Southeast Asian buyers emerge as top non-local investors in Hong Kong commercial property

Southeast Asian investors, primarily from Singapore, have become the leading non-local purchasers of Hong Kong's commercial real estate, according to Savills. In the first half of 2021, these investors accounted for HK$3.37 billion, or over 11% of the total HK$30.36 billion (US$3.87 billion) worth of commercial property transactions in Hong Kong exceeding HK$50 million. Mainland Chinese investors contributed HK$1.75 billion, or 5.8%, while Hong Kong-based capital accounted for the majority at HK$25.25 billion, or 83.2%.

Nicholas To, senior associate director for investment at Savills Hong Kong, noted that Southeast Asian investors' share of non-local investment has grown significantly, now constituting roughly two-thirds of all non-local deals this year. Last year, mainland investors led non-local buyers with HK$16.06 billion, or nearly 34% of the total HK$47.32 billion. US and Canadian investors followed with HK$7.58 billion, or 16%, while Southeast Asian investors ranked third with HK$1.74 billion, or 3.7%.

Notably, Western investors have been absent from Hong Kong's commercial property market this year. Some of the notable deals include DBS Bank's acquisition of The Center, a mixed-use property, and Wee Hur Holdings' purchase of One Bedford Place, an office building. Additionally, a Singapore-based group acquired luxury estate Jadebeach Villa for nearly HK$1.17 billion. The Style Limited, with Singapore passport holders as directors, purchased the 30-unit Jadebeach Villa enclave.

The investors can be categorized into corporate occupiers, private family capital, and operator capital. Corporate occupiers, such as DBS (Hong Kong), are investing in commercial buildings, while private family capital, such as The Style Limited, are investing in residential properties. Operator capital, including firms like Wee Hur and Centurion Holdings, are bringing operating businesses into the market, capitalizing on policy-driven demand for residential accommodations.

Despite potential interest rate hikes, To expects Singapore-based investors to maintain their investments in Hong Kong assets, as pricing has reset sufficiently to allow buyers without Hong Kong exposure to underwrite assets.