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While office rents continued to drop in the downbeat market, tenants seized the opportunity for better relocation options, resulting in high activity in the leasing market during the month. However, landlords further softened their approach and adopted a more realistic stance in negotiating leasing terms to secure tenants, so the majority of tenants tended to renew their leases. As a result, new take-up of Grade-A office space was at an exceptional low level during the month, particularly in the CBD area.

Amid the challenging economic environment, cost-competitiveness remains a pressing consideration for tenants. Going into 2021, we therefore expect to see a continuing decentralisation trend. We also foresee rising demand for co-working space, as more companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have been heavily impacted by the coronavirus-induced recession to actively explore flexible leasing options.

• 美国即将进行总统大选，全球经济复苏仍存在许多不定因素，而投资者多出于风险规避心理，九月地区内地产股票出现下滑。
• 九月GPR/APREA综合房地产投资信托指数下挫1.4%，终止了自四月以来的涨势，表现逊于大盘，后者下跌1.1%。
• 在低利率，高负债能力的支持下，地区房产信托雄心勃勃，逐渐恢复停滞的交易。根据房地产资本分析公司Real Capital Analytics数据显示，就收购体量而言，第二季度体量为2010年以来的历史最低值，而第三季度地区房产信托收购总额超41亿美元。

The region’s property stocks lost ground in September as risk aversion gripped investors. ahead of a US Presidential election and continued concerns that a global economic recovery remains volatile.

The GPR/APREA Composite REIT Index lost 1.4% in September, snapping a string of monthly gains since April, underperforming the wider market which declined by a smaller 1.1%.

Supported by low interest rates and higher debt capacity, the region’s REITs are turning acquisitive and resuming stalled deals. According to Real Capital Analytics, the region’s REITs expended over US$4.1 billion in acquisitions in the third quarter, after posting a record low quarterly volume in the second quarter since 2010.

• Lockdowns and social distancing have impacted many tenant businesses, resulting in an unprecedented number of requests for rental relief, stressing real estate rental-income streams.
• For equity investors, income returns have weakened, despite softening asset values. Recent income returns may understate the full potential impact as accrual of deferred rents may mask further shortfalls.
• Lower rental incomes may also stress debt covenants and increase servicing pressures on some loans. In loans that default and are foreclosed upon, falling asset values may also increase potential loss severity.