Hong Kong Tax and House Prices

May 4, 2026, 09:15
AsiaFinance

Introduction

The government says it collected more tax money. House prices are also going up.

Main Body

The government got HK$458.3 billion in tax. This is 22 percent more than before. More people bought houses and stocks. Companies and workers also earned more money. Experts say house prices will grow by 12 percent this year. Office rents in the city center will also go up. Shop rents are low now, but they will grow soon because more tourists are visiting. Some people in Wang Fuk Court had a fire. The government says these people do not have to pay tax for one year. But they must still send their tax papers by June or August.

Conclusion

Hong Kong is making more money and the house market is getting better.

Learning

πŸ“ˆ The 'Up' Pattern

In this text, the writer uses different words to say things are increasing. This is a key skill for A2 learners to describe changes.

Ways to say 'More':

  • Go up β†’\rightarrow "House prices are also going up."
  • Grow β†’\rightarrow "House prices will grow by 12 percent."
  • Earned more β†’\rightarrow "Workers also earned more money."

πŸ’‘ Simple Rule: Use "Go up" for a general change. Use "Grow" when talking about numbers or sizes over time.

Quick Map: Low β†’\rightarrow Grow β†’\rightarrow High

Vocabulary Learning

government
The group that makes and enforces laws for a country.
Example:The government announced new tax rules.
tax
A mandatory payment to the government.
Example:You have to pay tax on your income.
money
Currency used for buying things.
Example:She saved some money for a trip.
house
A building where people live.
Example:They bought a new house.
price
The amount of money needed to buy something.
Example:The price of the house is high.
up
Higher; moving in a higher position.
Example:The price is going up.
more
A greater amount or number.
Example:I need more time.
people
Human beings.
Example:Many people are waiting.
bought
Paid for and took ownership of something.
Example:He bought a new car.
stocks
Shares of ownership in a company.
Example:She invests in stocks.
companies
Businesses that sell goods or services.
Example:Many companies are hiring.
workers
People who work for a company.
Example:Workers need safety gear.
earned
Received as payment for work.
Example:They earned a lot of money.
year
A period of 12 months.
Example:It will finish in a year.
office
A place where people work.
Example:My office is in the city center.
rent
Money paid for using a property.
Example:The rent is low now.
city
A large town.
Example:The city is busy.
center
The middle part of a city.
Example:The city center is crowded.
shop
A place where goods are sold.
Example:The shop sells clothes.
low
Small amount or small height.
Example:The rent is low.
now
At this time.
Example:We are here now.
soon
In a short time.
Example:We will arrive soon.
tourists
People who visit a place for pleasure.
Example:Tourists visit the museum.
fire
A burning event.
Example:There was a fire in the building.
pay
To give money for something.
Example:You must pay the bill.
send
To give something to someone.
Example:Please send the documents.
papers
Documents.
Example:He signed the papers.
June
The sixth month of the year.
Example:The meeting is in June.
August
The eighth month of the year.
Example:We will leave in August.
making
Creating or producing.
Example:They are making new plans.
better
In a more favorable condition.
Example:The situation is getting better.