The Asia Pacific
property
market is witnessing major impact from global economic turmoil, with
vacancy rates rising and office space leasing declining, according to
global realty consultant Jones Lang LaSalle.
“In Asia Pacific, the financial market turmoil is starting to
significantly affect the occupancy market for major financial office
centres. Net leasing activity has been negative and vacancy rates have
been on the rise for several quarters in Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore and
Hong Kong,” JLL said in a latest report.
The consultant pointed out that rentals in Tokyo, Sydney and Hong
Kong have already moved in downward phase of the cycle, with Singapore
expected to follow suit in this quarter.
It has forecast that largest rental declines over the next one or
two years are expected to be seen in the mature Asian markets following
the demand contraction and the very strong rental increases observed in
recent years.
JLL also noted that in the tier I cities in China and in some Indian
suburban micro markets, the next two year will see abundant new supply
hitting the market as demand begins to fall which would result in
increased vacancy levels that could lead to major correction in rentals
in short and medium term.
“In leasing markets where financial services companies contribute
significantly to office occupancy and have driven rents to record
levels, the increases now are beginning to reverse as the
landlord-tenant power play shifts,” JLL said.
The report further pointed out that economic impact on real estate fundamentals are hitting more gradually in Europe than in the middle east and North Africa or Asia Pacific.