Investment Archives - Amora Escapes https://amoraescapes.com/tag/investment/ Property 101 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 01:02:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://amoraescapes.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amora-Escapes-Favico.png Investment Archives - Amora Escapes https://amoraescapes.com/tag/investment/ 32 32 Buying Property in Asia? Real Estate Specialists Give Their Investment Tips https://amoraescapes.com/2023/12/21/buying-property-in-asia-real-estate-specialists-give-their-investment-tips/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:07:41 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=5118   Hong Kong’s property market has plunged nearly 20% since its peak, and it may…

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Hong Kong’s property market has plunged nearly 20% since its peak, and it may be a good time for homeowners to buy — but investors might want to think twice, according to Peter Churchouse, chairman and managing director of real estate investment firm Portwood Capital.

With property prices in the city down 15-20% since their peak, Churchouse said now may be a good time to buy a property in Hong Kong if you’re looking to own a home, but investors hunting for yield should look at Australia and New Zealand instead.

Investors and homeowners have different priorities, Churchouse pointed out.

For homeowners looking to buy, “prices down this much is probably not a bad time to look to be buying” if you can afford to pay mortgage and down payment, he said Tuesday on CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia.”

“There’s still a bit of downside risks … but perhaps the worst is over.”

Home prices in Hong Kong dropped for four months straight. The official housing price index stood at 339.2 in August, down 7.9% from a year earlier and 4.2% lower from April peaks.

“Hong Kong is probably the easiest place in the region to buy, and I would think that Japan is probably a close second,” he said.

Buying elsewhere in the region is “fraught with all sorts of difficulties and legal issues … There are all sorts of banana skins,” Churchouse warned, explaining that home buyers in other countries either have to be a resident, permanent resident or an employee.

“Often, you can’t own property as an investor,” he added.

Jeff Yau, Hong Kong property analyst at DBS Hong Kong, said prices in Hong Kong are expected to continue plummeting and could fall by another 10% in 2024.

In October, the Hong Kong government cut stamp duties for property buyers to help boost the city’s slumping real estate market.

Among the relaxed levies, the stamp duty that non-permanent residents have to pay for property and another levy imposed on additional properties purchases by residents will each be halved to 7.5%.

Despite the positive news for homebuyers, demand may not bounce back in full force as the higher cost of financing will remain a hurdle for potential homeowners, said Henry Chin, Asia-Pacific’s head of research at CBRE.

Best rental yield

For investors looking for high rental yield, “Hong Kong is not the place,” Churchouse said. “The yield today is less than the cost of capital, less than the interest rate you’re paying on your loan.”

Rental yield in Hong Kong is currently below 3%, while the effective mortgage rate exceeds 4.1%, implying a “negative rental carry,” DBS Bank’s Yau said.

“If the investors have their first property, they still need to pay New Residential Stamp Duty of 7.5% if they buy a second property,” Yau said. “It is not a good time to buy property for investment.”

Where can investors find good rental yield?

“The best yield in markets in this region, I tend to think, are Australia and New Zealand,” Churchouse said. Yield for residential property or commercial property there may be as high as between 6-8% — “maybe even higher,” he added.

In Japan as well, it’s common to find rental yields of about 5% or 6%, he added.

In a country where interest rates are “very, very low,” he said, “You can get a rental yield that higher than your interest costs in Japan.”

Source : CNBC

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Revealed: Abu Dhabi, RAK to Vie With Dubai as Top UAE Real Estate Investment Destinations in 2024 https://amoraescapes.com/2023/12/18/revealed-abu-dhabi-rak-to-vie-with-dubai-as-top-uae-real-estate-investment-destinations-in-2024/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:38:43 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=5109 Capital city Abu Dhabi and emerging tourist and gaming spot Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) are…

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Capital city Abu Dhabi and emerging tourist and gaming spot Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) are predicted to be the top destinations for real estate investments in the UAE in 2024, along with the ever resilient Dubai, promising substantial growth in the coming year, new market research revealed.

Yas Island, Al Reem Island, and Saadiyat Island are projected to emerge as the top three locations by transaction value in Abu Dhabi, while the areas surrounding UAE’s upcoming first-ever casino in RAK are anticipated to clock the highest return on investments for investors next year, the AI-based study by Dubai-based global proptech Realiste said.

“Amidst the ever-shifting landscape of real estate opportunities, three emirates – Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai – will emerge as magnetic hubs for investors in 2024,” the study predicted.

“Each emirate boasts unique strengths and opportunities for investors looking to capitalise on the region’s dynamic growth.”

The Realiste research showed that at $2,365 per sqm, the average cost per square meter property prices in Ras Al Khaimah is significantly lower among other cities with casinos, compared to a staggering $49,911 in Monaco and $15,153 in Singapore, underscoring the substantial potential for property value appreciation in the emirate, highlighting its attractiveness to potential investors.

