Data from CMBOR and the Hong Kong Land Registry shows 36 reverse mortgage registrations were recorded in January 2026, an increase of 6 from the previous month, representing a 20% rise. Compared to the first month of 2025, which had 13 registrations, the figure grew by 180% year-on-year. The Managing Director of CMBOR expects property prices to be on an upward trend in 2026, which is anticipated to drive a recovery in reverse mortgage registrations this year. She noted that reverse mortgages calculate the annuity based on the property's valuation at the time of application, meaning higher property prices generally result in higher annuity amounts. Historical statistics indicate that the highest number of reverse mortgage registrations occurred in 2017, with 751 cases, followed by 621 in 2018, a period when property prices were rising and gradually reaching higher levels. For the full year of 2025, a total of 370 reverse mortgage registrations were recorded, a 13% decrease compared to 2024, which had 426 registrations. Regarding market share in the reverse mortgage sector, BOC HONG KONG (02388) has maintained the highest participation rate since the launch of the reverse mortgage scheme. In January 2026, BOC HONG KONG handled 35 of the 36 reverse mortgage registrations, capturing a 97% market share. Shanghai Commercial Bank ranked second with one registration, accounting for a 2.8% market share. According to data from the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation, 62 reverse mortgage applications were received in January 2026, a 24% decrease from the 82 applications in December 2025. Compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 79 applications, the figure fell by 21.5% year-on-year. The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation introduced the reverse mortgage scheme in July 2011. As of January 31, 2026, the scheme had received a cumulative total of 8,999 applications. Single applicants constituted the largest group, representing 65.6% of the total, while joint applications by two and three persons accounted for 34.3% and 0.1%, respectively. The average age of reverse mortgage applicants is approximately 69 years. The average property value has remained at HK$5.5 million for five consecutive months, ranging from HK$230,000 to HK$83 million, marking the lowest level since October 2020. The average monthly annuity amount is HK$15,800, ranging from zero to HK$198,000, which is the lowest since June 2020. The average age of properties involved is 32 years, with a range from 1 to 71 years. In terms of annuity payment period options, the lifetime annuity is the most popular choice due to providing maximum security without repayment concerns, accounting for 54% of selections. The 10-year fixed term option, which offers the highest annuity amount, is the second most preferred, representing 20.7% of choices.