Backchat is RTHK Radio 3's current affairs programme with expert panels and listener participation. It airs every weekday from 8.30am-9.30am. Have your say by calling us on 233 88 266, Backchat's Facebook , or send us a message at backchat@rthk.hk
Catch it live:
Monday to Friday 8.30am - 9.30am (*except holidays)
Podcast: Daily update and available after its broadcast.
8:30am-9:00am: negative equity
8:30am-9:00am: Nelson Wong, executive director of research at JLL in Hong Kong
8:30am-9:15am: Gary Ng, economist, Natixis
8:30am-9:15am: Hannah Jeong, head of valuation & advisory services, Colliers
9:15am-9:30am: Covid-positive people visiting restaurants and clinics
9:15am-9:30am: Ricky Chu, Chairman, Equal Opportunities Commission
On Friday's Backchat we're talking about negative equity in Hong Kong.
Latest figures show more than 12,000 homes are now worth less than the mortgage. It’s a big in-crease from the 533 cases at the end of September and 55 at the end of June.
The increase in the cost of borrowing is among the many factors putting pressure on the property market. The Monetary Authority raised its lending rate by 25 basis points on Thursday in line with the US Federal Reserve, and it’s warning that lending rates may continue to rise.
How big is the problem of negative equity? Will the property market rebound this year as Hong Kong emerges from the shadow of Covid?
After 9:15am, we'll speak to the Equal Opportunities Commission about possible anti-discrimination law violations against Covid-positive people visiting restaurants and clinics.