It also projected a robust return on investments of up to 50 percent for some of the projects in Abu Dhabi’s upcoming and popular islands over the next three years, turning them among the most sought after residential property markets in 2024.

Real estate market boom to spread beyond Dubai in 2024

Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, along with Dubai, beckons as distinct gems for investors in 2024, Realiste said.

Abu Dhabi, epitomizing stability, offers steady organic growth and proven profitability in prime locations, while Ras Al Khaimah, propelled by a groundbreaking casino, stands out with affordable prices and a burgeoning tourism scene.

Meanwhile, Dubai will continue to lead the bull run in the UAE’s real estate market with its innovation and resilience promising substantial growth, with iconic projects showcasing sustainability, the study said.

“Together, these emirates encapsulate an opportunity, where each investment choice signifies a strategic move in the evolving landscape of Middle Eastern real estate,” Realiste said.

Investors could expect over 50% returns in short spans

Abu Dhabi, with its fast diversification with the mix of cultural and entertaining objects, besides hosting more than 100 global events, concerts or festivals annually, is projected to offer both top notch return on investments and high rental yields, luring real estate investors from around the world in the coming year.

The capital city’s high target for international tourist arrivals – its reported target for 2023 is 24 million visitors – will be a growth driver for short-term rental property also, the study said.

Q Property’s upscale projects  Maskan and Makany on Reem Hills and Aldar’s Gardenia on Yas Island are among the residential projects which are projected to fetch over 50 percent return, while 9 Yards’ Sea La Vie on Yas Island is estimated to see over 30 percent investment appreciation to investors in just a three-year span.

The Gardenia and Sea La Vie projects are also projected to get over 10 percent rental yields to investors.

“[The Abu Dhabi real estate market] exhibits solid organic growth with lower speculative demand, reducing the risk of sharp declines in property values, making it a highly attractive investment destination,” said Realiste, which operates in over 100 cities around the world.

As for RAK, the Realiste study said the emirate’s real estate prices have seen considerable surge in recent months, following the announcement on the casino opening and riding on the boom in tourist arrivals, leading to an estimated over 25 percent spike in hotel room occupancy growth in 2023.

“The announcement of the first casino in the UAE has propelled Ras Al Khaimah into the spotlight, attracting substantial foreign investments and driving tourism,” the study said, adding that this could propel real estate prices, especially in areas around the casino, in the coming months and years.

Bloomberg estimates potential annual gaming revenue of $6.6 billion in RAK, surpassing even Singapore.

The Realiste research said the total transaction value in RAK’s real estate market continues its upward trajectory, nearly reaching the cumulative value of the entire previous year in the first eight months of 2023.

Dubai will continue to offer high returns to investors

The Realiste AI-based study also predicted continued high price growth in key Dubai areas such as Dubai Hills, Sobha Hartland, and Bluewaters Island, with a projected growth forecast ranging from 18.5 percent to 22.1 percent within one year.

“Dubai’s commitment to cutting-edge urban planning sets it apart. The emirate still represents the most significant earning potential for investors,” Alex Galt, CEO and founder of Realiste, told Arabian Business.

“For example, iconic projects such as the Dubai Hills development showcase a harmonious blend of sustainability, and innovation. In 3 years, property prices in the area have grown by an impressive 83 percent, and in the next 5 years, we forecast a further 43 percent growth, making it an attractive prospect for investors seeking long-term appreciation,” Galt said.

Source : ArabianBusiness

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Planning a Second Property as Investment? Things to Ensure Before Making the Plunge https://amoraescapes.com/2023/11/30/planning-a-second-property-as-investment-things-to-ensure-before-making-the-plunge/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:01:25 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=5009 Having a property to rent out seems a pretty good proposition. It gets you a…

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Having a property to rent out seems a pretty good proposition. It gets you a regular passive income, over and above your earnings.
However, it is not that simple. Here, we will take a look at whether it makes sense to go for a second property to get a rental income and as an overall investment.

Rental income: An attractive proposition

Earning a steady rental income via renting tops the list of several investors.

“It not only gives a sense of security to many buyers to own a property but also makes the property more lucrative with decent returns,” says Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group, a real estate services company.

The other reason why many investors nowadays prefer to buy for rental purposes is because besides providing them a steady rental income, it also helps in keeping the property under use and therefore can be maintained.

Investors can pay off a part of their mortgage with the rental income received from tenants and also enjoy both rental and property value appreciation in future.

There is a also good possibility of receiving tax benefits including municipal taxes, and deductions on payment of principal and interest.

