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The First Marriott Branded Residences in Vietnam

With a thriving luxury property market and low entry prices against the background of a booming economy, not to mention its rich cultural heritage, picturesque beaches, and mouthwatering food, Vietnam is fast becoming one of Asia’s hottest destinations to visit and live.

As a steady economic outperformer in southeast Asia, Vietnam has surpassed China in its GDP growth rate. Also, CEIC and DBS economists predict that the Vietnamese economy could grow significantly in the next ten years and surpass Singapore by 2029.

While the global economic slow down has impacted countries, big and small, around the world, Vietnam has been an exception. One of the reasons is that the trade war has prompted many manufacturers to relocate to Vietnam to escape the increased tariffs. As the largest city in the country, Ho Chi Minh City stands out as an economic hub with the strongest growth potentials.

Grand Marina, Saigon

In a press conference held on March 16, Ashton Hawks introduced the world’s largest Marriott Branded Residences – Grand Marina, Saigon, a luxury property that is poised to become the most desirable and iconic residential address of the city with its unsurpassed waterfront position in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1.

A pioneer in Vietnam of the Urban Branded Residences Concept, the development is a 10-hectare riverfront largescale, mixed-use complex with ultra-luxe residential, office and commercial properties, alongside a landmark 850-metre Waterfront Promenade. Overlooking fetching views of Saigon River will be eight resplendent residential towers rising from the tranquil shorefront.
Grand Marina, Saigon offers not only extensive amenities, tailored service and lifestyle benefits, but also an everyday access to the ultimate Marriott experience of elevated modern living. The development is Marriott International’s largest branded residence project in the world, and the company’s first foray into Vietnam’s highly vibrant branded residential market segment.

Residents can take advantage of the unparalleled access to the city’s cultural and commercial centers, with the country’s finest schools, restaurants, shopping destinations at the doorstep. The upcoming Metro link close by will put the entire city within easy reach.

Mr. Jason Turnbull, Deputy Managing Director cum Chief Financial Officer at Masterise Homes, says he is proud to introduce this one-of-a-kind project to Hong Kong as it will be Vietnam’s new icon and global landmark. “Located at the heritage landmark of Bason, the crown jewel Grand Marina, Saigon is born under the vision of creating exquisite real estate developments to impeccable standards – a legacy that can be passed on to generation after generation,” he adds.

Mr. Kingston Lai, Founder & CEO of Ashton Hawks, points out that Hong Kong is no stranger to Vietnam’s real estate market due to its phenomenal potentials. “We believe branded residences will withstand shocks and challenges and sustain their value over time,” he stresses.

“Grand Marina, Saigon is a rare opportunity that ticks all the boxes, especially for the savvy and affluent who are looking to expand their portfolio with yet another trophy asset,” Lai concludes. “We are delighted to partner with Masterise Homes to offer Grand Marina, Saigon to Hong Kong and beyond.”

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    越南胡志明市Grand Marina, Saigon 盡顯高尚品味 在港率先發售



    中美貿易戰令很多中國廠商遷往越南發展,為當地注入經濟動力。在疫情控制方面,越南也表現不錯,經濟發展前景令人樂觀,逐漸成為富裕階層關注之地。最近,越南房地產市場帶來首個及全球具規模的品牌住宅項目,由
    Masterise Homes發展的萬豪國際品牌住宅Grand Marina, Saigon坐落於胡志明市第1郡西貢河北岸,佔地10公頃,集奢華住宅、寫字樓、商業地產及長達850米海濱長廊於一身,將為胡志明市經濟及社區發展帶來一股新動力。

    萬豪國際品牌住宅Grand Marina, Saigon是坐落胡志明市鑽石級地段的全新標誌性項目,由Ashton Hawks引領在香港公開發售。8棟河畔住宅樓宇四周環繞著優美的公園廣場,同時享受到萬豪所提供之優質生活體驗及時尚生活,為越南奢華優質生活重新定義。

