Liveable Cities: HK vs. Sing.

Hong Kong versus Singapore


Liveable Cities: 10 Rules from Singapore

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Half the world's population lives in Cities, and that is expected to rise to 70 per cent by 2050.


We have the challenge of how to make them more liveable. The SCMP had a short article on P4 of the Property Section, giving 10 tips from Singapore:


1/ Think ahead- using long term plans, and responsive land policies, to incorporate good design, which will not make a city feel crowded


2/ Embrace diversity- encourage interaction (ie have a rich public realm, with street activities)


3/ Draw nature to the people- parks, water, can do that, breaking up the urban landscape


4/ Affordable mixed-use neighborhoods- shops, schools, recreation areas should be within easy reach, with less need to commute


5/ Make public space work harder- unlock otherwise dead space


6/ ??

7/ Relieve density with variety- mix high rise with low rise buildings, reducing the sense of being crowded


8/ Activate spaces for greater safety- smart urban design makes for a stronger sense of personal security


9/ Promote innovative solutions- use resource-efficient (and especially energy-efficient) technologies


10/ Forge 3P (people, public, private) partnerships- govt and stakeholders work together and take collective responsibility

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No.6 was missing

Singapore has done a better job (than HK) at avoiding over-crowding


HK has built a more efficient transport system, but Singapore is catching up

HK and Singapore are in a competition...

They both want to "cool off" their Property markets though Stamp Duties on buyers


Singapore boosted its tax too, after John Tsang doubled Stamp Taxes on Feb. 22nd.


There is now a 15 percent "Additional Buyers Stamp Duty" to be paid by non-Singaporean property buyers


Result: something like 12 - 20 percent will be added to the cost of Singaporean property for those who are not Singaporean buyers.


They both seem keen to keep Foreign demand from pushing prices any higher. The effect is that a large privilege is being created for those who are legal citizens, or permanent residents (in the case of HK)

I am surpirsed the US and UK don't countervale these measures for HK people and Singaporeans who want to buy in the US or UK

I think I should add Johor Bahru (JB) into the discussion here, since there seem to be some interesting opportunities there too