Challenges to be aware of

One should keep in mind that purchasing a property is a substantial initial investment. One would need to pay a down payment and EMIs or Equated monthly instalments on the property and that may fall way short of taking care of the mortgage.

According to Global Property Guide, average gross rental yield in India stands at 4.54%. By definition, rental yield refers to the annual rental value received from an income-generating asset, as a percentage of the property’s value.

This means that there can be a big gap between the EMI you pay and the rent you receive. For example for a property in a prime location in Mumbai which costs ₹3 crore, your EMI would be around ₹2.5 lakh at 8.40% interest. The rental income on the other hand would be in the range of ₹50,000- ₹80,000.

Besides, rental demand and appreciations are subject to market fluctuations and local factors and property values may not always increase. In addition to this, you may run the risk of having vacant periods and finding good, reliable tenants can also be challenging.

Managing a rental property is also time-consuming as you may require to deal with tenants, maintenance and repairs. “Managing a rental property is also time-consuming as you may require to deal with tenants, maintenance and repairs,” says Altaf Ahmad, CBO & Co-Founder, Azuro, a rental and property management firm, owned by Square Yards, a real estate marketplace.

Besides, rental demand and appreciations are subject to market fluctuations and local factors and property values may not always increase. In addition to this, you may run the risk of having vacant periods and finding good, reliable tenants can also be challenging.

Rental growth across cities

1BHK

CITYNAME 2021 2022 CHANGE % 2023 CHANGE %
Mumbai 29,638 29,741 0.3% 30,224 1.6%
Delhi 11,534 12,930 12.1% 15,285 18.2%
Bangalore 16,429 16,074 -2.2% 20,907 30.1%
Hyderabad 12,072 13,243 9.7% 15,331 15.8%
Pune 15,162 16,805 10.8% 17,072 1.6%
Gurgaon 21,762 16,298 -25.1% 18,181 11.6%
Noida 12,420 20,603 65.9% 24,864 20.7%

2BHK


CITYNAME 2021 2022 CHANGE % 2023 CHANGE %
Mumbai 50,202 53,596 6.76% 59,523 11.06%
Delhi 19,626 24,444 24.55% 27,504 12.52%
Bangalore 26,568 32,329 21.68% 34,782 7.59%
Hyderabad 22,035 26,303 19.37% 35,907 36.51%
Pune 22,482 25,094 11.62% 27,495 9.57%
Gurgaon 30,770 23,855 -22.47% 27,886 16.90%
Noida 16,822 18,499 9.97% 21,703 17.32%

3BHK

 

CITYNAME 2021 2022 CHANGE % 2023 CHANGE %
Mumbai 95,768 105,219 9.87% 125,184 18.97%
Delhi 45,251 39,510 -12.69% 52,771 33.56%
Bangalore 48,016 65,341 36.08% 55,980 -14.33%
Hyderabad 35,168 41,705 18.59% 64,098 53.69%
Pune 33,481 33,385 -0.29% 45,384 35.94%
Gurgaon 36,362 45,089 24.00% 56,022 24.25%
Noida 23,768 25,955 9.20% 33,089 27.49%

Source: Square Yards

What to keep in mind before buying for renting out?

“When investing in a home for rental income, one must consider the potential rental income the property can generate. Location is one of the most critical aspects to keep in mind while buying an asset for rental income, as that determines rental value and reaps a good resale prospect in the future,” says Anshuman Magazine, chairman and CEO, India, SEA, MEA, CBRE, a real estate services firm.

It is important to evaluate the neighbourhood, infrastructure, and accessibility. Another key consideration should be enhanced amenities like schools, hospitals, and retail spaces, which are significant for tenants and help maintain asset value in the long run. These features play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of an investment.

In a good location, the owner will also not find it difficult to find new tenants when previous tenants vacate.

“Besides , one should also look to buy from a large and listed developer because most of the time to capitalise on the best rates, an investor buys the property when either newly launched or when under construction. Since most large builders today focus on timely delivery it will eventually help the investor in putting up the property on rent on time,” says Puri.

However, getting a property by a prime developer in a good location will require a huge upfront cost in terms of down payment and also servicing large monthly EMIs.

Additionally, the return on investment may not be as high as other investment options, such as stocks or bonds. So it is a decision that one needs to take after carefully evaluating one’s finances and the pros and cons.

Source : BusinessInsider

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Insight: Dubai’s Property Market Attracts U.S. Investors https://amoraescapes.com/2023/11/25/insight-dubais-property-market-attracts-u-s-investors/ Sat, 25 Nov 2023 14:45:07 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4953   In the ever-evolving global investment landscape, investors are continuously drawn to new opportunities that…

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In the ever-evolving global investment landscape, investors are continuously drawn to new opportunities that offer value, stability, and growth. Dubai, known for its exceptional quality of life, unmatched safety, strong connectivity, tax benefits, and business-friendly environment, has emerged as a prime destination for international investors, particularly those from the United States.