    配套完善吸引富裕階層

    項目除享有無與倫比的河畔環境優勢外,物業與優質學府、餐廳食肆、購物地帶及未來地鐵站均咫尺之隔,文化及商業娛樂匯聚,交通便捷,全面滿足中產及富裕人士對優質生活的喜好需求。

    Grand Marina, Saigon為越南首個酒店品牌概念住宅,無論在設施、服務或生活方式質素均經過度身定造,匠心獨運的設計,加上獲著名國際酒店集團支持,令這優質項目能夠匯聚生活品味與富裕人口。

    目前,越南中產及富豪人口不斷增加,對優質住宅需求持續高漲,加上區內新供應十分緊絀,在供不應求下,品牌住宅更顯獨特價值。品牌住宅項目的特色除了提供優質生活外,此概念式住宅在市場上增添靈活性及價值。坐落胡志明市最理想地段的Grand Marina, Saigon,既享受西貢河遼闊美景,同時所提供之優質設施服務,符合富裕家庭的生活需求。

    據第一太平戴維斯2019年環球研究報告顯示,全球擁有超過420個品牌住宅項目,而萬豪國際集團是品牌住宅市場領域中全球最大參與者,旗下持有100個品牌住宅橫跨25個國家及地區。品牌住宅於環球奢侈品市場具有多項優勢,無論在全球流動性、質量設計、安全品質、所提供之優質卓越服務,以及名牌出品對富豪所帶來之巨大吸引力等,都突顯獨特優勢。

    越南地標項目資產價值可傳承

    Masterise Homes副總裁兼首席財務官Jason Turnbull說:「Masterise Homes一直以來以打造無可挑剔且具價值的房地產項目而感到自豪。每個項目不單單是純開發之房地產項目,而是能夠一代接一代傳承下去的珍貴物業。可媲美寶石的Grand Marina, Saigon就是在這一宗旨和願景下誕生,為越南首個以萬豪酒店為品牌概念之住宅項目,此坐落於河岸之歷史性地標Bason,將成為越南新地標及全球其中一標誌性項目。」

    Ashton Hawks創辦人及首席執行官賴遠方表示:「在強勁經貿發展下,香港人對於越南房地產市場已有一定認識及充滿信心。我們認為,品牌住宅絕對經得起市場挑戰考驗,隨著時間及環境變化仍能保持其真實的價值。很高興將尊貴府邸Grand Marina, Saigon率先引入香港市場,這是一個難得的機遇,項目全然將奢華生活推向極致, 是高淨值人士對優質生活及資產價值的定義。」Grand Marina, Saigon專題講座將於3月27及28日在香港萬豪酒店舉行,屆時全面講解越南豪宅市場增長為品牌住宅帶來之影響力。










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      越南胡志明市全新大型綜合式河畔府邸Grand Marina, Saigon


      新聞稿[供即時刊登]

      越南胡志明市全新大型綜合式河畔府邸Grand Marina, Saigon

      此項由Masterise Homes開發、為全球最具規模品牌住宅項目將率先在港公開發售

      (香港 – 2021年3月16日)

      Grand Marina, Saigon為萬豪國際集團管理的全球最具規模品牌住宅項目,亦是越南這充滿活力的房地產市場首個品牌住宅。坐落於胡志明市鑽石級地段之全新標誌性項目,現正由Ashton Hawks在香港公開發售。

      Masterise Homes發展之萬豪國際品牌住宅Grand Marina, Saigon坐落於胡志明市第1郡西貢河北岸的一片大型土地。此佔地10公頃的大型開發項目集合奢華住宅、寫字樓、商業地產及長達850米海濱長廊於一身,這將為胡志明市經濟及社區發展帶來一股新動力,吸引環球企業及高淨值人士注目。

      Masterise Homes首個最具規模品牌住宅項目Grand Marina, Saigon,8幢河畔住宅樓宇四周環繞著優美的公園廣場,同時享受到萬豪所提供之優質生活體驗及時尚生活,為越南奢華優質生活重新定義。

