A Standard Chartered survey shows affluent Hong Kong residents now rank travel higher than home ownership among their life goals.
Key facts
- •The survey included 1,058 affluent Hong Kong residents with at least HK$1 million in investible assets.
- •Buying a home ranked seventh among life goals, selected by 24 percent of respondents.
- •Immersive travel was the second most popular goal, chosen by 48 percent of those surveyed.
- •72 percent of high-net-worth individuals view travel as a way to build intangible capital.
- •92 percent of affluent parents consider overseas travel more valuable for their children's education than tutoring.
A new survey by Standard Chartered reveals that real estate is no longer a top priority for wealthy Hong Kong residents, who are increasingly viewing travel as a key investment. The Hong Kong Travel Value Report 2026, released Tuesday, surveyed 1,058 affluent residents aged 30 and older with at least HK$1 million in investible assets.
By the numbers
Shifting Life Priorities
In the survey conducted in June, only 24 percent of respondents identified buying a first or dream home as a primary life goal, placing it seventh on the list. In contrast, 48 percent of respondents prioritized immersive travel, ranking it second behind early retirement at 49 percent and ahead of holistic wellness at 47 percent.
Travel as Investment and Education
Among high-net-worth individuals with at least HK$7.8 million in investible assets, 72 percent stated that travel helps build intangible capital and supports long-term well-being. Furthermore, 92 percent of affluent parents identified overseas travel as the most valuable component of their children's education, ranking it above tutoring and extracurricular activities.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by SCMP Business.
