Investing in Hong Kong for a Senior Expat Retirement

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

At the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, Hong Kong is increasingly attracting senior expatriates eager to enjoy their retirement in a dynamic and exotic setting. Known for its thriving economy and world-class infrastructure, this region offers numerous investment opportunities for those looking to maximize their savings while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.

Whether in real estate, finance, or new technologies, the possibilities here are diverse and promising. Discovering where and how to invest in Hong Kong can not only optimize your portfolio but also ensure a comfortable and rewarding retirement.

Finding the Best Place for Your Retirement in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Neighborhoods Attractive to Expatriate Retirees

Neighborhood	Cost of Living	Safety	Healthcare Services	Local Amenities	Public Transportation	Green Spaces	Expatriate Community
Discovery Bay	High	Very Good	Good access, local medical centers and nearby hospitals	International restaurants, shops, clubs	Ferries, buses, easy access to Central	Parks, beaches, hiking trails	Very strong, international
Happy Valley	Moderate to High	Good	Close to hospitals and clinics	Supermarkets, cafes, markets, racecourse	Tram, subway (MTR), buses	Nearby parks	Strong, families and singles
Mid-Levels	High	Very Good	Immediate proximity to top hospitals	Shops, restaurants, cafes	Escalators, buses, near subway	Botanical gardens, trails	Significant, cosmopolitan
Stanley	Moderate	Good	Local clinics, hospital access	Market, waterfront, restaurants	Buses, more limited subway access	Beaches, waterfront	Present, less dense
Repulse Bay	Very High	Excellent	Accessible private clinics and hospitals	Boutiques, restaurants	Buses, limited subway access	Beaches, nature	Strong, affluent
Kowloon Tong	Moderate	Good	Nearby reputable hospitals	Shopping malls, schools	MTR, buses	Urban parks	Mixed community
Sai Kung	Moderate	Very Good	Local health centers	Markets, seafood restaurants	Buses, limited subway access	Natural park, waterfront	Present, village atmosphere
Tai Po	Affordable	Good	Accessible hospitals and clinics	Markets, local shops	MTR, buses	Close to countryside	More local, some expatriates

Advantages and Specifics by Geographic Area:

• Central and Mid-Levels:
  • Most central neighborhoods, very urban, offering excellent accessibility to cutting-edge hospitals, international restaurants, and luxury services.
  • Ideal for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle, a significant expatriate community, but with a high cost of living.
  • Close to subway and public transportation, urban green spaces (Hong Kong Park, botanical gardens).
  • Disadvantage: density, noise, higher pollution, often small and expensive housing.
• Kowloon (Kowloon Tong, Tsim Sha Tsui, etc.):
  • More affordable than Hong Kong Island, a good compromise between urbanity and residential spaces.
  • Excellent transport network (many MTR lines), quick access to hospitals.
  • Presence of urban parks, proximity to shopping malls, more authentic local life.
  • Less dense expatriate community, but well present in some neighborhoods.
• New Territories (Sai Kung, Tai Po):
  • More peaceful and green atmosphere, ideal for those prioritizing nature, green spaces, and tranquility.
  • Generally lower cost of living, more spacious housing.
  • More limited public transport access but sufficient for an active retiree life.
  • Fewer high-end services, but good quality of life and high safety.
  • Expatriate community concentrated in Sai Kung (seaside village vibe).
• Lantau Island (Discovery Bay, Tung Chung):
  • Discovery Bay is known for its “resort” atmosphere, safety, car-free environment, and international community life.
  • Access to nature (beaches, mountains), good local service offerings, many clubs and associations for expatriates.
  • Transport mainly by ferry or bus, which implies a different daily organization.

Other Criteria to Consider:

Cultural Differences: Highly international neighborhoods (Discovery Bay, Mid-Levels, Repulse Bay) offer a more Western environment, facilitating integration for expatriates. More local neighborhoods (Tai Po, North Point) allow immersion in Hong Kong culture, but the language barrier may be more present.

