Global Insights

Hong Kong Raises Luxury Home Stamp Duty to 6.5%, Waives REIT Transfer Tax in 2026-27 Budget

Hong Kong's 2026-27 budget raises stamp duty on residential properties above HKD 100 million from 4.25% to 6.5%, while introducing a stamp duty waiver for non-residential property transfers into REITs—a dual signal of fiscal tightening and market development.

Japan's 2026 Tax Reform Targets the "Tower Mansion" Loophole: Inheritance Tax Valuations Moving Closer to Market Prices

Japan's Tax Commission has proposed a major overhaul of real estate inheritance tax valuations, replacing traditional government-assessed values with purchase-price-based methods adjusted for market trends—effectively closing the infamous "tower mansion" loophole.

Singapore Work Pass Overhaul: EP Floor Rises to S$6,000, COMPASS Updated, ONE Pass Targets AI Talent

Singapore's MOM announced comprehensive work pass reforms in Budget 2026: EP minimum salary rises to S$6,000 from 2027 (S$6,600 for financial services), S Pass to S$3,600; COMPASS benchmarks updated from January 2026; a new ONE Pass (AI & Tech track) allows stock options to count toward salary criteria. The Local Qualifying Salary also rises to S$1,800 from July 2026, directly impacting foreign worker quotas. Chinese professionals planning Singapore employment migration need to reassess salary planning and timing immediately.

Supalai Icon Sathorn Apartment: 1BR, 45 sqm, BTS Chong Nonsi, 55,000 THB/month

Supalai Icon Sathorn Apartment: 2BR, 92 sqm, BTS Chong Nonsi, 100,000 THB/month

Supalai Icon Sathorn Apartment: 3BR, 109 sqm, BTS Chong Nonsi, 120,000 THB/month

UK Visa Brake Takes Effect: Automatic Refusal for Four Nationalities, Graduate Route Cut to 18 Months

From March 26, 2026, the UK activates its "visa brake" mechanism, automatically refusing student visa applications from nationals of Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar, and Sudan. The Graduate Route will also be shortened from two years to 18 months. These stacking policy signals are reshaping the UK's competitiveness as a study destination.

Japan Lifts University Enrollment Caps for International Students, Hits 400,000 Milestone Eight Years Early

Japan has lifted enrollment caps at three top national universities for international students and surpassed 400,000 foreign students eight years ahead of its 2033 target. With tuition increases planned from 2027, the 2026–2027 application window offers a strategic entry point.