This burgeoning appetite is not incidental but a calculated alignment with value, opportunity, and security that the city offers. When juxtaposed with other global cities, Dubai’s property prices not only stand competitive but also promise appreciable returns on investment.

Prime property prices in Dubai are notably cheaper by 20 percent-80 percent when compared to major cities such as Monaco, Hong Kong, New York, London, Geneva, Paris, Beijing, and Tokyo, even amidst a massive increase in rates during the post-pandemic period. A million dollars can secure a luxurious property in Dubai with an area of over 100 square metres (sqm), in stark contrast to 17sqm in Monaco, 21sqm in Hong Kong, and 33sqm in New York.

Moreover, the introduction of investor and golden visas through property acquisition has further sweetened the investment proposition, ensuring investors not only gain financial returns but also a gateway to global mobility and an enhanced lifestyle.

With a substantial diaspora from the MENA region, the U.S finds a cultural and economic bridge in Dubai, making it easier for investments.

A top FDI destination

Dubai’s ascension as a global leader in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially in future-oriented sectors, is noteworthy. The city, under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has forged dynamic partnerships with international investors, accelerating innovation and creating enduring economic value.

In 2022, Dubai not only maintained, but solidified its position as the leading destination city globally for greenfield FDI projects, with 837 announced projects, according to the Financial Times ‘fDi Markets’ data. This achievement, amidst global uncertainty and economic challenges, is a testament to the city’s competitive strengths and attractiveness.

Moreover, the comprehensive strategy of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33 Agenda), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade, is set to further elevate the emirate’s status as a preferred destination for major international companies, investment, talent, and visitation.

In 2022, the US ranked third for FDI in Dubai, accounting for 11 percent, with many investors having recognised and leveraged the multifaceted opportunities offered by this vibrant city. The strategic geographical positioning, coupled with a robust economic and technological infrastructure, makes Dubai a pivotal axis in the global economic machinery.

As we navigate through the complexities of global investment terrains, Dubai emerges not merely as a viable but as a compelling destination for U.S. investors. At Berkshire Hathaway Home Services (BHHS), we are not only witness to this transformative investment wave but are also active participants, facilitating U.S. investors in navigating through Dubai’s promising property market.

Source : Zawya

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Building and Borrowing Costs Squeezing Commercial Property Investment and Land Sales https://amoraescapes.com/2023/10/22/building-and-borrowing-costs-squeezing-commercial-property-investment-and-land-sales/ Sun, 22 Oct 2023 13:36:00 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4812   Investment in commercial property and development land in the Republic has fallen sharply this…

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Investment in commercial property and development land in the Republic has fallen sharply this year with 2023 expected to be one of the weakest years on record in both markets, according to Sherry FitzGerald.

In a report published on Monday, the property agent said the sharp rise in interest rates to 22-year highs since last summer has hindered activity in both markets.

Rampant inflation in the price of wholesale construction materials, meanwhile, has “compounded” the difficulties, said Jean Behan, senior economist at Sherry Fitzgerald Research, “affecting the feasibility of developments and dampening forward fund and forward commit structured investments”.

In the three months to the end of September, investment in Irish commercial property totalled €430 million, up 25 per cent quarter-on-quarter, but well below the long-term third-quarter average of €788 million.

Investment in development land was more or less unchanged from the second quarter of the year €82 million but still well below average, according to the report.

Overall, commercial investment turnover has reached €1.4 billion so far this year, a 64 per cent decline from the first nine months of last year while the value of land sold has fallen by around half to €226 million.

Transaction volumes, meanwhile, are down by just over a third in both markets with 57 development land sales and 91 investment sales, suggesting “that 2023 looks set to be one of the weakest years on record in both markets”.

However, there remains “strong interest for sites” with residential development potential, according to the report, reflecting the overall housing shortage. “Looking forward, there is a general positive outlook in the development land market, “ said Brian Carey, commercial director of Sherry FitzGerald. “The pool of purchasers is still quite strong.”

In the investment market, the office sector was “the key driver of investor activity” in the third quarter, accounting for 38 per cent of the market’s total capital spend for the period. Retail assets also remain attractive, the report’s authors noted.

Ross Harris, director of commercial and residential investment at the property agent, said the flight to quality remains a feature of investor demand with buyers keen to refurbish or upgrade older stock.

“Meeting ESG [environmental, social and governance] objectives remains a key component of investment decisions with both investors and occupiers focused on energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint,” he said. “This will continue to underpin demand going forward, buoyed by the increased availability of green loans offering favourable terms.”

