May Social Gathering

Speaker	:	Mr. Kenneth Yuen Senior Sales Manager Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd.
Topic	:	Tips for Properties Buyers and Investors
Date	:	May 7, 2008

Without a doubt, the Hong Kong properties market is a key indicator of local economic growth trend. Since the beginning of 2008, this market has become increasing volatile. Mixed intelligence fills the marketplace affecting the buyers and investors' decision-making process. Mr. Kenneth Yuen, Senior Sales Manager of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd., spoke at the CIM HK May Social Gathering in front of a packed crowded of over 50 members and guests.

Mr. Yuen began his insightful talk by giving a cultural explanation to the importance of properties ownership in the Hong Kong and China. The Chinese character for riches (´I) contains a symbolic representation of a house on a field; and it is important in the Hong Kong sub-culture for people to have a roof over his or her head. These cultural factors have set the stage for the importance of properties ownership in Hong Kong and China.

There are also a number of socio-and geographical factors at work. Traditionally, close proximity to central business district and convenience of transport have been the main considerations in the decision making process. Nowadays, a person's social standing can be reflected by ownership of properties in a particular district; while proximity to renowned schools are also taken into consideration.

Before making the decision to buy or invest in a piece of property, the buyer or investor should carefully analyze the followings when formulating their pricing strategy:
1, Compare the difference in costs by different finance or payment options
2, Compare the prices set by properties speculators, investors and as an end-user
3, Analyze the value-for-money of the property
4, Take reference from advertized prices of new and second-hand properties in the district
5, Compare the prices set by different real estate agencies
6, Check with the Land Registry on foreseeable future developments in the area

Mr. Yuen concluded by highlighting two factors that may shape the landscape of the local properties market in the near future: decreasing household size (3.4 people per household in 1997 to 3 people for household in 2007) and the increasing polarized distribution of wealth in Hong Kong.

About the Speaker, Mr. Kenneth Yuen
A veteran marketer in the local and international properties market, Mr. Yuen is currently Senior Sales Manager of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd. He is not only directly involved in marketing planning and launching of projects, but also responsible for driving the full scope of sales and marketing initiatives as well as post-sales service delivery. Mr. Yuen has been involved in marketing over 30 residential projects and more than 10 landmark office and industrial buildings in Hong Kong, including campaigns which became gold and silver winners at HKMA/TVB Awards for Marketing Excellence.

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