Knowledge Hub

Despite near-term economic and geopolitical uncertainty, Asia Pacific’s economy continues to adapt to fluctuating conditions, including easing inflation and modest interest rate cuts in response to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s cuts in 2024. Foreign exchange sensitivities continue to play a role in fit out costs. Interest rates, which have shown a modest decline in in U.S. dollar terms, have risen by 5% on average in local currencies throughout APAC. Regional office demand is expected to remain stable, though supply will likely exceed demand and push vacancy rates upwards. 

Rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific data center market due to cloud adoption, 5G, and increased digital demand. It boasts 12.2 GW operational capacity and 14.4 GW under development, with China, Japan, Australia, and India leading. Key trends include hyperscale providers and sustainability efforts, while private equity continues to show interest. Emerging markets like Delhi and Taipei are also growing.

Rebound in tourist arrivals sparks investor interest in hotel assets amid limited supply in the region. Tokyo leads as the top city for hotel investment, followed by Sydney, with Seoul and Bangkok tied for third, and Singapore and Osaka both in fifth place.

Logistics rents in the Asia-Pacific region saw a modest 0.2% year-on-year increase in H2 2024, with Melbourne experiencing the strongest growth at 6.7%, while Beijing and Shanghai faced declines due to oversupply. Vacancy rates are expected to remain stable in 2025.

A comprehensive analysis of office market performance across key cities, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, and Mumbai. Despite macroeconomic uncertainties, occupiers are adapting to evolving workplace dynamics. It provides comprehensive data on rental trends, vacancy rates, and emerging market opportunities, offering valuable perspectives for investors and occupiers alike.

Reimagining Real Estate: A Framework for the Future provides a pathway for the industry to create more liveable, sustainable, resilient and affordable buildings. The framework underscores that robust and resilient capital markets are key to achieving that vision and explores how technology, infrastructure and putting people at the heart of development all drive long-term value.

Calls to action for both the public and private sectors emphasize the necessity of collaboration amid an increasingly complex global landscape and case studies demonstrate what is possible.

Hotel performance enjoys solid recovery in Thailand; creativity key for investors. In Australia, growth moderates as volume of Australians travelling abroad outpaces international arrivals. International demand drives performance gains in Korea; investors seek operational agreement flexibility.