「三思」而買樓勿被時機牽著走Three Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home

「三思」而買樓 勿被時機牽著走

根據經絡按揭轉介研究部及土地註冊處最新資料顯示，二月份的現樓按揭宗數按月急升近四成半，而最新推出的一手新盤市場反應亦不俗。近期樓市交投回穩不無原因，美聯儲兩度減息，有利樓按市場，而市場購買力已累積多時，不少市民都「心思思」。若想趁勢「撈底」入市，究竟現時是否入市好時機？在筆者角度看，時機雖然是其中一項考慮因素，但畢竟置業是人生大事，即使有多吸引都要「三思而後行」，在此與大家討論要怎「三思」。

第一思：現時是否有置業需求？

香港寸金尺土，置業既是中國人的傳統觀念，對於港人來說更是一生所追求的夢想。但是在現時經濟不明朗的大環境下，建議有意置業者應以實際需要考慮置業（如由租轉買、婚後置業、改善現有居住環境等）。確定有如此需要後，便可進一步搜集資料，以地區、交通建設、城市規劃及配套等作考慮因素，尋找合適的物業。置業是一項生涯規劃，考慮因素較多，資金需求亦十分龐大，因此絕對需作周詳考慮。

第二思：購買力及供款力是否足夠？

買樓最重要的因素是要有足夠的購買力及供款力。購買力除了首期的支出，買家亦要計算印花稅、律師費、代理佣金、差餉、裝修費，以及其他雜費等支出。計算購買力後，下一步就要計算自己的供款力，即能否通過供款佔入息比率及壓力測試。如果未能成功通過這兩個門檻，買家就要重新審視自己的經濟能力，不要勉強上會。

第三思：有否作出風險評估？

每項投資可升可跌，所以作任何投資前一定要進行風險評估。最近受到疫情影響，社會經濟不穩，一些服務性行業如旅遊、零售、餐飲及運輸業，都屬較高危一族，隨時面臨失業或減薪。若買家從事上述相關行業，建議考慮清楚現時是否適合置業，而近期銀行對上述受影響行業之人士的按揭審批都較為嚴謹。

According to the latest data from the Land Registry and mreferral Mortgage Brokerage Services’ research department, the number of mortgage loans for completed flats increased 45% in February on a month-on-month basis and newly launched developments attracted considerable interest from homeseekers. There are good reasons behind the recent uptick in housing transactions: the Federal Reserve’s two interest rate cuts are good news to the mortgage market; pent-up buying power is making many homeseekers feel the itch to buy. For those looking to find great bargains during a market downturn, you should ask if now is really a good time. Personally, I believe that although opportunity and timing are important factors to consider, home buying is one of the biggest life decisions one can make, so no matter how great the buying opportunity looks, be sure to ask yourself three questions before making a purchase.

First Question: Do I Need To Buy a Home Now?

The pursuit of home ownership is deep seated in Chinese culture, and for many living in Hong Kong, where land is particularly scarce and dear, owning a home is a lifelong dream. However, with so many uncertainties looming over the economy, I advise prospect buyers to ask themselves whether they actually need a home right now. If the answer is yes for whatever reason (buying instead of continuing to pay rent; wanting to have your own place as a newly wedded couple; improving your current living situation, etc.), then you can start the search for ideal properties by gathering information on their geographical location, transport network, urban planning, nearby facilities and other factors. There is a wide range of elements to take into consideration and a large sum of money involved, so thorough research and preparations are crucially important.

Second Question: Can I Afford the Initial Expenses As Well As the Mortgage Payments?

This is the make-or-break question for homebuyers. Apart from the down payment, the initial expenses also include stamp duty, legal fees, commission, rates, renovation costs and other miscellaneous expenses. Once you’ve calculated the costs, the next step is to see whether you’ll be able to make the monthly mortgage payments. The two key determiners are your debt-to-income ratio and the bank stress test, and if you can’t satisfy both, it’s time to reevaluate your financial ability and reconsider your goal of home ownership.

Third Question: Have I Assessed My Risks?

No matter what type of investment you’re making, risk assessment is a critical step that you cannot afford to skip. The Coronavirus pandemic has caused social and economic instabilities around the globe, and certain sectors such as travel, retail, food and beverage, and logistics have been hit the hardest, with workers facing the constant threat of salary cuts and job loss. In fact, banks have recently raised their mortgage lending criteria for those employed in the service industry. So if that’s you, now might not be a good time to enter the housing market.