Taylor Scott International News
The residential property market in mainland China picked up gradually in the third quarter of 2015 amid a series of favourable policies such as cuts in interest rates, relaxed restrictions on foreign purchase and an easing of housing provident fund loans. Luxury home prices rose further in first tier cities including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, where the markets continued to clear inventories, according to the latest Greater China property market report from international real estate firm Knight Frank. It says that the favourable policies will continue to benefit first tier cites, but are less effective in lower tier cities with high inventory levels and weak demand. ‘With Chinese and Hong Kong’s stock market volatility and concerns over an interest-rate hike in the US, Hong Kong’s luxury home buyers tended to wait and see, while secondary landlords were also firm on asking prices, resulting in declines in home sales, rents and prices in the luxury market,’ it explains. It points out that more residential properties are scheduled to complete next year, which will impose further pressure on luxury home rents and prices. In Taipei, amid the government’s regulatory measures, luxury home transactions declined. Landlords became more inclined to hold and rent out their residential assets, leading to increased leasing supply. Nevertheless, luxury residential rents and prices remained stable during the third quarter and the outlook is one of polarisation. The report says the market will be affected by cooling measures, the launch of a combined property and land tax and market expectations. ‘Premium residences in the downtown area will have prices remaining firm, while non-prime luxury homes will experience downward pressure on prices,’ it adds. For the commercial market, the report says that Chinese stock market volatility coupled with growing fears of a slowdown in domestic economic growth, led to a slower pace of corporate expansion, hence weighting on Grade-A office rents in major mainland cities. On the other hand, the People's Bank of China has actively cut interest rates and the reserve requirement ratio since the beginning of this year, aiming to release liquidity in the financial system and ultimately to boost the economy. Grade-A offices prices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou rose as investing in such properties became increasingly attractive in such a low interest rate environment. With the completion of more Grade-A office buildings in the cities, rents are expected to face further downward pressure in the future. Hong Kong's Grade-A office market recorded strong performance. With sustained office demand from mainland financial institutions but a lack of supply in core business areas, the vacancy rate fell sharply and companies had to rent at higher rental costs. Due to extremely low availability and high rents in core areas, some firms shifted to more cost effective offices in non-core areas where supply was abundant. This trend is likely to continue next year, the report says, with further growth in office rents in core areas. In Taipei, over 80,000 square meters of Grade-A… Taylor Scott International
Taylor Scott International, Taylor Scott