Climate: All neighborhoods are subject to Hong Kong’s subtropical climate (hot and humid summers, mild winters). Higher altitude areas (The Peak, Mid-Levels) benefit from slightly cooler temperatures and cleaner air.

List of Main Advantages Sought by Expatriate Retirees in Hong Kong:

• High safety in most neighborhoods.
• Access to high-quality medical care.
• Efficient and dense public transport network (except in some outlying neighborhoods).
• Presence of many green spaces and outdoor leisure opportunities.
• Active expatriate community, especially in the aforementioned neighborhoods.
• Wide choice of local amenities and social activities.

For a comfortable retirement in Hong Kong, the choice of neighborhood will mainly depend on budget, desired lifestyle (urban vs. nature), and the desired degree of cultural integration.

The Best Cities for Senior Expatriates in Hong Kong

Attractiveness Criteria for Senior Expatriates in Hong Kong

Accessibility of Healthcare Services

Neighborhoods like Discovery Bay, Mid-Levels, Happy Valley, and Stanley offer excellent proximity to renowned medical centers and hospitals. Discovery Bay has its own medical center and remains easily connected to major hospitals in Tung Chung and Central. Quick access to emergency care and English-speaking specialists is a major asset here.

Suitable and Affordable Housing Options

Several neighborhoods offer a variety of housing, from modern apartments to single-family homes.

Neighborhood	Types of Housing	Financial Accessibility
Discovery Bay	Apartments, houses	High prices, but superior quality and secure environment
Happy Valley	Modern apartments	More moderate cost of living than The Peak, good accessibility
Tai Po/Sai Kung	Houses with green spaces	More affordable, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for tight budgets

Quality of Life and Public Infrastructure

These neighborhoods stand out for:

• Quiet and safe environments (e.g., Discovery Bay prohibits private cars, promoting walking and tranquility).
• Abundant supply of parks, hiking trails, beaches, and green spaces (e.g., Siena Park in Discovery Bay).
• Efficient public transportation (MTR, tram, buses) serving main neighborhoods, facilitating access to amenities and leisure.

Cultural Activities and Leisure

Senior expatriates enjoy a wide range of activities:

• Clubs and associations for expatriates (many in Discovery Bay and Stanley)
• Access to museums, art galleries, cultural events (especially in Central, SoHo, Stanley)
• International restaurants, local markets, cinemas, and sports activities (golf, tennis, pools at The Peak and Happy Valley)

Community and Local Welcome

Neighborhoods such as Discovery Bay and Stanley are renowned for their strong expatriate community and friendly atmosphere.

“Here, everyone knows each other. The clubs, community events, and volunteering create a rare sense of belonging in Hong Kong.”

Expatriates highlight the ease of integration thanks to the range of activities and support from local organizations.

Cost of Living and Investment Opportunities

Neighborhood	Cost of Living	Investment Opportunities
The Peak	Very High	Strong real estate appreciation, stable market
Happy Valley	Moderate to High	Good price/location compromise, well-rated
Tai Po/Sai Kung	More Affordable	Potential growth, more accessible market
Discovery Bay	High, but qualitative	Sought-after real estate, good resale, stable rents

Seniors benefit from an attractive tax environment (no capital gains or inheritance tax in Hong Kong), which favors real estate or rental investment.

Iconic Neighborhoods for Senior Expatriates

• Discovery Bay: International community, peaceful life, easy access to care, numerous activities and green spaces.
• Stanley: Seaside atmosphere, markets, restaurants, easy integration into local and expatriate community.
• Happy Valley: Dynamic neighborhood life, access to health and leisure infrastructure, reasonable cost of living for Hong Kong.
• Tai Po and Sai Kung: Natural environment, calm, more affordable housing, perfect for those seeking tranquility and proximity to nature.

