美国银行中心单位租金接连录新低，较高位回落50%，上环信德中心租金相对「企得住」，一个细单位以每方呎68元租出，虽较两年前高位仅跌15%，代理指，呎租属市价水平。
市场消息透露，信德中心西翼1408B室，建筑面积约615方呎，以每方呎68元租出，涉及月租约4.18万，代理指出，该单位属罕有细单位，兼且望全海景，假若在市况好时出租，呎租必然创新高。
望全海景优质单位
信德中心最贵租金于2018年2月录得，该厦西翼28楼8至9室，建筑面积2752方呎，望全海景，以每月逾22万租出，呎租高达80元，属于该厦新高。
较高位回落15%
该厦近期新低租金于去年11月录得，信德中心西翼中层2室，建筑面积约1402方呎，以每月7.15万元获承租，平均呎租51元，该单位望干诺道中楼景，该单位于去年4月易手，透过买卖公司形式成交，市传作价4486.4万，平均呎价约3.2万现时，回报仅1.9厘。
同区商厦信裕大厦亦录连环承租，低层单位面积约2660方呎，以3.99万租出，平均呎租约15元；另一租务为同厦低层单位，面积约1668方呎，以4.17万租出，平均呎租25元。另外，湾仔德士古大厦中层单位，面积约2220方呎，以58830元租出，平均呎租约26.5元。
观塘万兆丰中心连环承租，该厦中层D室，面积1915方呎，以58407.5元租出，平均呎租约30.5元；同厦另一中层D室，面积约1915方呎，以45960元租出，平均呎租约24元。
(星岛日报)
Office rents plummet as coronavirus drags Hong Kong’s commercial property transactions to an all-time low
Hong Kong’s commercial property market, already reeling from last year’s protests, is about to slide further into the doldrums as the coronavirus epidemic saps demand, according to analysts.
The volume of transactions for office, retail and industrial properties is poised for a historic low in February, having already sunk to record levels in the previous two months. Meanwhile, a grade-A office building near Central has seen its rent plummet by two thirds to HK$42 (US$5.4) per square foot, the lowest in 10 years.
The number of deals signed in the commercial real estate sector is likely to fall below 200 this month for the first time since records began in July 1995, real estate agent said.
“The number has been below 300 for a period of five straight months, averaging about 250, and that’s the first time that has happened,” the agent said. “The figure in January [202] has not reflected the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Transactions are likely to remain low.”
In particular, the number of office transactions in the three months to March may add up to fewer than 150, marking an all-time low, according to another real estate agency firm.
“The emergence of the latest coronavirus outbreak has undoubtedly taken a toll on the office market,” the agent said. “Like during the Sars outbreak, this epidemic will freeze the turnover of offices in the short term.”
Central’s premium office rents dropped the most among Hong Kong’s core business districts as its vacancy rate reached 4 per cent in January for the first time in more than five years, according to an international real estate agency firm.
Bank of America Tower in Admiralty recently leased a unit measuring 2,367 square feet for HK$110,700 (US$14,212) a month, or HK$42 per sq ft, the lowest in a decade, agents said.
The rent per square foot is 67.2 per cent lower than another unit of 3,100 square feet in the same tower that leased for a record high of HK$128 per sq ft in mid-2018.
The amount of grade-A office space being leased fell by 173,600 square feet last month as freshly vacated premises remained on the market, according to the agent.
“Immediate demand has weakened off the back of the coronavirus, as a number of businesses put decision-making on hold,” the agent said.
The outbreak threatens the outlook for this year, “forestalling any possibility of a near-term economic recovery”, another international real estate agent said.
“The Covid-19 outbreak deals a second blow to Hong Kong’s property market, already weakened from the social unrest in 2019, with most sectors to remain under pressure over the near term,” the agent added. “The office market has come under increased pressure from depressed occupier demand in the face of uncertainty.”
Average Hong Kong and Central office rents will fall by 8 per cent and 13 per cent respectively this year, according to property agency.