      坐落胡志明市第1郡標誌性地區的Grand Marina, Saigon,除享有無與倫比的河畔環境優勢外,物業與優質學府、餐廳食肆、購物地帶及未來地鐵站均咫尺之隔,文化及商業娛樂匯聚,交通便捷,全面滿足到中產及富裕人士對優質生活的喜好需求。

      Grand Marina, Saigon為越南首個酒店品牌概念住宅,無論在設施、服務抑或生活方式質素均經過度身定造,匠心獨運的設計,加上獲著名國際酒店集團所支持,令這優質項目能夠匯聚生活品味與富裕人口。

      品牌住宅項目的特色是除了提供優質生活外,在經濟不確定時,此概念式住宅在市場上仍存在靈活性及價值。而坐落於胡志明市最理想地段的Grand Marina, Saigon,既享受西貢河遼闊美景,同時所提供之優質設施服務,正符合富裕人口的生活需求。目前越南中產及富豪人口不斷增加,對優質住宅需求持續高漲,加上區內新供應十分緊絀,在供不應求下,意味此類品牌住宅將突顯其獨特價值。

      Masterise Homes副總裁兼首席財務官Jason Turnbull先生說:「Masterise Homes一直以來以打造無可挑剔且具價值的房地產項目而感到自豪。每個項目不單單是純開發之房地產項目,而是能夠一代接一代傳承下去的珍貴物業。可媲美寶石的Grand Marina, Saigon就是在這一宗旨和願景下誕生,為越南首個以萬豪酒店為品牌概念之住宅項目,此坐落於河岸之歷史性地標Bason,將成為越南新地標及全球其中一標誌性項目,將這獨特的項目引入香港市場教我們引以自豪。」

      Ashton Hawks創辦人及首席執行官賴遠方先生表示:「在強勁經貿發展下,香港人對於越南房地產市場已有一定認識及充滿信心。我們認為,品牌住宅絕對經得起市場挑戰考驗,隨著時間及環境變化仍能保持其真實的價值。Ashton Hawks很高興與Masterise Homes攜手合作,能夠將Grand Marina, Saigon這尊貴府邸率先引入香港市場,這是一個難得的機遇,項目全然將奢華生活推向極致,是高淨值人士對優質生活及資產價值的定義。」

      Ashton Hawks將於3月27及 28日在香港萬豪酒店舉辦專題講座介紹Grand Marina, Saigon。屆時將全面講解越南豪宅市場增長為品牌住宅帶來之影響力。

      – 完 –

      關於 Masterise Homes
      Masterise Homes隸屬越南大型企業Masterise Group,該公司負責開發及管理其母公司旗下所有房地產項目。Masterise Homes秉承「以客為本」宗旨理念,堅持不懈發展世界級標準項目,並致力為所有產品服務提供超卓水準及質量,務求為客戶提供最卓越的生活體驗,為越南市場社區作出貢獻,並促進可持續發展。

      masterisehomes.com

      關於品牌住宅

      品牌住宅概念的始創者可追溯到1920年代,紐約第五大道的Sherry-Netherland Hotel酒店將酒店式服務融入服務式住宅並獲得相當的銷售成績。自此以後,隨著全球流動性高淨值人口不斷增加及熱烈支持下,品牌住宅在環球市場亦跟隨大市變得愈來愈受歡迎。

      據第一太平戴維斯2019年環球研究報告顯示,全球擁有超過420個品牌住宅項目,而萬豪國際集團是品牌住宅市場領域中全球最大參與者。該集團旗下持有100個品牌住宅橫跨25個國家及地區,是集團在其全球四大焦點運營項目其中之一。集團在其30個領先酒店企業中的15個品牌作開展其品牌住宅項目,目前由萬豪(Marriott)、JW萬豪(JW Marriott)、麗思卡爾頓(Ritz-Carlton),瑞吉(St. Regis)及W酒店所運營的有關項目約佔近70%。萬豪國際之品牌業務十分廣泛,意味由該集團所發展之項目不受地方及發展類型所限,於紐約、上海或曼谷開拓之品牌住宅仍能將展示與越南品牌住宅之同一樣的卓越水準。

