〈The Standard, Jan 17, 2026〉The Development Bureau on Friday imposed a one-year tender ban on contractor Able Engineering Company Limited after an independent investigation confirmed improper construction practices at three Light Public Housing sites in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun and Chai Wan.
The Architectural Services Department discovered the issues during proactive inspections in late August, including unauthorized cutting of screws on concrete core wall formwork supports. The full report, submitted on November 5, 2025, was accepted today by the
Housing Bureau and Development Bureau. Able, which handled on-site construction and quality assurance for the projects, will be suspended from all relevant categories on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works and related supplier and specialist lists for one year.
〈Hong Kong Business, Jan 16, 2026〉Premium Central offices could see rental growth of up to 8%, whilst Grade A office rents on Hong Kong Island are forecast to range from flat to a 5% decline in 2026, according to Knight Frank.
The consultancy said the Grade A leasing market on Hong Kong Island remains subdued, although demand has shown a slight improvement.
Rents continue to face downward pressure, and vacancy rates remain elevated, reflecting economic uncertainty and a cautious approach by occupiers.
Wendy Lau, executive director and head of Hong Kong office strategy and solutions at Knight Frank, said premium buildings in Central are beginning to outperform, with rents returning to positive growth, whilst traditional Central buildings remain under pressure.
〈Asian Post, Jan 15, 2026〉Hong Kong’s investment transaction volumes reached $39.0b in 2025, up 12 % YoY, with activity accelerating sharply in the fourth quarter, according to Colliers.
The firm said Q4 volumes rose 65% QoQ, driven by clearer market signals and more attractive pricing.
Colliers said the market’s momentum was supported by three US Federal Reserve rate cuts totalling 0.75%, which lowered borrowing costs and helped restore investor confidence. It also cited positive wealth effects from the Hang Seng Index as encouraging capital deployment.
Deal activity during the year was dominated by large transactions, with 85 deals valued above $100m, mainly by end users. Offices accounted for more than 60% of total investment value, rising 71% YoY to $24.2b.
〈The Standard, Jan 14, 2026〉Citi lifted Hong Kong home price growth this year to 8 percent from 3 percent, driven by decreased home supplies, talent housing demand, and wealth effects from a buoyant stock market. As the home price rose higher-than-expected 4.7 percent in 2025, while the year-to-date growth reached 1 percent, the bank decided to increase the home price estimate to an 8 percent hike, with further acceleration into 2027 under a multi-year upcycle, according to Citi. New land supplies fell short of property sales, standing at a 14-year low, while available supply was reduced by 10,000 units within one year, it said.
〈RTHK News, Jan 13, 2026〉Chief Secretary Eric Chan said on Saturday that the government would continue to monitor problems arising from bid rigging and roll out policies to curb the malpractice, likening it to "mutating cancer cells".
The renewed focus on bid-rigging came after the Legislative Council on Wednesday passed a government motion on "support and rebuilding work" for Wang Fuk Court fire victims, with lawmakers calling for systemic reforms and enhanced regulatory oversight.
The administration also outlined plans to strengthen fire safety regulations, introduce a system of fines for safety violations, and enhance the Urban Renewal Authority's oversight of bid submissions for renovation work.
