Knowledge Hub

Real estate remains a key asset class within investors’ diversified strategies even as the turmoil in global financial markets and the instability across the capital spectrum continue to cause concerns.

That’s backed by some solid fundamentals, particularly in Asia Pacific. One, the region’s market resilience, versus its European and the US counterparts, put niche assets here on top of investors’ radar, and now, the reopening of China comes in as a shot in the arm. Two, the flight to quality – led by climate actions and return to office initiatives, has fuelled tight occupancy and rental growth across key Asia Pacific markets. Three, alternatives powered by the region’s living, logistics and life sciences sectors are luring investors with new opportunities and robust growth potential. There are several other reasons.

The moot point is the impact of rising interest rates on valuations and cap rates across key Asia Pacific markets appears mitigated, as rental growth remains powered by strong demand on the back of tight vacancy. However, it’s vital today for real estate investors to proactively map the next 12 months and ensure a winning action plan to make the most out emerging opportunities in the year ahead.

Read more to find out the 2023 APAC action plan in a smart investor’s diary

The logistics sector in Asia-Pacific has seen increased interest from both investors and occupiers. This report highlights the prevailing trends including the diversification of demand, the continuing undersupply of logistics properties, and the implications for investors.

This report was originally published in https://www.knightfrank.com/research/report-library/the-state-of-logistics-asia-pacific-focus-report-2023-2023-10082.aspx

With the Asia Pacific commercial real estate market witnessing rapid increases in financing costs, attention is turning to the sizable volume of outstanding senior loans due to mature, which could lead to a funding gap in the next few years.

CBRE estimates that there is currently US$177 billion of outstanding senior commercial real estate debt in Asia Pacific, with a debt funding gap of US$5.8 billion set to emerge in the region between 2023 and 2025.

This Viewpoint looks at the factors underpinning the debt funding gap in Asia Pacific over the next few years, including the markets and sectors that are likely to face the biggest gap, as well as the implications for investors, borrowers and lenders.

This report was originally published in https://www.cbre.com/insights/viewpoints/Asia-Pacific-Viewpoint-Bird-s-Eye-View-on-Asia-Pacific-Commercial-Real-Estate-Debt-Market

• Inbound investment in Singapore in 2022 reached US$7.585 bn, a marginal increase (3.4% y-o-y) from US$7.333 bn recorded in 2021.
• APAC was the largest source of capital, accounting for 72% of real estate investment into Singapore in 2022.
• Singapore’s outbound investment in 2022 reached US$28.284 bn, normalising from the record high of US$47.709 bn in 2021. Despite the drop, Singapore remained the top APAC outbound investor.
• 2022 outbound investment volumes were driven primarily by higher investment in the U.K., which saw a 120% y-o-y increase.

This report was originally published in https://www.cbre.com.sg/insights/viewpoints/singapore-viewpoint-investment-in-out-2022

CBRE’s latest report explores the latest Asia Pacific Data Centre supply, demand and investment figures for 2022, and outlines key trends to watch for 2023.

Key highlights include:

• New supply in Asia Pacific Tier 1 data centre markets (Greater Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong SAR) fell from 2021’s record-breaking 399MW to 263MW in 2022.
• Regional data centre vacancy fell to 12.4% on the back of solid demand, while leasing demand remained robust and continued to be driven by upgrading demand and ongoing expansion by hyperscalers.
• CBRE expects 765MW of new data centre stock – representing around one-third of total planned capacity – to be delivered by 2025.
• Investment demand weakened in 2022 owing to the rapid increase in financing costs and growing fears of a recession. Asia Pacific direct data centre investment turnover fell to US$1.4 billion, the lowest annual total since 2019.
• CBRE has observed signs of improvement in the investment market in recent months, with nearly US$1.7 billion of new data centre funds raised in Q1 2023. Investment demand will be increasingly focused on greenfield development of prime assets, such as data centres with higher floor loading and/or sustainability certification.

This report was originally published in https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/Asia-Pacific-Data-Centre-Trends-H2-2022