Source : TheIrishTimes

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Japan’s Property Sector Sees ‘Golden Period’ as Foreign Investments Surge 45% https://amoraescapes.com/2023/10/10/japans-property-sector-sees-golden-period-as-foreign-investments-surge-45/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:56:58 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4776   Foreign investments into Japan’s real estate sector have been flourishing in the past year,…

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Foreign investments into Japan’s real estate sector have been flourishing in the past year, buoyed by a weak Japanese yen as the country’s central bank maintains its ultra-loose monetary policy.

“It is a golden period of Japanese real estate,” Henry Chin, head of Asia-Pacific research at CBRE, told CNBC.

“Japan benefits from an ultra-loose monetary policy while global economies are in the tightening cycle,” he added, citing the level of transparency and “strong fundamentals” in the retail and multifamily sector to be a key factor. Multifamily properties are buildings or complexes that have more than one rentable unit unlike single-family properties with only a single space.

Boosting the demand for Japan’s property sector is the country’s favorable lending terms, where the loan-to-value ratio stands at 70% and the cost of lending hovers around 1%, Chin explained.

Foreign investor volume saw 100% increase in Q1 2023 on a year-on-year basis.
– Koji Nato
LL’S RESEARCH DIRECTOR OF CAPITAL MARKETS IN JAPAN

And of course, a cheap Japanese yen.

The Bank of Japan’s monetary position to hold benchmark interest rates at -0.1% sets them apart from other major central banks, which have lifted rates in the last two years in efforts to tame spiraling inflation. Consequently, the yen has weakened more than 11% against the U.S. dollar this year so far.

“Foreign investor volume saw 100% increase in Q1 2023 on a year-on-year basis,” JLL’s Research Director of Capital Markets in Japan, Koji Nato, told CNBC via e-mail.

Real estate deal activity in Japan has been among the strongest in the world this year, JLL said in a recent note, similarly attributing the robustness to the interest rate policy that “has been widely credited for keeping its real estate resilient.”

Foreign investors almost doubled their investment from a year ago to $2 billion in the first quarter of the year, the global real estate services company noted.

According to latest data provided by CBRE, total foreign investments into Japan’s real estate market has risen 45% in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period last year.

Hotels or offices?

The solid rebound in Japan’s tourism sector following the ease in border restrictions has sparked a rise in hotel occupancies and hospitality investments, Knight Frank said in a recent September note. In July, Japan saw the highest number of foreign travelers since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Given the limited availability of new hotel rooms in the foreseeable future, the upward trend in occupancy rates is anticipated to continue,” Knight Frank’s note continued.

In addition, hospitality investments were given a sharp boost following the greenlighting of the construction of Japan’s integrated resorts in Osaka, which would mark the country’s first casino. The project is aimed at drawing both international tourist and domestic spending

The Japanese logistics sector has also experienced “impressive growth,” fueled by the strong performance of e-commerce, Knight Frank noted. The logistics sector encompasses distribution centers, warehouses and other spaces with storage facilities.

For CBRE’s Chin, the retail sector is seeing the strongest rental growth. Chin also elaborated that investors are looking at prime and secondary markets in Tokyo and Osaka where demand for leases is coming back, alongside the return of tourists.

Who are investing?

Singapore is the largest source of cross-border investments into Japanese commercial real estate in 2023, with $3 billion worth of acquisitions year-to-date, said Knight Frank’s Head of APAC Research Christine Li.

U.S. investment into Japan came in second place at $2.58 billion, and Canada with $1 billion worth of investments, according to data from Knight Frank.

So how long will investments continue to pour in?

MAGOME, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 7: A view of the historic Shinchaya Inn on the Nakasendo Way on November 7, 2022 in the post towns of Magome, Japan. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)

A view of the historic Shinchaya Inn on the Nakasendo Way on November 7, 2022 in the post towns of Magome, Japan.

“A tightening decision can deflate investor sentiment in the short term,” Li forecasts, but she highlighted that a policy shift due to evidence of broadening inflation can extend the bullish outlook.

CBRE’s Chin highlighted how it is hard to predict the turning point, and noted how prices can be “extremely sensitive” to any interest rate hikes and relative pricing of real estate in other countries’ markets. However, he remains optimistic.

“We expect to see investors continue to deploy capital into Japan and it is unlikely to change in the coming few quarters,” he said.

Source : CNBC

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API Global Heads to Saudi Arabia to Showcase UK Property https://amoraescapes.com/2023/09/12/api-global-heads-to-saudi-arabia-to-showcase-uk-property/ Tue, 12 Sep 2023 11:00:11 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4677   Leading UK property investment specialists API Global will be attending CityScape Global in Saudi…

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Leading UK property investment specialists API Global will be attending CityScape Global in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with UK property developers Elevate Property Group and Investin PLC.

