Safe havens: Guangzhou

IN general, the Guangzhou property market saw steady growth in 2012. The commercial market performed the best. Despite lower leasing demand, the office market still experienced growth in rents and sales of up to 7% from 2011.

Over the same period, the retail market saw a number of branded international retailers choosing Guangzhou to launch their first stores in the South China region, including Estee Lauder and Sony Store.

However, new supply of office and retail spaces is about to peak in 2013, resulting in a surplus. This may lead to slackened growth in the market. Some office properties still have potential for investment with an expected gross yield of about 6%.

This story first appeared in The Edge weekly edition of Dec 24-31, 2012.