Cryptocurrency’s Popularity in Hong Kong not Enough to Save Commercial and Retail Real Estate Markets

02/19/2023 07:07 • Metaverse Matters • 127 views

It is reported that Hong Kong’s efforts to become a cryptocurrency center and the obvious interest of Hong Kong citizens in virtual assets as investment have prompted crypto companies to occupy commercial space in Hong Kong. However, analysts said that the popularity of cryptocurrency was not enough to lead the recovery of Hong Kong’s battered commercial real estate market and was unlikely to become the ultimate savior of Hong Kong’s sluggish retail real estate market

South China Morning Post: Hong Kong’s cryptocurrency boom is not enough to lead the recovery of the battered commercial real estate market

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Hong Kong has been making efforts to become a cryptocurrency center, and the interest of its citizens in virtual assets as an investment has prompted some crypto companies to occupy commercial space in the city. However, analysts have warned that the popularity of cryptocurrency is not enough to lead the recovery of Hong Kong’s battered commercial real estate market and is unlikely to become the ultimate savior of the sluggish retail real estate market.

The commercial real estate market in Hong Kong has been facing a severe downturn since early 2019, with the ongoing protests and the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbating the situation. Office rents have declined significantly in the past year, and many companies have been forced to downsize or relocate. In the face of the challenging market conditions, some cryptocurrency-related firms have taken up commercial space in Hong Kong, hoping to establish themselves as a hub for the nascent industry.

However, while the presence of these companies may boost demand for commercial real estate to some extent, analysts are skeptical that cryptocurrency will become a significant driver of the market’s recovery. Skeptics point out that the cryptocurrency industry is still relatively small and niche, and its overall impact on the wider economy is limited. Moreover, the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies makes them a risky investment, further reducing their appeal to potential tenants.

Similarly, the retail real estate market in Hong Kong has been facing numerous challenges, including high rents, changing consumer preferences, and the rise of online shopping. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these problems, with many retailers struggling to stay afloat. Despite the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, industry experts believe that they are unlikely to become a savior for the sluggish retail market. Cryptocurrencies are not yet widely accepted as a means of payment, and the retail sector is not yet equipped to handle transactions in virtual currencies.

In conclusion, the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in Hong Kong may boost demand for commercial real estate to some extent. However, the industry’s overall impact on the market’s recovery is likely to be limited. Similarly, while cryptocurrencies may offer exciting investment opportunities, they are unlikely to become a significant player in the struggling retail real estate market. As such, stakeholders in the real estate market must look beyond cryptocurrency and explore other options to revive the sector.

Overall, the message conveyed is that while the crypto industry is growing in Hong Kong, it is not expected to have a significant impact on the struggling commercial and retail real estate markets.

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