Chinese investors spent US$16.1 billion in overseas real estate in the first half of the year, more than double the amount in the same period last year, a real estate consultancy said on Thursday (Aug 18).

 

The United States remained the most popular global property market for Chinese investors, while hotels and offices were the most sought after types of real estate, the consultancy said in a statement.

 

Half of the investment came from Chinese insurance companies, with conglomerates and property developers also actively investing overseas, representing 23 per cent and 10 per cent respectively, of the total figure.

 

"Concerns over the market slowdown in their home market have led Chinese investors to seek a safer investment environment which offer higher potential returns," said Ada Choi, a staff of the consultancy.

 

She expected Chinese investors will remain active overseas in the second half, but said the growth is likely to be at a more sustainable rate rather than a quick acceleration.

 

Talking about overall outbound real estate investment from Asia, the consultancy said some experienced investors have started to invest in alternative sectors such as student housing.

 

"Office investment continues to be an easily understood and managed asset class for most investors. However, as cap rates continue to compress globally, investors are starting to seek out higher yielding opportunities in secondary locations or'alternative' real estate sectors, such as student housing," said Marc Giuffrida, executive director of the consultancy's Global Capital Markets, in a statement.

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