超級富豪重返倫敦都心房市 英國通貨膨脹壓力飄升，中央銀行「英格蘭銀行」連續 14 次升息，讓許多屋主背負更沈重的房貸。然而，於此同時，全球超級富豪卻以多年未見的速度，積極購入倫敦市中心的豪華住宅。尤其來自歐、美、亞洲、甚至中東地區等地的國際買家，需求格外強烈。 世界富豪 積極買進倫敦房市 根據商用房地產顧問公司報告，截至 2023 年 3 月的一年內，倫敦總共售出 161 件超過 1,260 萬美元的超級豪宅，總銷金額高達 39 億美元；其中，有 23 筆豪宅售價超過 3,780 萬美元，是英國 2016 年脫歐以來最高紀錄。 不僅如此，2023 年上半年，國際億萬富豪持續購入更大、更豪華和更有價值的倫敦市中心住宅。下半年延續熱度，當地房地產機構指出，從 7 月以來，買方的消費信心與交易意願明顯變得更積極。目前房地產價格開價漸趨合理，使得市場更加熱絡，買方感受到英國房市正朝他們的有利方向轉變，購屋的意願逐漸提高。 挾強勢美元與資金優勢，美、亞買方投資倫敦 在強勁的美元支撐下，美國買方強勢登入倫敦。據房地產經紀公司 Hamptons 的研究顯示，在超級高端的倫敦地區，美國買家的比例從 2% 增加到 7%。估計去年超過 1,843 萬美元的豪宅，有五成以上由美國買家購得，其中以矽谷高科技富豪居多，他們認為倫敦房地產地段優越、投資潛力高，且既可自住、出租，甚或當成出差、旅遊度假宅。 亞洲華人富豪也是倫敦房地產的重要買盤，從著名的地標摩天大樓，到新建住宅或鄰近指標學區的公寓，都可見到其蹤影。房地產機構指出，「我們持續看到來自亞洲和美國等國際買家的強烈需求，他們認為倫敦是一個安全的投資目的地，擁有世界一流的教育體系。」 據《泰晤士報》報導，甚至連中東國家的買方都進場。石油上漲、英鎊下跌，來自非洲和中東富豪買家，也看好倫敦房地產，諮詢量正在增加。 房價漲幅緩 投資者抓緊時機進場 買家的購屋類型也發生改變，2022 年多數客戶偏好大型家庭房屋，今年則對於頂級公寓興致高昂，且有許多現金買家，正準備在今年下半年持續進場購屋。 英國房地產網站數據顯示，今年 10 月的英國房價漲幅約 0.5％，增幅比往年 10 月平均水平 1.4％ 略低，是自 2008 年以來，10 月份最低增幅。緩漲的房價，亦驅使英國賣家開價更為務實。當地房地產業者表示：「超級富豪受通膨、升息和政治不確定性引起的經濟漣漪影響程度低，」當發現開價下降，「明智的投資者就知道這是進場的正確時機。」           Super-Rich Return to London's Prime Property Market The Bank of England's 14 consecutive interest rate hikes, driven by escalating inflationary pressures, have placed a heavier financial burden on many homeowners with their mortgages. However, in the midst of these challenges, the global super-rich are actively acquiring luxury residences in the heart of London at an unprecedented pace. International buyers from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and even the Middle East are displaying exceptionally strong demand. Global Super-Rich Actively Investing in the London Property Market According to a report by a commercial real estate consulting firm, in the one-year period leading up to March 2023, London witnessed a total of 161 super-luxury residences, each priced at over $12.6 million, sold with a cumulative sales volume reaching a staggering $3.9 billion. Notably, among these, 23 properties were sold for more than $37.8 million, marking the highest recorded figures in the United Kingdom since the Brexit referendum in 2016. Furthermore, in the first half of 2023, international multi-millionaires continued to acquire larger, more luxurious, and more valuable residences in central London. The momentum carried on into the second half of the year, with local real estate agency noting that since July, buyers' confidence and transaction willingness have noticeably become more proactive. Current property pricing is becoming more reasonable, sparking increased market activity. Buyers are sensing a favorable shift in the UK housing market, leading to a gradual increase in their willingness to purchase. American and Asian Buyers Invest in London with Strong Dollar and Capital Advantage Buoyed by the robust US dollar, American buyers make a strong entrance into London. Research from real estate brokerage firm indicates that in the ultra-high-end London property market, the proportion of American buyers has surged from 2% to 7%. According to estimates, over 50% of residences priced above $18.43 million were purchased by American buyers last year. Among them, a significant portion comprises Silicon Valley tech billionaires who perceive London's real estate as having superior locations, high investment potential, and versatility for personal residence, rental income, business trips, or holiday getaways. Asian Chinese affluent individuals are also crucial players in the London real estate market, visible across renowned landmarks like skyscrapers and newly built residences, as well as apartments in close proximity to prestigious educational districts. A real estate agency highlights, ''We continue to witness significant demand from international buyers, particularly from Asia and the United States. They perceive London as a secure investment destination with a world-class education system.'' Even buyers from Middle Eastern countries are entering the market. According to The Times, the rise in oil prices and the depreciation of the pound have caught the attention of affluent buyers from Africa and the Middle East, with an increasing number seeking advice on investing in the London real estate market. Housing Price Growth Eases: Investors Seize the Opportunity to Enter the Market It is also noted that there has been a shift in the types of properties buyers are seeking. In 2022, the majority of clients preferred large family homes, while this year there is heightened enthusiasm for top-tier apartments. Additionally, there is a notable presence of cash buyers, with many preparing to continue entering the housing market in the second half of this year. Based on the data from a UK property website, the growth rate of UK house prices in October this year is approximately 0.5%, slightly lower than the average October level of 1.4% in previous years. This marks the lowest October increase since 2008. The gradual increase in property prices is also prompting sellers in the UK to adopt more realistic pricing strategies. Local real estate agency states, ''Ultra-high-net-worth individuals are less affected by economic ripples caused by inflation, interest rate hikes, and political uncertainty.'' When they observe a decline in listing prices, '' wise investors '' recognize it as the opportune moment to enter the market.