“Inspection activity [people viewing properties] should decline and hence leasing momentum will probably remain slow,” another agent said. “A challenging business situation will hinder expansion.”
The agent added the city is likely to see “postponement of IPOs or companies’ plans to open offices in Hong Kong”.
(South China Morning Post)
200,000 new homes to be built in 5 years
The SAR administration estimates that nearly 200,000 private and public housing homes can be offered over the next five years, and it is to set aside about HK$22 billion to invest in Hong Kong-based projects.
The estimated annual supply of private housing from 2020 to 2024 is 19,600 units on average, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said in his budget speech yesterday.
Potential land supply from the 2020-2021 land sale program, railway property development and private development and redevelopment projects are expected to provide about 15,700 homes, and another six commercial sites are estimated to be able provide a floor area of about 830,000 square meters, Chan said.
"I don't think there is a big problem in achieving the target of 19,600 between 2020 and 2024," a real estate agent said. "But if land sales continue to be limited that may impact the actual completions beyond 2024. And in 2025 or beyond we may see a significant drop in completions."
The latest land forecast will be released in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, the estimated production of public housing for the next five years is 100,400 units, comprising 74,400 public rental homes and Green Form Subsidised Home Ownership Scheme units and 26,000 subsidized sale units.
Chan said the government will commence rezoning procedures for another 25 sites in the coming year, which will involve nearly 85,000 units. More than 90 percent will be public housing.
And government sources said the Wang Chau Phase 2 development is involved. That is expected to provide about 14,000 public housing units.
Government sources also said the SAR has finished the assessment of 160 hectares of brownfield sites, which can mean more than 20,000 public housing units completed within 10 years.
And Chan said Hong Kong will continue to pursue new development area projects, to rezone sites for housing development and to develop brownfield clusters and urban squatter areas to provide land to increase the housing supply.
Separately, Hong Kong is to set aside HK$22 billion from the Future Fund to set up the Hong Kong Growth Portfolio for direct investments in projects with a "Hong Kong nexus."
(The Standard)
华人行全层通海证券呎租80
整体租务市场虽然淡静，但仍有个别机构扩充。内地通海证券租用中环华人行全层，呎租约80元，作扩充业务。
市场消息指，中环华人行录全层租务，涉及物业中层全层，面积约9,337平方呎，以每平方呎约80元租出，属市价水平。
据了解，新租客为内地通海证券，该集团于1986年开始在香港设立证劵和期货经纪业务，集团附属公司的业务范畴多元化，其中包括企业融资和諮询、基金、资产管理、投资移民等。据悉，该集团一直租用华人行18及19楼，如今扩充业务租用全层，为近期较罕见机构扩充业务。
皇后大道中8号全层呎租约100
另消息指，同区皇后大道中8号中高层全层，面积约3,012平方呎，以每平方呎约100元租出。金鐘海富中心2座低层06A室，面积约488平方呎，以每月约2.8万元租出，呎租约57元，略低于市场水平。另尖东南洋中心2座中层1室，面积约3,694平方呎，成交月租约10.7万元，呎租约29元。
Olympus呎租30 租KCC
另一方面，相机品牌Olympus租葵涌九龙贸易中心 (KCC) 3.5万呎楼面，呎租约30元，可节省租金。
市场人士透露，葵涌KCC录得大手租务成交，涉及物业A座26楼全层，以及9楼、11楼部分单位，面积合共约3.5万平方呎，成交呎租约30元，属市价水平。
新租客为相机品牌Olympus，现租用朗豪坊42楼单位，作客户服务中心等用途，呎租料约50餘元，如今转租葵涌KCC商厦，可节省约4成租金。
(经济日报)
New World Development sells two malls
New World Development (0017) sold two shopping malls, Telford Plaza II in Kowloon Bay and PopCorn 2 in Tseung Kwan O for HK$3 billion.
NWD has signed a legal agreement with MTR Corporation (0066) and the deal will be completed on or before March 31.
