New World Development (NDVLY) is inching closer to sealing a massive HK$87.5 billion ($11.1 billion) loan refinancing, potentially giving the debt-laden Hong Kong builder some much-needed breathing room. After months of tense negotiations with over 50 lenders, people familiar with the talks say the company has now secured preliminary consent from all partiesincluding banks that had initially pushed back. But there’s still a clock ticking: written approvals must land by June 30, or the deal could unravel entirely.
If finalized, the agreement would extend HK$63.4 billion ($8.1 billion) in near-term maturities to 2028, easing immediate pressure on New World’s balance sheet. Roughly 40 assetsincluding New World Tower and the prized Victoria Docksidehave been pledged as collateral to secure the deal. Another HK$24.1 billion in longer-dated loans will remain on their original timelines, though with added credit enhancements and stricter collateral terms. The refinancing comes as part of a broader fight for survival, with investors increasingly concerned about the company’s ability to navigate Hong Kong’s prolonged property downturn and rising debt costs.
The company isn’t stopping there. New World is also seeking a separate HK$15.6 billion loan backed by Victoria Dockside, testing whether it can still tap fresh capital markets amid growing skepticism. Earlier this year, the developer delayed interest payments on four perpetual notes, triggering a sharp selloff in its dollar bonds. While this refinancing could help buy time, the path forward may still be rockyand investors are watching closely to see whether the firm can stabilize, or if this lifeline is just a pause before the next storm.
