Knowledge Hub

As the world continues to transition, companies are asking themselves how they can contribute, lower the effects of climate change, and bring meaningful value into the lives and communities in which they operate. Here at KIC we build and manage logistics centers, and we ask ourselves those questions during our entire process. From finding the correct building site, to the construction of the logistics center, all the way down to finding the best tenants and managing the property. Here is how energy generation and energy management are being used in our facilities to help bring about a low carbon future.

Read the highlights and takeaways from APREA's flagship conference, the Asia Pacific Real Assets Leaders' Congress 2023, which featured the best and the brightest in the industry.

Despite global challenges, optimism prevails for Asia Pacific's growth, presenting opportunities in both public and private markets. Key takeaways include the region's commitment to sustainability driving investment opportunities, discussions on infrastructure financing challenges and opportunities, insights into traditional vs alternative assets, the impact of rising interest rates on REITs, and the evolving landscape of family offices.

Asia Pacific Trends Q3 2023 features in-depth and up-to-date data and insights on the Office, Retail, Industrial & Logistics and Investment markets across the region. Key trends include:

Office:

• Leasing demand remains weak as occupiers stay cautious
• Mainland China, India and Tokyo account for bulk of activity
• Transactions take longer to close due to slow approvals
• Non-banking financial and tech firms drive demand
• Most markets set to remain in favour of tenants

Retail:

• Retail sales moderate but travel demand continues to provide strong tailwinds
• Retailers stay in expansion mode; Location remains key as demand focuses on prime locations
• Consumer demand for unique experiences drives leasing for non-traditional retail space
• Japan remains most upbeat market thanks to strong tourist inflows
• Leasing demand projected to remain robust in coming quarters

Industrial & Logistics:

• Slowing regional economy continues to weigh on leasing activity
• Strong demand from ecommerce platforms and stable activity from 3PLs
• Supply pipeline remains significant
• Investment volume holds steady in the first three quarters of the year
• Leasing and investment volume forecasted to soften

Investment:

• Sentiment remains weak despite slight uptick in investment volume
• Re-pricing continues to constrain purchasing activity
• Retail and hotel assets witness stronger deal flow
• Japan remains most upbeat market
• Investment to stay subdued amid high interest rate environment

Download Office Trends Download Retail Trends Download Logistics Trends Download Investment Trends

As experts in commercial real estate, our work is built on successfully identifying and navigating opportunities for our clients. In our fourth annual Global Investor Outlook report, we provide a comprehensive, in-depth look at the trends set to dominate the investment market and where we think opportunities can be found in the year ahead. We have synthesised views from our senior Capital Markets experts and investors around the world.

In 2024, challenging conditions will persist, but a clearer rate outlook and tightening bid-ask spreads appear to be on the horizon. As investors continue to seek stability in policy environments, the industrial & logistics (I&L), multifamily and office sectors largely remain their top picks in the upcoming year. As momentum builds, the best-positioned investors will be those who are ready to act on opportunity.

Global Key Themes

• Real estate assets retain appeal despite ‘higher for longer’ interest rates. Pricing will continue to adjust to a more realistic equilibrium, and we expect transactions to pick up in H2 2024.
• Pockets of opportunity are continuing to emerge under tighter conditions. Property funds are facing redemption pressures, and a higher cost of capital is seeing more owner occupiers unlock capital via sale and leaseback transactions.
• A calmer rate environment is coaxing out capital. We anticipate investors will begin to deploy capital that is primarily opportunistic or value-add led on a selective basis.
• Investors continuing to flock to I&L assets due to their perceived stability and growth potential. Investors are migrating to related sub-sectors such as cold/dark storage.
• Number of alliances are growing as investors look at different opportunities to pool resources and mobilise funds. The complexity of accessing some specialised assets such as student housing and data centres will drive more partnerships and joint ventures between investors and developers.
• Growing acceptance of ESG as a key element of investment decision-making. A record proportion (25%) of investors surveyed have ESG-based disposal and acquisition strategies in place, particularly in EMEA and APAC – up from 10% just two years ago. We expect a wave of disposals and value-add opportunities to enter the market.