Alpha-Territoriality and the Super-Rich in Hong Kong and London: The Socio-Economic Implications of Transnational Real Estate Investment by the Super-Rich

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ESRC-RGC HK Bilateral Research Grant

Bart Wissink (PI), Ray Forrest (Co-I)

Postdoctoral Fellow

2014 - 2015


Rapidly rising income inequality and highly visible elite spaces for the super-rich (i.e. high net worth individuals) in certain global cities have seen a corresponding increase in academic, policy, and popular attention since the early-2000s.

Through analyses of spatial data, news articles, as well as 24 qualitative interviews with super-rich individuals and key informants in intermediary services (e.g. concierge services, private jets and yachts, fine art, real estate investments, financial and wealth management, etc.), this team project comparatively examines the ways the super-rich invest and live in Hong Kong and London.

Besides offering comparative empirical insights on the real estate practices and spatial practices of urban elites in these two cities, this research also contributes towards current debates on structural inequality, the globalisation and financialisation of residential real estate, and relevant urban policies (such as housing, immigration, citizenship, and tax).


Project outputs