〈The Standard, April 19, 2024〉Major housing estates in Hong Kong saw turnarounds after 10 consecutive months of decline, with gains ranging from 0.46 to 4.77 percent within a month after the government removed restrictions.

Among 20 blue-chip housing estates, the valuation of 14 projects increased in March, three remained unchanged, and only three recorded slight decreases, according to data from a property valuation platform of Hang Seng Bank.

The 697-square-foot unit of Nan Fung Plaza in Tseung Kwan O had the largest monthly increase of about 4.77 percent to HK$7.03 million, ending its seven-month consecutive downward trend since August last year.

〈Asian Post, April 18, 2024〉The Housing Authority's Subsidized Housing Committee has approved the revised income and asset limits for applicants in the upcoming 2024-25 fiscal year.

The proposed changes, effective from 1 April, include freezing income limits for one-person and four-person households whilst increasing limits for households with two, three, or five or more members.

Current economic outlook and past practices in income limit reviews were amongst the factors considered in the adjustments.

〈Hong Kong Business, April 17, 2024〉The number of buyer's stamp duty (BSD) home sales between November 2023 and January 2024 moderately increased to 16 after the government's relaxation of cooling measures, data from JLL's latest Residential Market Monitor showed.

With minimal increase, expansion of new housing supply, and interest rate movement, JLL expects housing prices to continue to decline.

Historical analysis suggests that for prices to stabilise, monthly secondary residential transaction volumes need to consistently surpass 3,500; however, volumes have remained at or below 3,000 since April 2023.

〈Asian Post, April 16, 2024〉Locals frequently travelling northbound to spend in the GBA cities have dampened recovery in retail rent growth in Hong Kong.

Data from Cushman and Wakefield showed that high street rents across retail districts recorded mild growth in 1Q24, ranging from 0% to 1% QoQ.

In the F&B sector, rents experienced a softer growth, with Causeway Bay and Central F&B rents increasing 1% QoQ, whilst Tsimshatsui and Mongkok recorded a drop of 2% QoQ.

Whilst high street rental growth slowed, the high street vacancy rate largely stabilised in 1Q24 due to tourist spending.

〈Macau Business, April 15, 2024〉In recent years, concerts featuring pop stars and bands have not only become social and cultural phenomena but also significant economic drivers. This is evident in the recent global tour of American pop star Taylor Swift.

Her highly successful “Eras” worldwide tour, with an average attendance of over 50,000 spectators per concert, was projected to generate a staggering US$225 million, contributing 0.2 percentage points to Singapore’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the first quarter alone. Additionally, her four shows in the Japan leg in February were also expected to boost the economy of the Asian powerhouse by an additional US$228 million, analysts say.

As Macau aspires to become the “hub of performing arts” and foster a thriving concert economy, attracting pop sensations like Ms. Swift and hosting large-scale stadium concerts has become an essential goal. However, the city has yet to achieve this despite boasting a wide range of quality show venues within integrated resorts and other supporting facilities such as hotels and dining outlets. Why? The primary obstacle seems to be the lack of suitable large-scale concert venues.