In summary, the neighborhoods of Discovery Bay, Stanley, Happy Valley, and Sai Kung are among the most attractive for senior expatriates due to the quality of their infrastructure, active community, diversity of leisure activities, safety, and accessibility of care, while offering interesting real estate opportunities for retirees.

Real Estate Opportunities for Retirees in Hong Kong

Discovery Bay and Repulse Bay are among the most sought-after neighborhoods by expatriate retirees in Hong Kong, particularly for their quality of life, adapted infrastructure, and privileged environment.

Attractive Neighborhoods for Expatriate Retirees

Neighborhood	Main Characteristics	Advantages for Seniors
Discovery Bay	Seaside residential community, peaceful atmosphere, direct beach access, numerous green spaces, limited car traffic	Calm life, increased safety, pedestrian-friendly environment, easy access to leisure and nature
Repulse Bay	Luxury seaside neighborhood, proximity to downtown, large beaches, relaxed ambiance	Seaside lifestyle, panoramic views, high-end services, proximity to hospitals

Unique Characteristics and Advantages

• Discovery Bay
  • Residential, developed as a resort with an active expatriate community.
  • Direct access to the beach, hiking trails, golf courses, parks (Siena Park), shopping centers, ice rink, waterfront restaurants.
  • Private car traffic prohibited, promoting tranquility and safety.
  • Tight-knit community with many clubs and activities for seniors (volunteering, social events).
• Repulse Bay
  • Chic neighborhood, famous for its modern buildings and sea views.
  • Renowned beaches, cafes, upscale restaurants, local shops.
  • Quick access to quality medical facilities and downtown by car or public transport.
  • Places conducive to relaxation and a healthy lifestyle.

Local Real Estate Market: Trends and Forecasts

• Prices and Trends
  • Discovery Bay: high prices due to exclusivity and demand. Rent around 120 HKD/m², with a slight increase in recent years, but stabilization expected in the medium term.
  • Repulse Bay: very high-end market, real estate prices among the highest in Hong Kong, but stability due to constant appeal for affluent expatriates and retirees.
• Forecasts
  • Demand remains strong for neighborhoods offering quality infrastructure and good accessibility, especially among seniors seeking comfort and safety.
  • The market may see a slight price increase, but the supply of senior-friendly apartments (service residences, secure housing) should develop.

Types of Properties Available

• Condominium Apartments: often with pools, gyms, 24/7 security, concierge services, sometimes even clubs for seniors.
• Townhouses and villas (especially in Discovery Bay).
• Service Residences: some new projects include options specifically designed for seniors (accessibility, medical assistance).

Financial Aspects

• Purchase Costs
  • Discovery Bay: price per m² higher than Lantau Island average.
  • Repulse Bay: prices among the highest in the territory, reserved for those with a substantial budget.
• Rental Costs
  • Discovery Bay: high rents, justified by the environment and services offered.
  • Repulse Bay: very high rents, proportional to the neighborhood’s standing.
• Taxes
  • Stamp duty on purchase (ad valorem), annual property tax, management fees for condominiums.
  • No wealth tax in Hong Kong, but personal taxation should be checked according to country of origin.

Services and Infrastructure for Retirees

• Medical Facilities
  • Discovery Bay: local medical center, quick access to hospitals in Tung Chung and Central.
  • Repulse Bay: proximity to private clinics and internationally qualified hospitals.
• Leisure Centers
  • Golf clubs, pools, fitness centers, senior leisure clubs, regular community activities.
• Green Spaces
  • Well-maintained parks and beaches, hiking trails, pleasant pedestrian areas.
• Accessibility
  • Discovery Bay: direct ferry to Central, internal bus network.
  • Repulse Bay: good bus service, direct roads to downtown.

Thus, the neighborhoods of Discovery Bay and Repulse Bay offer a living environment particularly suited to expatriate retirees, combining comfort, safety, nature, and high-end services.