〈The Standard, Mar 22, 2025〉The Subsidized Housing Committee of the Housing Authority has approved a tightening of the "Well-off Tenants Policies" for public rental housing, with the tenants required to pay more in rent.
Under the new changes, tenants with incomes between two to three times the limit will pay rent 2.5 times the standard rate. For those with incomes exceeding three times but less than four times the limit, the rent will be increased from 2 times the rent to 3.5 times. Most significantly, tenants earning between four to five times the limit will see them paying a rent 4.5 times the standard rate.
The new additional rent levels will take effect from the declaration cycle starting in October 2025, with the first batch of "well-off tenants" required to pay the new rates from October 1, 2026.
〈Hong Kong Business, Mar 21, 2025〉Chinese easing of visa restrictions for Shenzhen residents visiting Hong Kong is boosting retail demand in the city, with some businesses already reporting double-digit sales growth.
“The resumption of multiple-entry visas for Shenzhen residents has breathed new life into Hong Kong's dining and retail sectors, particularly following a period of subdued activity,” Javier Calvar, group service line head at Ipsos Hong Kong, told Retail Asia.
The policy, which took effect on 1 December 2024, and other measures such as higher duty-free allowance for mainland visitors are boosting tourism, he said in an emailed reply to questions.
〈Asian Post, Mar 20, 2025〉Hong Kong remained in third place globally and held the top spot in the Asia-Pacific in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), with its overall rating rising by 11 points to 760.
New York came first globally, followed by London in second place.
According to the GFCI, Hong Kong also ranked fourth globally for fintech offerings, second place for "human capital," "infrastructure," and "financial sector development" and third in the "business environment" and "reputational and general."
"The ratings reflect that our continued efforts to enhance the diversity and the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre have fully received international recognition," Financial Secretary Paul Chan said.
〈Hong Kong Business, Mar 19, 2025〉Hong Kong’s office market is at a crossroads, with high vacancy rates, shifting tenant demands, and rising competition from co-working spaces forcing landlords to rethink their strategies.
According to the report “Vertical Urban Ecosystem: Reinvigorating Hong Kong's Office Buildings,” traditional office spaces are losing appeal as tenants prioritise flexibility, sustainability, and multi-functional environments.
Companies are seeking hybrid workplaces, wellness amenities, and seamless integration of retail and cultural spaces—trends that threaten conventional leasing models.
〈RTHK News, Mar 18, 2025〉Authorities on Wednesday launched its first community living room on Hong Kong Island, with the Shau Kei Wan facility expected to serve households from more than 300 subdivided flats.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan said the new space – the fifth such facility in the territory – is fully equipped with amenities such as a kitchen and massage chairs. He also pointed out that social workers will provide homework assistance there.
Officiating at the opening ceremony, Chan expressed the hope that families would visit the community living room regularly.