The economic interests of Telford Plaza II and PopCorn 2, which are non-core assets of NWD was sold at HK$2.3 billion and HK$1.3 billion, respectively to make best use of assets and business portfolios to increase cash flow for the core businesses, such as Victoria Dockside.
The group will look for new projects and acquisition opportunities to strengthen the long-term development.
(The Standard)
中环美国银行中心 呎价2.88万4年低
市况波动，甲厦呎价亦见回调。消息指，中环美国银行中心单位以3,900万易手，呎价2.88万元，为4年新低。
代理表示，中环美国银行中心录得成交，涉及物业2812室，面积约1,354平方呎，以3,900万易手，呎价约28,800元。该代理指，原业主于1999年购入，持货逾20年，有见最近疫情令市况增添很多不明朗因素，最终决定沽出。
近期录多宗 低价租务成交
按呎价计，属该厦近4年新低，亦属4年首度呎价跌穿3万元。2016年，物业2801至03室，面积约4,132平方呎，以约1.16亿元成交，呎价约28,150元。该厦对上一宗买卖成交，为去年12月，物业中层单位，面积约1,137平方呎，以约4,880万元易手，呎价约42,920元。去年初，物业2807至08室，面积约2,659平方呎，以约1.43亿元易手，呎价高见53,800元。
受社会事件影响，甲厦租务淡静，租金去年出现下跌，近期疫情持续，令业主减价招租更为明显。以美国银行中心为例，近期录得多宗低价租务成交，本月初中低层5至9室，面积约3,497平方呎，以每月约18.2万元租出，呎租约52元，为4年新低。
商铺2月註册暂36宗 减7.7%
另一方面，有代理的研究报告指出，2月份截至19日，商铺註册数录36宗，较上月同期减少7.7%，金额录4.82亿元，按月回落7.9%，比2003年沙士时期更差。不过，2月份的註册数字仍未全面反映疫症的影响，相信3月份的商铺註册数字有望略再下跌。
代理表示，数据尚未完全反映肺炎疫情的影响，预计短期内商铺註册量仍会于低位徘徊，第一季商铺料仅约150宗註册，或挑战24年来历史新低。由于今次疫情规模比沙士大，本港政治事件仍未完全平息，经济也有显著下行风险，料今次疫症后铺市的復甦路将十分遥远。
(经济日报)
空置率上升 业主减租吸客
疫症影响机构扩充意慾，多区甲厦空置率上升，而业主渐愿降低叫价，以招揽租客。
据代理资料显示，1月份港岛核心商业区甲厦空置率大致向上，包括金鐘、中环、上环及湾仔，升幅约0.07至0.53百分点不等。港岛5个地区甲级商厦空置率，包括金鐘、铜锣湾、中环、上环、及湾仔，当中4个地区空置率都见上扬，仅铜锣湾下调约0.22百分点。而4个上升区域中，以湾仔区升幅最大，由12月约5.91%上升至1月约6.44%，升幅约0.53百分点；中环位居第二，按月增加0.34百分点，至1月约3.83%。
海富中心 空置率升至4.13%
港岛区有5幢指标商厦空置率录得升幅，包括海富中心，北海中心、英皇集团中心、信德中心及力宝中心，其中金鐘海富中心一座空置率升幅最大，由12月录得约1.89%，相隔一个月已大幅上升2.24百分点至约4.13%；至于力宝中心1及2座的空置率亦有0.37及0.59个百分点升幅，而力宝中心1及2座放租盘亦相对较高，过去两个月1及2座分别维持在逾30个放租盘。
疫情持续 美国银行中心降价8%招租
近日业主渐愿降低叫租，如中环美国银行中心低层05室，面积约3,562平方呎，意向呎租约55元，涉及月租约19.6万元，现已交吉。单位可望海景，备有写字楼装修，租客可即租即用。据了解，业主去年曾以每平方呎约110元招租，及后遇上社会运动，业主议价空间逐步扩大，8月份呎租约80元，至去年底前再减至约60元，新近因应肺炎疫情再度下调8%招租。
代理又指，金鐘力宝中心一座高层03A室，单位面积约2,446平方呎，意向呎租约56元，涉及月租约13.7万元。据知，单位备有全装修及写字楼傢俬，据悉，业主原以每平方呎约62元放租，但有感过去大半年间市况持续淡静，故主动减租一成吸客。