The event, which runs from Sept. 10-13, will see API Global showcase its extensive UK buy-to-let property portfolio to the exhibition’s 180,000 attendees. Following this, the company will launch its eagerly anticipated second office in Saudi Arabia.

With rental demand in the UK at an all-time high, developers across the UK are looking to build more stock to capitalize on the surge in rentals and deliver strong returns for investors both in the UK and overseas. API Global helps investors build passive income through property with their sophisticated end-to-end solution.

With a strong development portfolio, including off-plan, completed, and below-market-value stock, investors can maximize their capital growth from Day 1 of their investment, the company claims.

Michael Leighton, CEO of API Global, said: “API is a truly global business, serving property investors across the UK and the Middle East. We’re proud to work with some of the best developers in the UK, including Investin PLC and Elevate Property Group, to bring high-quality developments to the market.

“We’re the UK’s leading property investment company, and opening our Saudi office will further solidify our position and attract more investment into the UK.”

He added: “If you’re attending CityScape Global, please make sure you pay a visit to the API Stand at H1 V11, near gate 3.”

Census data reveals the scale of the shift in the UK housing market, with the number of households renting in England and Wales more than doubling since 2001. Five million households are now renting privately compared to 1.9 million in 2001, and homeownership rates have fallen from 64.1 percent in 2011 to 62.3 percent in 2021. Looking at more specific markets, hotspots such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester are going through a period of unprecedented, sustained growth. Across the UK, rents have increased by an average of 11 percent, rising to 15.8 percent in London and more than 23 percent in Manchester. In London, rents are increasing at their highest-ever rate, and outside the capital, average rents have reached another new record of over £1,100 pounds ($1,385) per month.

API Global has had an office in the Middle East — in Dubai — since the company’s inception in 2013, serving expats and locals alike looking to invest in one of the most stable and secure asset classes in the world: UK property. Looking to expand further into the region and to cater to the increased demand for their end-to-end investment and management service, API Global is now ready to open its second Middle East office in Saudi Arabia.

Source : ARABNEWS

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Annual Foreign Investment in U.S. Existing-Home Sales Declined 9.6% to $53.3 Billion https://amoraescapes.com/2023/09/01/annual-foreign-investment-in-u-s-existing-home-sales-declined-9-6-to-53-3-billion/ Fri, 01 Sep 2023 02:30:19 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4646   WASHINGTON (August 1, 2023) – Foreign buyers purchased $53.3 billion worth of U.S. existing…

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WASHINGTON (August 1, 2023) – Foreign buyers purchased $53.3 billion worth of U.S. existing homes from April 2022 through March 2023, slipping 9.6% from the previous 12-month period, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®. Foreign buyers purchased 84,600 properties, down 14.2% from the prior year and the fewest number of homes bought since 2009, when NAR began tracking this data. Overall, U.S. existing-home sales totaled 5.03 million in 2022, down 17.8% from 2021.

“Sharply lower housing inventory in the U.S. and higher borrowing costs across the world have dented international buyers for two straight years,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, recovering international travel following the end of the pandemic will bring more foreign transactions in coming months and years.”

NAR’s 2023 Profile of International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate surveyed members about transactions with international clients who purchased and sold U.S. residential property from April 2022 through March 2023. Foreign buyers who resided in the U.S. as recent immigrants or who were holding visas that allowed them to live in the U.S. purchased $23.4 billion worth of U.S. existing homes, a 31.4% decrease from the prior year and representing 44% of the dollar volume of purchases. Foreign buyers who lived abroad purchased $29.9 billion worth of existing homes, up 20% from the 12 months prior and accounting for 56% of the dollar volume. International buyers accounted for 2.3% of the $2.3 trillion in existing-home sales during that period.

The average ($639,900) and median ($396,400) existing-home sales prices among international buyers were the highest ever recorded by NAR – and 7% and 8.3% higher, respectively, than the previous year. The increase in prices for foreign buyers reflects the increase in U.S. home prices, as the median sales price for all U.S. existing homes was $384,200. At $1.23 million, Chinese buyers had the highest average purchase price, with a third – 33% – purchasing property in California. In total, 15% percent of foreign buyers purchased properties worth more than $1 million from April 2022 to March 2023.

China and Canada remained first and second in U.S. residential sales dollar volume at $13.6 billion and $6.6 billion, respectively, continuing a trend going back to 2013. Mexico ($4.2 billion), India ($3.4 billion) and Colombia ($0.9 billion) rounded out the top five.

“Home purchases from Chinese buyers increased after China relaxed the world’s strictest pandemic lockdown policy, while buyers from India were helped by the country’s strong GDP growth,” Yun added. “A stronger Mexican peso against the U.S. dollar likely contributed to the rise in sales from Mexican buyers.”

