Land Registry releases statistics for June

2024-07-03 15:00 Last Updated At：16:01

Land registry statistics for june 2024: decrease in sale and purchase agreements, increase in total consideration; land search numbers decline

The Land Registry today (July 3) released its statistics for June 2024.

Land registration

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* The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in June was 5 245 (-28.7 per cent compared with May 2024 but +9.8 per cent compared with June 2023)

* The 12-month moving average for June was 4 859 (0.8 per cent above the 12-month moving average for May 2024 but 5.4 per cent below that for June 2023)

* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in June was $41.1 billion (-34.0 per cent compared with May 2024 but +3.6 per cent compared with June 2023)

* Among the sale and purchase agreements, 3 856 were for residential units (-30.5 per cent compared with May 2024 but +6.7 per cent compared with June 2023)

* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $34.5 billion (-35.4 per cent compared with May 2024 but +2.6 per cent compared with June 2023)

Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.

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 have also been 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.

Land search

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* The number of searches of land registers made by the public in June was 356 843 (-11.9 per cent compared with May 2024 and -9.3 per cent compared with June 2023)

The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services.

Commissioner of Customs and Excise reviews Hong Kong Customs passing-out parade

2024-07-05 22:01 Last Updated At：22:18

Hong kong customs commissioner inspects passing-out parade for new customs officers, demonstrates commitment to world customs organization vice-chairperson role

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Ms Louise Ho, attended the Passing-out Parade for the 492nd-495th Customs Officer Induction Courses at the Hong Kong Customs College today (July 5) to inspect 82 Probationary Customs Officers on parade. Among the passing-out officers, eight are members of Customs YES.

The Guards of Honour and all passing-out officers adopted the Chinese-style foot drill to form the logo of the World Customs Organization (WCO), demonstrating Hong Kong Customs' commitment to becoming the new Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific (A/P) region of the WCO starting from July this year. The Foot Drill and Flag Party of the Customs Youth Leader Corps, the first team under the Security Bureau to perform Chinese-style rifle foot drill, also made its debut in the Passing-out Parade, joining hands with the Guards of Honour and passing-out officers to form the pattern of the Tiananmen Tower to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This arrangement demonstrated that the patriotic spirit of Hong Kong Customs can continue to be passed on from generation to generation.

Speaking at the passing-out parade, Ms Ho said under the protection of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong Customs will steadfastly safeguard national security and strive to promote the country and Hong Kong towards high-quality development, actively expand international exchanges and co-operation, and make full use of Hong Kong's distinctive advantages under "one country, two systems", enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world.

She added that Hong Kong Customs, in the name of Hong Kong, China, was elected as the Vice-Chairperson for the A/P region of the WCO at the Customs Co-operation Council Sessions of the WCO in Brussels on June 29, and formally assumed this role as regional representative for two years from July. The primary responsibilities of this role include driving regional development agendas, co-ordinating regional affairs, leading members in addressing various challenges and facilitating the formulation and implementation of regional strategic plans. By playing this pivotal role, Hong Kong Customs hopes to safeguard multilateralism and promote international co-operation, enhance the effectiveness in regional law enforcement, and strengthen the capability of Hong Kong Customs by proposing the agenda and collaboration means to contribute to the country and Hong Kong.

Talking about recruitment, Ms Ho pointed out that the response to this year's recruitment of Customs Inspectors has been encouraging, with more than 8 400 applications received, up 12 per cent from last year's 7 500. For Customs Officers, more than 5 300 applications were received in the first half of this year, representing an increase of 20 per cent over the 4 400 applications received in the same period last year. As Hong Kong Customs plays a more prominent role in the international arena after assuming the post of Vice-Chairperson for the A/P region of the WCO, it is believed that more young people who wish to broaden their horizons will be attracted to join Hong Kong Customs to realise their full potential.

Ms Ho encouraged the passing-out officers to carry forward the goal of creating "a new chapter of Asia-Pacific customs collaboration", to strive to provide diverse and quality customs services, and to make full use of Hong Kong Customs' unique advantages in regional co-operation to make significant new contributions to the country and to Hong Kong.