      品牌住宅於環球奢侈品市場具有多項優勢,無論在全球流動性、質量設計、安全品質、所提供之優質卓越服務,以及名牌出品對富豪所帶來之巨大吸引力等,在在都突顯其獨特優勢。事實證明,對於富裕階層來說,奢侈品牌都具有相當的吸引力,更被視為成功人士,以及財富和身份地位的象徵。儘管品牌住宅定價相對較高,但所提供的服務利益及物業本身潛在價值卻是物超所值。因此,品牌住宅能夠吸引富裕階層青睞,憑藉其擁有國際認可的相關榮譽,能夠充份優化及活力社區,彰顯優質生活水平,以及市場對其有限供應之熱烈喝求,難怪吸引富豪精英高度注視。

      關於 Ashton Hawks

      Ashton Hawks將帶您走進前所未有之生活享受。從南北半球,東西海岸,世界各地搜羅最具投資潛力的房地產。Ashton Hawks是由一群擁有多年經驗的資深銀行家及專業投資顧問所創立和帶領。辦公室總辦事處位於香港及泰國曼谷。我們的專業團隊會為你提供一站式買賣海外及本地物業以至租賃服務,使你投資無後顧之憂。

      www.ashtonhawks.com

      傳媒查詢,請聯絡:

      Ashton Hawks
      電郵: marketing@ashtonhawks.com
      電話: (852) 2155 4421











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        Surge in demand from house-hunters as property market rebounds after restrictions are eased


        Demand from house-hunters jumped 88 per cent across England as the market reopened earlier this month.

        Property website Zoopla said the weekly increase occurred between May 12, the day it emerged the market in England would reopen, and May 19.

        Demand rebounded particularly quickly in cities along the south coast and in northern England.


        Strong growth was recorded in Newcastle and Leeds, while Oxford, Liverpool, and Manchester also had increases in demand.

        Zoopla said research among 2,000 people found, around 60 per cent of would-be buyers across the UK intends to go ahead with their plans.

        But around four in 10 potential buyers said they have put their plans on hold, citing market uncertainty, loss of income, and diminished confidence in future finances as deterrents.

        Zoopla said buyer demand was 20 per cent higher than at the start of March as England’s housing market reopened.


        The website said it expects a significant proportion of sales that had been agreed before the coronavirus lockdown to continue but said increased uncertainty over the economic outlook will test housing chains in the coming weeks.

        Richard Donnell, director of research and insight at Zoopla, said: “The scale of the rebound in demand for housing is welcome news for estate agents and developers but it is also surprising given projections for a sharp rise in unemployment and a major decline in economic growth.”

        Mr. Donnell said he expects people to be more cautious in the coming weeks.

        He said: “We expect the latest rebound in demand to moderate in the coming weeks as buyers and sellers start to exert greater caution. Further support from the Government can’t be discounted and would help limit the scale of the downside risks.”

        Source: Leicestershire Live











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          Manchester city center will have 100,000 more residents by 2025


          Supply of ready-built factories and warehouses in southern Vietnam will increase by 28 per cent this year to 2.7 million square meters.As more companies arrive from China after the pandemic, supply will rise by 25 per cent to two million square meters in the north, real estate consultancy CBRE reported.


          More than 19,000 additional people live in Manchester’s two most central wards today compared with 2004. The city center as a whole was forecast to be home to 65,200 residents by mid-2019, which is an increase of 5,000 in the past 12 months. There was even a 117% spike in people moving to Manchester in July this year compared to 2018.

