SINGAPORE: Singapore has emerged as the undisputed leader in property investments within Southeast Asia in 2023, commanding a staggering 77% of the region’s total investment volume, as per data released by Cushman & Wakefield .
The C&W report highlighted that the surge in Singapore’s transaction volumes was largely propelled by sales in suburban retail malls. This signifies a notable shift in investor interest towards the retail sector, particularly in Singapore, surpassing office investments for the first time in a decade.
“Investors have taken a renewed focus on the retail market, particularly in Singapore, with retail investment volumes overtaking office for the first time in a decade,” C&W remarked.The report further revealed that thirty-six per cent of investment sales in Southeast Asia in 2023 were in the retail sector, indicating a substantial appetite for retail properties in the region.
However, excluding Singapore from the equation paints a different picture, with investment volumes in Southeast Asia heavily skewed towards the industrial market, commanding a significant 47% share.Singapore’s dominance in property investments is indicative of a unique position within Southeast Asia’s real estate market.