Hong Kong retail expectations turn positive for first time since 2013 according to the RICS Hong Kong Commercial Property Monitor

May 21, 2018 19:00 JST

Source: RICS & HKIS

HONG KONG, May 21, 2018 - (Media OutReach) - The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Hong Kong Commercial Property Monitor results for Q1 2018 indicated that demand for retail space was unchanged from Q4, marking the first time since 2013 that demand for retail space has not declined.

The Occupier Sentiment Index (OSI) increased modestly to 14 in Q1 from 10 in Q4 2017. The Investment Sentiment Index (ISI) increased six points from the previous quarter, to 19.

Demand for office and industrial space continued to increase in both the occupier and investment markets. The supply of office and retail properties available to rent increased at a modest pace in Q1. Respondents reported an increase in landlord incentives on retail space.

"Occupier demand continued to rise in Q1 2018 at a headline level," said Mr Frank Wong MRICS, RICS Hong Kong External Affairs and Public Concerns Committee Member. "Demand for office space remained robust, while respondents continued to report an expansion in demand of industrial space, albeit at a more modest pace.

"Headline foreign enquiries were modestly higher from the fourth quarter, though this was largely driven by the office segment as a small increase in enquiries for industrial properties was offset by a minor decrease in foreign demand for retail properties," Mr Wong said.

The RICS Hong Kong Commercial Property Monitor is a quarterly sentiment index tracking trends in the commercial property market. It is a leading indicator for global investment and occupier markets. The full report is available at www.rics.org/economics.

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Media enquiry, please contact:
RICS East Asia Public Relations Representatives
Ms Peggy Mak / Ms Wendy Chan
T: +852 3159 2982 / +852 3159 2962
E: peggy.mak@creativegp.com / wendy.chan@creativegp.com

Source: RICS & HKIS