          This north-western city has also retained its top spot as the UK’s most liveable city, an accolade the city has held each year since the Global Liveability Survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit began in 2011. This highlights the continued demand and appeal to live and work in Manchester.

          By 2025, Manchester’s population is forecast to surpass 635,000 as an additional 100,000 people are predicted to be living in the city center. Additionally, more students are choosing to remain in the city following graduation at Manchester’s multiple universities. This growth is expected to further fuel demand in the rental market.


          Both employment and population are growing more rapidly in Manchester than the average rate for England. There has been a large rise in the number of businesses opening and moving to the city. Increased job creation and a growing economy is attracting large scale development to Manchester, making it an exciting time to invest in this city.

          Employment growth in construction is projected to lead the way with the biggest increase in the number of jobs at 50.6% and the highest growth value added at 49.9%. This is likely driven by some of the major developments across the city, including Piccadilly, Mayfield, Great Jackson Street, and St John’s. The other sectors expanding the fastest include business and finance, cultural, creative, and digital and retail.

          Demand for additional residential housing is forecast to increase significantly as the city’s population and employment opportunities continue to grow. Property investment in Manchester, especially in the city center, will continue to be a lucrative opportunity for buy-to-let investors in the coming years.

          Source: Buy Association




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            Vietnam industrial property supply rises as companies exit China


            Supply of ready-built factories and warehouses in southern Vietnam will increase by 28 per cent this year to 2.7 million square meters.As more companies arrive from China after the pandemic, supply will rise by 25 per cent to two million square meters in the north, real estate consultancy CBRE reported.


            It added that the trend of companies seeking to reduce supply chain dependency on China is likely to benefit Vietnam.”Surging demand from foreign manufacturers seeking to relocate to Vietnam – and a desire to commence operations as soon as possible – are driving demand for ready-built industrial properties,” said Thanh Pham, associate director of research and consulting services, CBRE Vietnam.Hieu Le, director of the firm’s industrial leasing services, said demand for warehousing has been mainly driven by e-commerce companies who are expanding storage space and distribution networks.After the pandemic is contained, the average asking rent for warehouses would increase by 4-11 percent, he noted.”There is growing consumption and distribution of groceries and fresh foods, which are set to accelerate occupier demand for temperature-controlled storage.”


            Analysts have said Vietnam’s industrial real estate could benefit from foreign investors moving production out of China. Apple, Google, and Microsoft are reportedly making plans to begin production in Vietnam this year. Customers have found some Apple wireless earbuds AirPods Pro carrying the ‘Assembled in Vietnam’ label rather than the traditional ‘Assembled in China’ tag.Vietnam’s average industrial land price is 43 per cent lower than that of Thailand and 54 percent lower than that of Malaysia, and its corporate income tax rate of 20 per cent is among the lowest in Southeast Asia.The country’s many trade deals, especially the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, which is set to come into effect this year, would be another factor in attracting foreign investors, it added.Vietnam has 260 industrial parks with an occupancy rate of 76 per cent, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Another 75 are under construction.Source: VN Express




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              HCMC pushes ahead with ‘Vietnam’s Silicon Valley’ plan


              The prime minister’s support for the ‘Vietnam’s Silicon Valley’ initiative has prompted HCMC to push ahead with a plan to merge three districts into one administrative unit.The plan, which will combine Districts 2, 9, and Thu Duc into one administrative unit and make it an “innovative urban area,” has been submitted by the municipal Home Affairs Department to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.


              The department has come up with the plan following a meeting between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the city.

              The plan to make a “city within a city,” temporarily called the “Eastern Town,” won the PM’s endorsement.

              This area has been in the making since 2017. City authorities said back then that the plan would generate a bright future for both local residents and businesses.



              It would encompass the hi-tech park in District 9, the university precinct in Thu Duc District, and the new urban area and financial center on the Thu Thiem Peninsula in District 2 to make one innovative hub to serve the city’s biggest plan to turn itself into a smart city.