分析指，近半年受社会运动影响，机构扩充意慾降低，令近月商厦租务活动淡静，如今加上疫症爆发，扩充兴趣进一步下跌。在需求降低下，核心区甲厦空置率上升，散业主为免单位长期交吉，故渐降低叫价，相信短期内甲厦租金有下行压力。
(经济日报)
余道生家族西营盘旧楼 获准拆卸
老牌家族罕有参与重建，九巴创办人余道生家族西营盘第三街44至50号旧楼获准拆卸，料可重建成约2万平方呎商住项目，而中银香港 (02388)亦获准重建铜锣湾的南业大厦成商厦。
可重建2万呎商住项目
根据资料显示，屋宇署在去年12月共批出10份俗称为「拆楼纸」的拆卸同意书，包括位于第三街44至50号的一批旧楼。该批旧楼属于5至6层高，在2017及2018年陆续由益富(中国)有限公司，以合共2.74亿元购入，早前正式获批准拆楼纸可展开重建。
该公司董事包括余啟超、余锐超及余淦超等，当中余啟超为多福有限公司主席，亦是九巴创办人余道生家族后人、余振强儿子。按照该批旧楼佔地约2,000多平方呎计算，属于「住宅(甲类)」用途，料可重建成约1.9万至2万平方呎楼面的商住项目。
中银铜锣湾商厦准重建
近年楼市炽热，亦吸引不少老牌家族参与地产发展，包括有逾百年历史的林护家族，近年亦发展筲箕湾ONE EIGHTY。
同期由中银持有的铜锣湾的轩尼诗道472号南业大厦重建，预计可重建成1幢商厦，总楼面约1.9万平方呎，将于2021年落成。
另外，随着新界东北项目啟动发展，新世界(00017) 就一直空置多年的粉岭乌鸦落阳项目拆卸，相信是为日后原址换地铺路。
项目由新世界在2003年以3亿元购入，虽然发展商有意作中高层发展，不过由于地盘早在购入前已经完成补地价以地积比率0.4倍发展，故此新世界之后在2006年将项目建成70个单位，一直保持空置状态，但随着政府去年开始新界东北发展，预计项目可以补地价提高地积比发展。
(经济日报)
金鐘为本港核心商业区，甲厦林立，其中远东金融中心位于地铁站上盖，出入相当方便，吸引用家及投资者进驻。
远东金融中心坐落甲级写字楼核心地段，与邻近著名商厦如美国银行中心、海富中心、力宝中心等由架空天桥连接。
大厦可经由天桥直达太古广场、万豪酒店、港岛香格里拉酒店及香港公园，更比邻政府总部，位置优越。
物业楼高41层，外墙为其标誌性的金色玻璃幕墙。大厦基座为商场，设有不少食肆可供选择。而步行至金鐘一带等商厦亦有不少选择。物业写字楼大堂位于1楼，项目设有10部客用升降机，以楼层分开，有助分散人流。
每层1万呎 多分间4伙
每层楼面面积约1.08万平方呎，每层多分间成约4伙，单位面积约2,500平方呎。洗手间位于升降机旁，故全层业户需共用洗手间。
由大厦单位外望，大部分单位可享金鐘及中环一带景致，部分单位更可享中环摩天轮景致，相当开扬。至于大厦业户方面，相当多元化，韩国驻港领事馆设于大厦5楼，而其他著名租户包括中国光大集团、光大控股及光大国际等。
远东金融中心位处夏愨道与红棉道交界，尽享交通之便。地铁金鐘站举步即达；巴士、小站、的士及电车站均近在咫尺，往返各区皆方便快捷。
去年仅录1成交 呎价4.2万
项目买卖交投不多，今年未录成交，而去年则录1宗成交，为低层08至13室，面积5,680平方呎，以2.3856亿元售出，呎价4.2万元。
而租赁成交方面，今年录2宗成交，平均呎租约59元，其中中层11室，面积2,606平方呎，月租156,360元，呎租60元。参考同区比邻的力宝中心一个相若呎数成交，1座高层单位，2,263平方呎，月租135,780元，呎租60元，与远东金融中心相若。
(经济日报)
疫情影响 甲厦租售价料回落
上月尾爆发新冠肺炎，甲厦买卖全綫叫停，业内人士指，业主渐扩阔议价空间，料短期甲厦租售价回落。
1月份为农历新年假期，属传统甲厦租售淡季，而上月中更爆发疫症，打击投资气氛。据代理的十大指标商厦统计，上月仅录1宗买卖。至于上月更大手的甲厦成交，为湾仔海港中心低层单位，以1.27亿元易手。涉及单位为10至11室，单位面积约3,952平方呎，平均呎价约32,136元。
美国银行中心 租金4年新低
租务方面，整体租务成交不多，而租金偏软。如去年尾录得数宗低价成交的中环美国银行中心，再录新低租务个案，涉及中层5室至9室，面积约3,497平方呎，以每月约18.2万元租出，呎租约52元，属4年来新低。另外，日前中层19室，面积约674平方呎，成交呎租约56元，亦属偏低水平。另金鐘统一中心高层全层，面积约20,489平方呎，以114.7万租出，平均呎租约56元，租金略低于市价。业主于2016年11月以约5.12亿元购入，呎价约2.5万元，其后进行放售及放租。
业主扩阔议价 调整难免
