Park Island, Ma Wan, Hong Kong

It is time for me to update the guidance I provided on HK property stamp duty few years ago here:  HK Stamp Duty on Property  for 2018. Whilst the principles remain the same (eg charge stamp duty, as part of various measures to keep the market from rising too quickly), the stamp duty calculation formula is a little more complicated.  This increasing complexity is a shame, as Hong Kong has always prided itself on simplicity when it comes to doing financial transactions, as well as being a country (well now actually in fact a "city", albeit a very special one) that embraces the free market and abstains as much as possible from interference in the free market. These "cooling measures" are intended to suppress value, (eg keeping prices down below what would be the case in a more open market). Sooner or later, when stamp duties are normalized, the prices of property in Hong Kong will move up higher as the many years of suppressed value is unlocked relea...

We really do live in a lovely place!

Beautiful photos that capture the moment perfectly.

Many residents will know that beloved patrol dog Sky passed away last year, on 22 December 2017. The Park Island patrol dogs accompany security guards on night patrol. They are apparently trained, much like police dogs are, although I am not aware of them actually ever putting their skills to use in catching anyone bad. In the early days, the Park Island Management company apparently used to keep these dogs locked up in a cage in the dark in the daytime, and only allowed them out on patrol at night. Many older Chinese people really don't have a good understanding of how dogs think or how they should be treated. However, fortunately, residents found out how these dogs were being treated, and educated management on a better way to treat dogs. Over time, more and more residents began to care for Sky and her life surely must have become more enriched, fulfilling, comfortable, and happy.  Some people say dogs are man's best friend. Some consider dogs to be man'...