              The “Eastern Town” is also expected to contribute to the establishment of value-added chains based on high technology, modern technical and social infrastructure of international standards, and effective financial support for businesses.

              It was to play a key role in linking scientific and technical research with commercial production to lift residents’ lifestyles to “international standards.”


              Le Van Thanh of the HCMC Institute for Development Studies had said: “This will be Vietnam’s Silicon Valley.”

              The innovative hub would cover more than 22,000 hectares (54,300 acres) with a population of over 1.1 million. Once the plan is implemented, HCMC will have 22 instead of 24 districts.

              PM Phuc, while endorsing the merger of districts, said its official name will be decided later. He also assigned the Ministry of Justice to guide the city on the next steps to take.

              Source: VN Express





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                Gamuda Land’s greening initiative and township developments


                “Every inch of land is gold,” is not a false proposition. It is especially true in real estate. Developers often own large plots of land with a large constructible area, which can easily be used to optimize profit. Yet now, property developers are intentionally going against this traditional formula.


                Gamuda Land chose to add to Gamuda City and Celadon City to its portfolio of hundreds of products in Vietnam. In fact, Gamuda City in Hanoi and Celadon City in HCMC have become the largest private parks and some of the most valuable developments in each of the cities.Township developing with greening- initiatives have become an iconic trademark of Gamuda Land – from creating the concept its first visions to entering the Vietnamese market in 2007.


                In Malaysia, Gamuda Land’s Kota Kemuning Wetland Park project, before receiving its prestigious awards for landscape construction, was a pioneering example in the field of urban development. Gamuda Land turned the pristine Klang Valley in Malaysia into one of the most livable residential areas on the island nation.When Gamuda Land came to Vietnam, the miracle of the Klang Valley Kota Kemuning Wetland Project was recreated in Gamuda City in Hoang Mai, Hanoi.From a swampy, deserted land, Yen So Park has become one of the friendliest eco-parks in the capital, attracting countless visitors. Locals and expatriates come to relax and picnic on the weekends. At the same time, Yen So Park also functions as a water conditioning system against flooding during the rainy season and even as a natural air conditioner during dry seasons.


                Businesses usually do not “do it first, and think later.” But Gamuda Land’s bold approach in connecting the community with infrastructures first before building any residential precincts show to be extremely effective.  After the Yen So Park and its wastewater treatment was completed, Gamuda City became an international model for urban development. The township masterplan is now considered to be a “gold mine” in Southern Hanoi with skyrocketing investment potential, increasing year by year.Thanks to its greening initiatives, Gamuda Land’s value has significantly increased while its products are often associated with a safe and healthy living environment.While Gamuda Land focuses on providing luxury products the properties are close to nature, a trend which has shown to be essential to the middle- to high-income class buyers. Its ‘greening’ strategy has not only strengthened its credibility and but has also helped Gamuda Land establish brand trust among investors.Source: NHIP Cau Dautu












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                  Next Plus interviews our founder and CEO


                  Ashton Hawks Founder and CEO Mr. Kingston Lai, who also founded Golden Emperor Properties and Asia Bankers Club, was interviewed by Next Plus to share his road on being a successful entrepreneur. Review the interview with the link below for the full article and video:











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                    Interview with Our Managing Director Mr. Kingston Lai (The Standard)




                    Asia Bankers Club founder and chief executive Kingston Lai sees future potential in property markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, New York City, Manchester – but he has reservations about London and cities in Australia.

                    In addition to the investment club targeting bankers and professionals, Lai also controls Ashton Hawks and Golden Emperor Properties, which aim at high net worth individuals and retail investors, respectively, for overseas real estate.

                    Amid a number of uncertainties, Lai reckons real estate buyers need to think twice. “But the more uncertainty people see from the trade war, the more they are interested in properties in Vietnam, where more manufacturers are expected to move from China.” He says a recent project in HCMC received an overwhelming response.

