The private real estate industry entered Q2 on the back of the best opening quarter in recent history. Both capital raised and deal flow were strong, and helping to drive investor appetite was the fact that distributions continued to exceed capital calls by a significant margin, demonstrating that the late cycle concerns were merely about perspective. Yes, to invest in this environment still presents significant challenges when valuations are continuing to rise, but many funds are sitting on record levels of dry powder, which means not only can they act quickly but can also effectively drive negotiations for attractive assets. For those that are ready to dispose of property, the demand is there from a wide variety of participants both locally and internationally.
So...
Download the Report Read MoreIn yet another display of Asia’s dynamism, 2017 ended with a flurry of activity across the region that showed few signs of abating as we entered the new year. While strength is broad-based across markets and sectors, the office segment in the key markets of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore has been a particular focus for investors, reflecting an improving business outlook on the back of a rebound in investment, trade and manufacturing.
Download the Report Read MoreAsia Pacific Economy
Outlook bright but headwinds grow
The region's economy remains resilient in the face of new challenges with 2017's momentum carrying on. Economic sentiment is favourable with data releases pointing to a continued healthy performance despite equity market instability and ramping up of protectionist rhetoric.
Although trade tensions have dominated headlines in the early part of the year, as the US looks to impose new tariffs on imports, most economists still believe that the probability of a full-blown trad war is low at this time.
Download the Report Read MoreIn Q1 2018, the average Grade-A office rent dropped to RMB9.6 per sqm per day (see Table 1).
Due to weak leasing demand and the huge amount of new supply, the overall Grade-A office vacancy rate increased 1.8 percentage points to 6.1% quarter on quarter (Q-o-Q) (see Table 1).
With the departure of some major tenants...
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