代理分析，由于疫情蔓延，令整体投资气氛亦更为淡静，个别业主看淡后市，渐愿降低叫价，如中环美国银行中心高层12室，面积约1,359平方呎，1月份以5,164万元放售，呎价约3.8万元，近日见市况转弱，即降至4,756万元，减幅约8%。另金鐘统一中心极高层1至3室，面积约1.7万平方呎，业主原叫价每呎2.7万元，近日表示愿扩阔议价空间。
该代理认为，因疫情未受控，相信短期甲厦租售气氛仍受影响，成交料偏低，价格亦出现调整。代理指，目前仍处低息环境，业主持货力强，相信甲厦租售价大跌机会仍不高，料上半年下挫幅度约1成。
(经济日报)
上环中远大厦复式铺 9亿标售
发展商推售非核心物业，消息指，新世界现标售上环中远大厦商铺部分，总楼面约2.7万平方呎，意向价约9亿元。
消息称，新世界标售上环中远大厦商铺。涉及物业地下至3楼，合共4层，每层面积由3,590至11,608平方呎不等，合共约27,808平方呎。
连19车位 价值甚高
据了解，该铺位曾由健身中心租用，目前则交吉。由于中远大厦为上环甲厦地标之一，属罕有核心地段大楼面商铺放售。
此外，项目连同2楼及7楼停车场，合共19个车位，值得留意，由于上环区商厦车位一向短缺，中远大厦车位造价甚高。据了解，业主意向价约9亿元。
市场上亦有其他发展商推售非核心商铺，如信置标售火炭御龙山商场连9个商业车位。涉及物业两层商场，街铺面向火炭港铁站。两层商场总面积约为28,771平方呎。物业将以「现状」及连现有租约出售，市值约6亿元。
(经济日报)
湾仔卓凌中心全层
6245万放售
湾仔仍是乙厦投资者热门选择之一，现区内卓凌中心高层全层，意向价约1.8万餘元，全层涉资约6,245万元。
意向呎价逾1.8万
有代理表示，湾仔道133号卓凌中心高层全层，面积约3,376平方呎，意向呎价约1.8万餘元，涉及总额约6,245万元，现已交吉；物业同时亦以每呎约20餘元招租。代理续表示，项目属大厦特色单位，附有平台可作休憩用途，另单位备有基本写字楼装修，景观方面，物业望开扬山景。
该代理指，卓凌中心属湾仔优质乙厦，其大堂质素上乘，楼底高且设计华丽具气派，地板及墙身都採用云石。代理亦指，卓凌中心除了有全层放租外，亦有1,000餘平方呎单位供选择，例如位于大厦中层A室，面积约1,564平方呎，意向呎租同为约20餘元。
(经济日报)
零售疫境 Neway尖东粉岭店结业
G2000数分店放顶租 包括美丽华复式铺
本地事件冲击加上疫症蔓延，令零售及服务行业经营雪上加霜，个别出现结业。Neway卡拉OK位于尖沙咀安达中心旗舰店，近日正式结业，而粉岭分店亦告结业；另本地时装G2000亦把旗下数间分店放顶租，包括美丽华复式铺。
本港连锁卡拉OK Neway，近日关掉尖东安达中心CEO分店，该品牌官方网站显示，目前尖沙咀仅餘尖东港晶中心分店，而安达中心分店已除名。该分店原位于安达中心地库，现场所见，服务台、房间等尚未改动，惟已没有职员，部分「CEO」掛墙名牌亦已拆除。
业主料重新招租 约60万租
据悉，Neway租用安达中心已10多年，涉及物业地库1楼，佔地约29,467平方呎，早年品牌极力打造高级分店，便以「CEO」分店之名，为每间房进行大翻新，加设独立洗手间。2008年，安达中心全幢以7.3亿元转手，品牌仍继续租用，直至最近才正式结业。业主料重新招租，月租料约60万元。
另外，该品牌位于粉岭分店亦告结业，涉及粉岭中心商场地下，据悉该分店于2010年开业，而昨日店铺外贴上「租约期满，结束业务」的告示。
事实上，近年Neway有所缩减业务，如早年租用铜锣湾糖街乐声大厦多层，作首间CEO Neway，提供独立洗手间及主题房间，佔地逾7.8万平方呎，为香港最大型卡拉OK店，2009年更以285万元续租。直至2017年，品牌决定缩减规模，仅保留2及3楼，而放弃1楼及地下楼面，及后由戏院租用。
核心区铺租 料跌20至25%
近半年零售业处低潮，个别连锁服装品牌有见生意转弱，拟放弃铺位节省开支。市场人士透露，本港时装品牌G2000，有意放弃位于尖沙咀及旺角分店，其中位于尖沙咀美丽华广场两层复式铺，面积约4,585平方呎，G2000于2018年以每月约150万租用，开业不足两年，品牌已有意放弃铺位，于市场寻求顶租。另一间位于旺角亚皆老街32号地下至3楼，合共约7,200平方呎，月租料约100万元，据悉品牌亦正寻求顶租。
有代理分析，上月初因本地事件相对缓和，零售及餐饮生意似略为改善，惟疫症急剧蔓延，旅客暂停来港，市民亦不敢外出消费，零售及餐饮必受重创，估计相继出现商户结业情况。该代理指，年初预测市况可望在今年中转势，在疫情持续下难望好转，料核心区铺位租金，上半年跌20至25%，铺价亦同步下挫。
(经济日报)
