Hong Kong Leads in Home Purchase Prices

According to the Deutsche Bank Research Institute’s Mapping the World’s Prices - 2025 report, Hong Kong remains the world’s most expensive city to buy a home, with the average price of a city-center apartment at US$25,946 per square meter, albeit down from $31,943 in 2020.

Zurich and Singapore Follow Closely

Zurich and Singapore are not far behind, with average prices of $23,938 and $22,955 per square meter, respectively, showcasing the competitive nature of global real estate markets.

Quality of Life vs. Housing Costs

The report highlights a paradox: despite their high property values, major financial hubs like Hong Kong score lower in quality of life rankings, partly due to soaring housing costs. Hong Kong, for instance, ranked 48th in quality of life.

Rental Markets Tell a Different Story

While Hong Kong leads in purchase prices, New York claims the top spot for rentals, with a three-bedroom apartment averaging $8,388 per month. Hong Kong ranks seventh at $4,807 per month, behind cities like Singapore and London.

Super-Prime Property Deals Flourish

Hong Kong’s appeal to global wealth is undeniable, with 166 super-prime property deals (valued at $10 million or above) recorded last year, as per The Wealth Report 2025 by Knight Frank.

Global Wealth and Limited Supply

The city’s established financial infrastructure and strategic position continue to attract global investors, with the limited supply of prime properties keeping the super-prime segment at the heart of Hong Kong’s investment landscape.