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The Land Registry today (February 3) released the land registration statistics for January.
The total number of sale and purchase agreements for all types of building units received for registration in the Land Registry in January 2009 was 5,759. This was 5.9% higher than December 2008 but a decrease of 66.1% compared with January 2008.
Using a 12-month moving average, the figure for January 2009 represented a decrease of 9.9% from December 2008 and 33.7% compared with January 2008.
The total consideration of these agreements in the month was $18.7 billion, down 8.9% from December 2008 and 72.4% compared with the amount for January 2008.
Among the 5,759 sale and purchase agreements, 4,875 were sale and purchase agreements for residential units. This was 3.6% higher than December 2008 but a decrease of 67% compared with January 2008.
The total consideration of these agreements in the month was $16.1 billion, down 8.7% from December 2008 and 71.5% compared with the amount for January 2008.
Sales of residential units refer to the sale and purchase agreements with payment of stamp duty. These statistics do not include sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme and the Tenants Purchase Scheme except those after payment of premium.
The figures are contained in the monthly statistics released today by the Land Registry on deeds relating to property transactions received for registration in the Land Registry in January.
Relevant statistics for December 2008 and January 2008 are provided for comparison. Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales are also released.
As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.
Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:00
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