House Prices in Singapore and Hong Kong

May 13, 2026, 23:00
AsiaFinance

Introduction

House prices are going up in Singapore and Hong Kong. Some rules are changing to help people buy homes.

Main Body

In Singapore, some homes are now very expensive. Many people want to buy them. The government changed the rules. Now, people must live in their homes for ten years before they sell them. This helps first-time buyers. In Hong Kong, offices in the city center are popular again. Big companies from China are renting these offices. Fewer offices are empty now. Also, many people from China are buying homes in Hong Kong. They prefer to own homes instead of renting. Because of this, home prices are rising.

Conclusion

Prices are rising in both cities. Singapore uses new rules to help buyers. Hong Kong sees more buyers from China.

Learning

🏠 The 'Going Up' Pattern

In this text, we see two ways to say things are increasing. This is perfect for A2 learners talking about money or trends.

1. Action Words (Verbs)

  • Going up β†’ Prices are going up.
  • Rising β†’ Home prices are rising.

2. The Logic Both phrases mean the same thing: Price ↑\uparrow

πŸ”‘ Word Swapping: 'Instead of'

Look at this sentence: "They prefer to own homes instead of renting."

Use "instead of" when you have two choices but you pick only one.

  • Coffee βœ“\checkmark / Tea Γ—\times β†’\rightarrow I drink coffee instead of tea.
  • Walk βœ“\checkmark / Drive Γ—\times β†’\rightarrow I walk instead of driving.

πŸ›  Quick Grammar: 'Must'

"People must live in their homes for ten years."

Use must for strong rules. No choice!

  • Rule β†’\rightarrow You must stop at the red light.
  • Rule β†’\rightarrow You must wear a seatbelt.

Vocabulary Learning

expensive (adj.)
costing a lot of money
Example:The new apartment is very expensive.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government made new rules.
rules (n.)
instructions that people must follow
Example:The rules say you must live there for ten years.
first-time (adj.)
happening for the first time
Example:First-time buyers need to follow the new rules.
buyers (n.)
people who purchase
Example:Many buyers want to buy homes.
center (n.)
the middle part of a city
Example:Offices in the city center are popular.
renting (v.)
paying money to use something
Example:They prefer to own homes instead of renting.
empty (adj.)
not occupied
Example:Fewer offices are empty now.
prefer (v.)
like one thing more than another
Example:They prefer to own homes.
rising (adj.)
increasing in amount
Example:House prices are rising.