The residential mortgage survey for September 2025 showed a decrease in mortgage applications and an increase in approved loans. Primary market transactions saw the highest increase, while secondary market transactions and refinancing decreased. The HIBOR reference rate for new loans decreased slightly, and the outstanding mortgage value increased marginally. Both delinquency and rescheduled loan ratios remained low.
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
SFC Regulation of Virtual Asset Trading Platforms: The Emerging Hong Kong Framework
SFC proposes new regulation of virtual assets through licensing of operators of cryptocurrency and other digital asset trading platforms
Market Misconduct Tribunal: A Guide to Penalties and Other Consequences for Misuse of Insider Information
Market Misconduct Tribunal proceedings for mishandling of insider information can result in fines and disgorgement orders
SPOTLIGHT ON
FAMILY OFFICES
On September 30, 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") released the residential mortgage survey findings for the month of September. This report indicates a 1.1% decline in mortgage applications month-over-month, resulting in a total of 8,316 applications.
The approvals for mortgage loans in September experienced a substantial increase of 9.4% over the previous month, reaching HK$31.4 billion. This surge was driven by a 17.5% rise in mortgage loans financing primary market transactions, amounting to HK$12.6 billion, and a 6.1% increase in loans for secondary market transactions, totaling HK$15.5 billion. Conversely, there was a decrease of 2.4% in mortgage loans for refinancing, totaling HK$3.2 billion.
The total value of mortgage loans drawn down in September rose by 9.7% compared to August, reaching HK$20.9 billion.
The proportion of new mortgage loans indexed to HIBOR dropped from 94.4% in August to 92.6% in September, whereas the proportion of new mortgage loans indexed to best lending rates increased from 1.3% to 1.5%.
The overall value of outstanding mortgage loans increased by 0.2% to HK$1,891.4 billion by the end of September.
The mortgage delinquency ratio remained low at 0.13%, and the rescheduled loan ratio remained unchanged at nearly 0%.
View the full article:Source