                    “Even if the Hong Kong property market were to fall, would flats now valued at HK$10 million plunge to HK$5 million? However, two-room apartments sized between 700 and 1,000 square feet in district 2 and 4 in HCMC cost around HK$2 million and they have the potential to rise further.”

                    He compares these areas to Sheung Wan, close to the central business district. Apartments further away from the CBD cost around HK$1.2 million only.

                    Property prices in HCMC have risen on average 15 percent a year over the past three years, compared with as much as 30 percent a year in Bangkok several years ago, says Lai. On average, there is 8 percent gross rental yield in HCMC, he says.

                    District 1 is the traditional CBD and district 3 is where many embassies and historical buildings are located. Investors have been looking at districts 2 and 4. Last month, the HCMC administration decided that no high-rise apartment projects in districts 1 and 3 will be approved until 2020. Lai expects supply to be even tighter.

                    He is also bullish on the property market in Hanoi, where Samsung, Apple and Microsoft have invested. The World Bank projected GDP growth in Vietnam to be 6.8 percent in 2018 and 6.5 percent in 2019.

                    Although Koreans and Japanese are the top foreign investors in Vietnam, Lai says they are not keen on buying properties, unlike Hong Kong and mainland Chinese, who can rent the flats to them. “You can compare HCMC and Hanoi with Shanghai and Beijing, respectively, but we are yet to find a Shenzhen in Vietnam,” Lai says.

                    Overseas people can buy property in Vietnam and sell or lease it to locals and foreigners. A 50-year leasehold ownership will be given to foreigners with renewal possibility.

                    When buying a property in Vietnam, investors are subject to 0.5 percent stamp duty. For rental income, they are subject to about 10 percent income tax. If they want to sell the property, 2 percent personal income tax of the selling price will be charged.

                    Foreigners need to have a bank account in Vietnam and need to sign the sales agreement in person. Mortgages are not available. He says the firm has helped a client to gain about 16 percent to buy and sell a property in Vietnam within a year.

                    Lai, a Malaysian Chinese, says it takes time to assess the political situation back home. He adds that properties in Singapore are too expensive to buy.

                    Investors in Thailand property should be cautious. Lai says that a studio in Bangkok near a metro station costs between HK$1 million and HK$2 million, while those costing only HK$500,000 may be in very remote areas that will be difficult to sell or rent out.

                    As for developed markets, Lai sees potential in New York City.

                    Sellers have been cutting prices there with less demand due to a tax reform that changes the mortgage interest and property tax deduction, making home ownership less attractive.

                    While this also applies to foreigners, Lai says some Hong Kong buyers note that the US-HK dollar peg minimizes currency risk. They expect long-term capital gain in New York City center, where there is continuing redevelopment and population growth.

                    Despite the interest among locals for London homes, Lai is cautious in the wake of Brexit and the high costs of investing there. He sees more potential in Manchester, which he believes could be a future London, Liverpool and Birmingham.

                    In Australia, Lai says banks will only provide construction financing to developers if they have sold a substantial amount of an uncompleted project. He worries some developers may struggle.

                    He also sees potential in Japanese real estate but the company does not have expertise there. “We only sell projects that we can manage. We sell about 1,000 units a year. We try our best to ensure customers’ properties are well-managed and can be rented out,” he says. “Selling projects by major developers is one of the ways in which we have peace of mind.”

                    He and his team carry out due diligence and even buy properties themselves to experience the process. Six months were spent studying the property market in Vietnam before identifying projects.

                    Ashton Hawks and Golden Emperor Properties serve clients with different needs.

                    “If you tell me HK$1 million cash is all that you have, I won’t tell you to place it all into a property in Vietnam.

                    “Instead, we have helped a retired customer to spend HK$500,000 to buy a condo in Thailand for his own use and the rest for his spending.

                    “Customers like bankers may bet on some properties in Southeast Asia and at the same time invest in London, or New York City, for long-term stable growth.”

                    Source: The Standard




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