Hong Kong family offices are increasingly turning their attention to European real estate as Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po wrapped up a visit to Europe aimed at strengthening ties with global investors and financial institutions. The trip reflects Hong Kong’s broader push to cement its role as a leading international hub for private wealth amid shifting global economic dynamics.
Chan’s outreach comes as Hong Kong’s family office sector continues to expand rapidly. A recent report by Deloitte found the city is now home to more than 3,000 single family offices overseeing roughly $4.5 trillion in assets — significantly more than Singapore and up sharply over the past two years. Hong Kong’s ambitions have also been reinforced by China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which specifically backs the city’s development as an international financial center.
Property remains a cornerstone of family office portfolios worldwide. According to the latest report from UBS, real assets continue to represent one of the largest allocations outside listed markets. Meanwhile, the 2026 wealth report from Knight Frank showed private capital dominating the global commercial real estate market for a fourth consecutive year, with family offices deploying $464 billion into property investments in 2025 — well ahead of institutional investors.
Hong Kong investors are playing a growing role in that activity. Deloitte’s survey found that nearly 70 percent of respondents built their wealth through real estate, while Hong Kong-linked capital financed around $8.5 billion in commercial property transactions last year, exceeding volumes from both France and Japan.
Europe, in particular, is emerging as a favored destination for investors seeking long-term opportunities. Speaking recently at the Qatar Economic Forum, executives from Blackstone highlighted improving prospects in Europe, driven partly by Germany’s massive infrastructure and spending initiatives. The European Union has also committed hundreds of billions of euros toward defense and economic modernization under its ReArm 2030 strategy.
The region’s property market is proving attractive for investors willing to take a long-term view. Core logistics and warehouse assets in parts of Europe are generating yields of 6 to 7 percent, while higher-risk strategies offer even stronger return potential.
European markets tied to China’s Belt and Road Initiative are attracting particular interest from Hong Kong and mainland Chinese investors. Germany, for example, is linked to China through multiple rail corridors operated by COSCO connecting Chinese cities with logistics hubs such as Hamburg, Mannheim, and Duisburg. These transport links have encouraged Chinese firms to establish warehousing and distribution networks across the region.
Hungary has also become a key destination for Chinese investment, drawing major companies including BYD and CATL as China deepens economic partnerships across Europe.
With Chan meeting European financial leaders directly, Hong Kong family offices appear increasingly well-positioned to expand their presence across European real estate markets while supporting China’s broader international investment strategy.