For the 15th consecutive year, Florida remained the top destination for foreign buyers, accounting for 23% of all international purchases. California and Texas tied for second (12% each), followed by North Carolina, Arizona and Illinois (4% each).

“Florida, Texas and Arizona continue to attract foreign buyers despite the hot weather conditions during the summer and the significant spike in home prices that began a few years ago,” Yun said.

All-cash sales accounted for 42% of international buyer transactions compared to 26% of all existing-home buyers. Non-resident foreign buyers (52%) were more likely to make an all-cash purchase than resident foreign buyers (32%). Two-thirds of Colombian buyers (67%) made all-cash purchases, the highest share among the top five foreign buyer nations. Approximately half of Canadian (51%) and Chinese (47%) buyers made all-cash purchases. Asian Indian buyers were the least likely to pay all cash, at just 15%.

Half of foreign buyers purchased their property for use as a vacation home, rental property, or both – up from 44% the previous year. Almost three out of five international buyers (59%) purchased detached, single-family homes.

“Fostering economic investment in culturally dynamic communities, businesses, and industry is a top priority for NAR,” said Charlie Dawson, NAR’s vice president of engagement and advocacy outreach. “Our work across the country provides members and their communities with tools, resources and data to identify and highlight international investment opportunities in U.S. real estate. This acts as a key pillar in our efforts to further support local communities to drive economic development in markets across the country. NAR and the Realtor® brand has developed a network of partnerships with over 100 real estate organizations across 77 countries providing growth opportunities by ensuring ethical and accessible markets that allow our members to make direct connections with global real estate professionals and international investors.”

Source : NAR

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Canada Shares in Real Estate’s Global Value Dip https://amoraescapes.com/2023/08/27/canada-shares-in-real-estates-global-value-dip/ Sun, 27 Aug 2023 01:55:10 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4631   The global value of professionally managed real estate fell by 4.1 per cent last…

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The global value of professionally managed real estate fell by 4.1 per cent last year relative to 2021, representing a USD $600 billion year-over-year drop. Canada’s weight in those holdings likewise fell, slipping to ninth among the 37 countries MSCI tracks in its annual summary of global and regional market size.

For 2022, MSCI pegs the professionally managed real estate universe at USD $13.3 trillion. Canadian inventory contributes USD $403 billion (CAD $532 billion) to that total, down by USD $44 billion since 2021. After ranking eighth in 2021, Canada was surpassed by Hong Kong last year. Meanwhile, the United States expanded its dominance atop the chart with a USD $90 billion increase, pushing the value up to USD $5.375 trillion or 40.3 per cent of the global professionally managed market.

After the U.S., China, Japan, the United Kingdom and Germany are the next largest markets. These five collectively make up two-thirds of the global market size, while France, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and Switzerland round out the top ten, accounting for roughly another 17 per cent of the total.

Inflation, rising interest rates and strengthening of the U.S. dollar against 34 of 36 other national currencies in the survey are all cited as reasons for the general drop in value. Just four countries — the U.S., Australia, South Korea and Ireland — registered year-over-year gains. On the flipside, the United Kingdom suffered the steepest drop in value, at USD $132 billion, and Japan, Sweden, Germany and Spain also logged greater losses than Canada.

Globally, the acquisition of investment properties fell off by nearly 20 per cent last year. The global turnover ratio, which measures transaction volume relative to market size, shrank from 10 per cent in 2021 to 8.7 per cent in 2022. Canada’s 7.7 turnover ratio was among the 22 countries falling short of the global average, while the U.S. posted a ratio of 11.7 per cent. Nevertheless, MSCI analysts theorize that the U.S. outperformance may not last into 2023.

“The decline in activity feels more intense as it comes on the back of a record 2021, when the U.S. in particular saw a surge of deals. From the second half of 2022 onward, however, we have recorded declines in deal volume of more than 50 per cent in all three global regions,” René Veerman, MSCI’s head of real assets, notes in the introduction to the report. “A slowdown of this scale inevitably impacts valuations, but whereas we have seen transactions consistently decline globally, valuations have adjusted at different speeds from country to country. The U.K. led the price adjustment, followed by continental Europe, but the U.S. and Asia Pacific, particularly, have lagged.”

Source : RemiNetwork

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Commercial Real Estate Investors, Banks Buckle Up for Perfect Property Storm https://amoraescapes.com/2023/08/18/commercial-real-estate-investors-banks-buckle-up-for-perfect-property-storm/ Fri, 18 Aug 2023 00:15:46 +0000 https://amoraescapes.com/?p=4604   LONDON/SYDNEY – Commercial real estate investors and lenders are slowly confronting an ugly question…

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LONDON/SYDNEY – Commercial real estate investors and lenders are slowly confronting an ugly question – if people never again shop in malls or work in offices the way they did before the pandemic, how safe are the fortunes they piled into bricks and mortar?

