Answer

(Warren's reply was, as always, illuminating.)

Dear X,

Nice to hear from you and congratulations on your new page of career!

There are lots of speculations on the real properties at Norway recently and therefore it may be a bit overpriced.

I still think there will be a marked correction of property market in HK. I don’t know when but this will definitely happen in a few years time when US has recovered from the downturn and starts to fight against hyperinflation by raising the interest rate.

However, if you can foresee that you will be staying in Norway for a couple of years, and you are not particularly interested (or talented) in buying stocks, I will still suggest you to buy a flat. Please buy a small and humble (preferably older) one rather than the extravagant new estate (promoted by the three old musketeers recently), so that you won’t lose too much in case there is correction of property market in HK. Furthermore, you can have peace of mind without worrying about where to park your money, timing of buying flat, bullying by the landlord or cash loss in paying rent. Of course, it is always better to buy a flat near the railway station.

Warren