According to the latest DTZ Research report which highlights real estate investment activity, real estate investment activity in Singapore dopped by 50 per cent in the first quarter of this year to S$3.7 billion.
This compared to the previous quarter where investment sales hit S$7.4 billion.
Reasons include investors remain mindful of rising business costs, global economic uncertainties and a weaker property market.
The decline was due to a fall in both public and private sector investment sales.
In the public sector, DTZ said the lack of industrial sites launched for sale contributed to a fall in government sales from S$3.0 billion in fourth quarter 2011 to S$2.2 billion in first quarter 2012.
Sales of government land sites for residential development in first quarter 2012 was similar to that in fourth quarter 2011.
Within the private sector, investment deals in all major real estate segments fell, reflecting an anticipated softening of the market.
DTZ said despite the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) cooling measures, collective sale sites continue to hit the market.
Six collective sales were concluded in the quarter at below S$200 million each, with the largest deal being the S$161.1 million sale of Tai Keng Court.
Local investors continue to dominate the investment market, accounting for about 80 per cent of investment deals in first quarter 2012. Foreign investors, mostly those within Asia, were drawn mainly to the residential sector.
While foreign investors are expected to wait for the right timing and opportunity to enter the market, the low interest-rate environment in Singapore will continue to encourage investment from local investors.
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) continued to be active in the quarter.
Ascendas REIT acquired four industrial buildings (CINTECH I, II, III, IV) at Science Park which are expected to generate a net property income yield of about 7.3 per cent.
Cambridge Industrial Trust and Cache Logistics Trust made an acquisition each in first quarter 2012.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 3 Apr 2012