Investment conditions in the ‘big three’ European markets of the UK, Germany and France are set to remain favourable in 2017 despite wider political and economic uncertainty, a survey of industry leaders has revealed.
The BNP Paribas Real Estate Confidence Index (RECI), launched today, found the majority of investors (70%) across the big three European markets in Q3 2016 anticipate that conditions would remain unchanged over the following 12 months, albeit at a slowing pace.
The RECI gauges the sentiment of key industry leaders each quarter across a range of issues, tracking the proportion that think that investment conditions will improve, worsen or stay the same over the next 12 months.
Key findings include:
- Investor sentiment dipped in Q2, driven by UK investors’ reaction to the UK’s decision to leave the EU, only to bounce back in Q3. Investors in France and Germany were largely unmoved by the referendum result.
- The outlook for France improved in Q3 while investors in Germany expressed more caution, possibly as a result of the market already being at historic highs.
- The net balance of investor opinion shifted towards buying property in Q3, for the first time since the RECI began 12 months ago. Around 44% of investors take the position of holding assets across all sectors.
- For yields, the net balance still favours further compression across all sectors. These signals were strongest for German offices, particularly in Berlin, reflecting its very strong occupational market.
- The net balance of investor opinion in Q3 moved away from anticipating a decline in total returns over the next year, towards growth.
- Most investors think the lending situation in Europe will not be any different next year. The net balance felt conditions would tighten, suggesting that central bank action is only having a limited impact on the commercial real estate market.
Simon Williams, Head of UK Investment at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: “The majority of investors believe the outlook for investment in the UK will either improve or remain the same in 2017, suggesting the UK will see continued good investment business, albeit at a slower pace".
“London remains one of the most active global markets, while investors continue to operate in a macro environment that is particularly favourable to acquisition.”
“Due to the stable economic situation and the positive development of labour market investors are strongly interested in German office investments. Most of the investors know that the tough competition will lead to further yield compression and are willing to accept this. Especially in Berlin where large rental upside is expected for the coming years”, said Sven Stricker, Managing Director and Head of Investment at BNP Paribas Real Estate Germany.
Olivier Ambrosiali, Head of Investment at BNP Paribas Real Estate, said: "2015 was the record for investment volumes in French history, and although we may not reach these levels this year, the market is still extremely active. Even French funds and insurance groups have had huge inflows and are investing heavily. Global investors are present, notably North American and Asian investors who are showing a high interest with financing levels at record lows. Finally with an improving French economy we are finally seeing a strong comeback for office letting markets with take up near record levels".
- Amira TAHIROVIC