中保集团大厦为中环优质乙厦之一，面积由900呎至全层1.5万呎单位均有提供，正合不同机构使用。
中保集团大厦位于德辅道中，属于中环传统商业地段，大厦干诺道中正门有天桥，连接国际金融中心(ifc)及四季酒店，以及上环信德中心。
早年曾翻新 大堂光猛
位置上，大厦处中环及上环中间，由港铁香港站出口前往国际金融中心，再步行至该厦，需时约10分鐘，若由上环港铁站前往该厦亦方便。此外，干诺道中及德辅道中分别有巴士及电车站，交通甚为便利。
物业至今楼龄逾50年，而早年曾进行翻新，大堂光猛，乙厦来说质素不错。物业楼高32层，按层数区分出共6部客用升降机，来往各层，有助分散人流。地面有多个商铺，租户包括快餐店等。
大厦每层楼面近1.5万平方呎，单位伙数则可按业主自行分间，亦可打通多个单位，一般来说，单位面积由900多平方呎至9,000多平方呎不等，可适合不同规模机构使用。分层楼面通道阔落，不会有侷促感觉。
单位大部分单位向北，外望为中上环一带的景致，可享维港海景，景观尚算开扬。至于大厦另一面单位，外望半山景致。
大厦因邻近中环核心商业区，故吸引不少专业人士落户于此，目前包括律师事务所、医务所、商务中心、会计师楼。
呎价见17549 创新高
买卖方面，该厦交投一向不多，2017年，资深投资者杨超成，以6,700万元购入物业8楼15至18室，面积约5,003平方呎，其后于2018年，以8,780万元沽出，呎价约17,549元，创该厦呎价新高。
业主持货不足1年，帐面获利约2,080万元，物业升值逾3成，并成为该厦对上一宗买卖。
租务上，去年该厦录得多宗成交，去年8月，物业2506室，面积约900平方呎，成交呎租约46元。另同月803室，面积约1,219平方呎，以每平方呎约38元租出。
(经济日报)
Homebuyers shrug aside Hong Kong’s coronavirus fears, snapping up every Mid-Levels flat offered by Henderson Land for sale
Hong Kong’s homebuyers shrugged aside a coronavirus outbreak that has kept office workers, shoppers and visitors to stay indoors, snapping up a limited release of new flats over the weekend.
Henderson Land Development, the city’s third-largest property developer, sold all 15 flats at its The Richmond project in the swanky neighbourhood of Mid-Levels on Hong Kong Island. The single block, due for completion in November 2021, comprises 90 apartments of between 206 and 300 square feet (27.9 square metres), priced between HK$6.3 million (US$811,000) and HK$9.7 million.
The successful sale, following a January 21 sell-out of 30 flats at the project, raises the revenue tally from The Richmond to HK$360 million, Henderson said.
“Sixty per cent of buyers came from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories, each making up 20 per cent” of the customers, said Henderson’s general manager Mark Hahn, adding that the satisfactory” sales response gives the developer the confidence to offer a third-round sale soon.