Rising interest rates, stubborn inflation and squally economic conditions are familiar foes to seasoned commercial property buyers, who typically ride out storms waiting for rental demand to rally and the cost of borrowing to fall.

Cyclical downturns rarely prompt fire sales, so long as lenders are confident the investor can repay their loan and the value of the asset remains above the debt lent against it.

This time though, analysts, academics and investors interviewed by Reuters warn things could be different.

With remote working now routine for many office-based firms and consumers habitually shopping online, cities like London, Los Angeles and New York are bloated with buildings local populations no longer want or need.

That means values of city-centre skyscrapers and sprawling malls may take much longer to rebound. And if tenants can’t be found, landlords and lenders risk losses more painful than in previous cycles.

“Employers are beginning to appreciate that building giant facilities to warehouse their people is no longer necessary,” Richard Murphy, political economist and professor of accounting practice at the UK’s Sheffield University, told Reuters.

“Commercial landlords should be worried. Investors in them would be wise to quit now,” he added.

WALL OF DEBT

Global banks hold about half of the $6 trillion outstanding commercial real estate debt, Moody’s Investors Service said in June, with the largest share maturing in 2023-2026.

U.S. banks revealed spiralling losses from property in their first half figures and warned of more to come.

Global lenders to U.S. industrial and office real estate investment trusts (REITs), who supplied credit risk assessments to data provider Credit Benchmark in July, said firms in the sector were now 17.9% more likely to default on debt than they estimated six months ago. Borrowers in the UK real estate holding & development category were 4% more likely to default.

Jeffrey Sherman, deputy chief investment officer at $92 billion U.S. investment house DoubleLine, said some U.S. banks were wary of tying up precious liquidity in commercial property refinancings due in the next two years.

“Deposit flight can happen any day,” he said, pointing to the migration of customer deposits from banks to higher-yielding ‘risk-free’ money market funds and Treasury bonds.

“As long as the Fed keeps rates high, it’s a ticking time bomb,” he said.

Some global policymakers, however, remain confident that the post-pandemic shift in the notion of what it means ‘to go to work’ will not herald a 2008-9 style credit crisis.

Demand for loans from euro zone companies tumbled to the lowest on record last quarter, while annual U.S. Federal Reserve ‘stress tests’ found banks on average would suffer a lower projected loan loss rate in 2023 than 2022 under an ‘extreme’ scenario of a 40% drop in commercial real estate values.

Average UK commercial property values have already fallen by around 20% from their peak without triggering major loan impairments, with one senior regulatory source noting that UK banks have far smaller property exposure as a proportion of overall lending than 15 years ago.

But Charles-Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at Bank Syz likened the impact of aggressive rate tightening to dynamite fishing.

“Usually the small fishes come to the surface first, then the big ones – the whales – come last,” he said.

“Was Credit Suisse the whale? Was SVB the whale? We’ll only know afterwards. But the whale could be commercial real estate in the U.S.”.

CUTTING SPACE

Global property services firm Jones Lang LaSalle – which in May pointed to a 18% annual drop in first quarter global leasing volumes – published data this month showing prime office rental growth in New York, Beijing, San Francisco, Tokyo and Washington D.C. turned negative over the same period.

In Shanghai, China’s leading financial hub, office vacancy rates rose 1.2 percentage points year-on-year in Q2 to 16%, rival Savills said, suggesting a recovery would depend on nationwide stimulus policies succeeding.

Businesses are also under pressure to slash their carbon footprint, with HSBC among those cutting the amount of space they rent and terminating leases at offices no longer considered ‘green’ enough.

More than 1 billion square meters of office space globally will need to be retrofitted by 2050, with a tripling of current rates to at least 3%-3.5% of stock annually to meet net-zero targets, JLL said.

Australia’s largest pension fund, the A$300 billion AustralianSuper, is among those on the sidelines, saying in May it would suspend new investment in unlisted office and retail assets due to poor returns.

Meanwhile, short-sellers continue to circle listed property landlords the world over, betting that their stock prices will sink.

The volume of real estate stocks lent by institutional investors to support shorting activity has grown by 30% in EMEA and 93% in North America over the 15 months to July, according to data provider Hazeltree.

According to Capital Economics, global property returns of around 4% a year are forecast this decade, compared with a pre-pandemic average of 8%, with only a slight improvement expected in the 2030s.

“Investors must be willing to accept a lower property risk premium,” Capital Economics said. “Property will look overvalued by the standards of the past.”

Source : Zawya

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