A recent survey by Standard Chartered reveals that affluent Hongkongers are shifting their priorities away from real estate, traditionally a key life goal, towards travel as a form of investment. The Hong Kong Travel Value Report 2026, based on responses from 1,058 residents with at least HK$1 million in investable assets, indicates that only 24% prioritize home ownership, ranking it seventh among life goals.
In contrast, 48% selected immersive travel as a crucial objective, following early retirement (49%) and holistic wellness (47%). A notable 72% of high-net-worth individuals believe travel fosters intangible benefits such as broader perspectives and long-term well-being. Furthermore, 92% of affluent parents view overseas travel as the most significant educational investment for their children, surpassing tutoring and extracurricular activities.
The report highlights a decline in the importance of real estate, which has historically been a vital asset in Hong Kong’s expensive market, making up over 30% of its GDP in the early 2000s but dropping to around 21% by 2021.