The brisk sales, even amid a coronavirus outbreak that has stopped property exhibitions and an ongoing political crisis, shows how the Hong Kong government’s easing of mortgage rules is effectively attracting more first-time buyers into the market. Some analysts are forecasting property prices to rise 10 per cent this year.
In October, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced a measure that allowed government-backed Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation to relax the ceiling on mortgage financing schemes for first-home buyers. Purchasers will be able to borrow up to 90 per cent of a property’s value to a maximum of HK$8 million from HK$4 million previously.
“The Richmond continues to be popular among buyers, especially investors,” because the combination of the location with the price point makes the project attractive, a real estate agent. “Even with the coronavirus [outbreak] … buyers are still interested in entering the market and looking for high-quality units.”
In the case of The Richmond, buyers only need to put down 10 per cent of the sale price, or at least HK$630,000, if they choose staggered payments and will only need to start servicing their mortgages when they take possession of their property.
The price range of the project is relative cheap for a premium address in Hong Kong, with easy access to the Central business district making the neighbourhood the ideal location for expatriates and professionals.
Apartments at The Richmond are likely to be leased for between HK$80 and HK$90 per square foot per month on average, at least 23 per cent higher than the prevailing market price in Mid-Level West, according to data by property consultant Knight Frank.
“The project has great rental potential [for expatriate and professionals], so it is favoured by long-term investors,” the agent said. “About half of the buyers are investors. New flats in Hong Kong Island is always popular as new supply is limited.”
(South China Morning Post)
