{
  "id": 17327554,
  "title": "Scary deals? What makes Hong Kong shun death-linked homes while France embraces the risk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/scary-deals-what-makes-hong-kong-shun-death-linked-homes-while-france",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T03:00:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3372257/scary-deals-what-makes-hong-kong-shun-death-linked-homes-while-france-embraces-risk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Despite Hong Kong being the world's most expensive housing market, many buyers continue to avoid homes linked to unnatural deaths such as murder or suicide, according to property agents. These properties could see their prices drop by up to 50% and rents could be as much as 20% below market rates. This is in stark contrast to France, where a system called \"vente en viager\" allows property owners to sell their homes for steep discounts, often up to 80%, to elderly homeowners looking to supplement their retirement income. Buyers are attracted to these deals despite the risk of waiting years before taking possession, as the steep discount is the main incentive.\n\nThe term \"haunted houses\" in Hong Kong refers to properties linked to unnatural deaths and are often met with zero valuation or being deemed ineligible for valuation, making it difficult to secure a mortgage. This stigma can lead to significant drops in property value, making it hard to find financing. In severe cases, even online mortgage valuation platforms may not generate valuations for these homes. Banks and surveying firms rely on media reports and internal databases to assess the impact of such incidents on property values.\n\nIn France, on the other hand, the concept of \"vente en viager\" is more common and accepted. This arrangement allows elderly homeowners to sell their properties for a discounted price in exchange for a monthly annuity for the rest of their life. The benefits to sellers include additional retirement income and tax advantages, while buyers enjoy a discounted price and the ability to spread out payments over time. This arrangement is common in several European countries and is seen as a way for sellers to remain in their homes while being compensated for their continued occupancy.",
  "summary": "Even as Hong Kong remains the world’s least affordable housing market, many buyers still shun heavily discounted homes linked to an “unnatural death”, such as murder or suicide, according to property agents. Prices for such properties could fall by as much as 50 per cent, while rents were typically about 20 per cent below market rates, they added. The aversion stands in stark contrast to parts of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Hong Kong buyers avoid homes linked to unnatural deaths, fearing valuation drop of up to 50%",
    "France's vente en viager allows elderly to sell homes for steep discounts, up to 80%",
    "Stigma in Hong Kong makes financing difficult, while France sees it as retirement income solution"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Cultural stigmas regarding unnatural deaths in Hong Kong create significant financing barriers for buyers, whereas French legal frameworks prioritize financial incentives and retirement support through discounted property transfers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Nikkei Asia",
        "title": "Fatal dog attacks test Hong Kong's ambitions for a pet-friendly economy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/fatal-dog-attacks-test-hong-kongs-ambitions-for-a-pet-friendly-economy",
        "published": "2026-10-31T00:46:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}