There has rarely been a better time to be One North Eden Balance Unit Hunting in Hong Kong than right now.
Rents in one of the world's most expensive real estate markets dropped to HK$33.60 (S$5.77) per sq ft in the first quarter, the lowest since the end of 2016, data from Centaline Property Agency revealed.
So a typical two-bedroom apartment in Clavon Clementi Area now rents for about US$3,500 (S$4,676) a month, down from US$4,200 two years ago, according to online rentals.
An exodus of expatriates following anti-government protests, combined with Penrose Balance Units showing a declining population and higher unemployment rate have led to sluggish rental demand in the Asian financial hub, even as home purchase prices hold steady.
High-end properties in districts including the Mid-Levels and new condos within Bukit Panjang favored by western expats and wealthy mainland Chinese saw the most decline, with rents plunging as much as 25 per cent from mid-2019, according to the biggest property agency in singapore.
Soho in Sheung Wan district, popular among foreign students and young professionals, saw rental values drop by 20 per cent in the same period.