Research Report Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook March 2015 Please note certain information in this presentation constitutes forward-looking statements. Due to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions made in our analysis, actual events or results or the actual performance of the markets covered by this presentation report may differ materially from those described. The information herein reflect our current views only, are subject to change, and are not intended to be promissory or relied upon by the reader. There can be no certainty that events will turn out as we have opined herein. For Professional Clients (MiFID Directive 2004/39/EC Annex II) only. For Qualified Investors (Art. 10 Para. 3 of the Swiss Federal Collective Investment Schemes Act (CISA)). Not for distribution. For institutional investors only. Prepared By: Table of Contents Koichiro (Ko) Obu Head of Research & Strategy, Asia Pacific [email protected] Executive Summary ............................................................................. 1 Mark Ho Property Market Research [email protected] The Economy ....................................................................................... 4 Natasha Lee Property Market Research [email protected] Minxuan Hu Property Market Research [email protected] Mark Roberts Head of Research & Strategy [email protected] Our View .................................................................................. 2 Economic Outlook ................................................................... 6 Risks to the Forecast ............................................................... 7 Strategic Real Estate Outlook .............................................................. 9 Strategic Views ........................................................................ 9 Capital Markets...................................................................... 11 Investment Market Outlook.................................................... 14 Leasing Market Outlook......................................................... 18 Property Sectors and Returns ............................................................ 22 Office ..................................................................................... 22 Retail ..................................................................................... 24 Industrial ................................................................................ 26 Appendix: Real Estate Market Forecasts ........................................... 28 Important Information ......................................................................... 30 Research & Strategy Team – Alternatives and Real Assets .............. 32 The opinions and forecasts expressed are those of Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook and not necessarily those of Deutsche AWM Distributors, Inc. All opinions and claims are based upon data at the time of publication of this article (February 2015) and may not come to pass. This information is subject to change at any time, based upon economic, market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 Executive Summary Real estate performance across much of the Asia Pacific region has been a balance between a strong capital market and a softer but recovering leasing market, particularly in the office sector. Japan, China and Singapore experienced noticeable improvements in the leasing market in 2014. The five year returns forecasts were slightly trimmed compared to our previous view, as we believe further cap rate compression will be limited in most markets. Economy: Growth for the Asia Pacific macro economy continued to taper in 2014 with exports remaining in a soft patch while governments exercised more prudence on the fiscal front. China experienced headwinds in investment due to its sagging housing and manufacturing sectors. Knock-on effects were felt in the Australian export industries, especially as the commodity sector continues to slow down. Consumer sentiment in Japan and South Korea were both eroded due to the consumption tax (VAT) hike and the Sewol Ferry tragedy, respectively, in 2014. The region’s growth momentum is turning, however, with export growth prospects becoming more positive and governments having moved to support growth more proactively, Monetary conditions and interest rates are either being maintained or eased in key economies such as Japan and South Korea where stronger growth is expected in 2015. Office: Within the Asia Pacific real estate industry, the office sector accounted for half of the transaction volume in 2014. Acquisitions have become more challenging given the compressed yields and the prospects of interest rate rises in the medium term. Leasing demand remained generally healthy, supported by the resilient services sector and low unemployment rates in all the key countries of between 3.0% and 4.0%, except for Australia where it exceeds 6.0%. Some markets including Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai are faced with sizeable new pipeline supply which puts some pressure on rental growth, although for the latter, robust growing leasing demand should mitigate those pressures. Retail: Retail sales were generally soft in major markets in the region in 2014, although consumer sentiments are expected to turn modestly more upbeat in 2015 on the back of the pick-up in the regional economy, interest rate cuts, dissipating global uncertainties and a stable employment outlook. For most countries in the region, depressed oil prices should also provide an added boost for private consumption. Meanwhile, the threat from online retailing continued to mount at the expense of bricks and mortar players. Against the backdrop of cautious optimism, neighbourhood centres and suburban retail that are relatively more centred around non-discretionary and food and beverage spending are expected to outperform. Industrial/Logistics: The export-related segment of the industrial market is likely to benefit from the gradual, if unspectacular, global economic recovery while some weakness is expected to remain in the domestic environment. E-commerce and third party logistics companies (3PLs) are expected to continuously drive leasing demand for the modern logistic space. Structural changes are unfolding in the supply chain across the region, reflecting ongoing migration of labour intensive manufacturing segments to emerging countries while developed countries continued to scale the value-added ladder. Consequently, there remains much scope for expansion within the modern logistics segment, an investment theme that should remain in favour with investors. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 1 Investments: Commercial real estate transaction volumes (excluding land transactions) in 2014 totalled US$137 billion in the Asia Pacific region, a healthy 18.0% increase from a year earlier, according to Real Capital Analytics. The volume remains at the elevated level of 2014 on a preliminary basis where Japan leads the pack followed by Australia and China. There is a growing concern, however, among the investors over the current tight cap rates. Although central banks are expected to remain accommodative in the nearterm, the prospects of interest rate normalization further down the road would negatively affect the capital values in low yielding markets. Against this backdrop, our five-year return expectations were mildly trimmed from the previous forecast. We have accounted for the rising interest rates by factoring in higher reversionary cap rates in most markets. We believe that capital gains have already been realized due to the strong investment market and future returns will be driven more by stable income growth. Some of the key changes to our forecasts include: ▪ Strengthened rental growth for the Beijing and Shanghai office market based on the revised demand outlook from a services sector expansion, financial liberalization, and multi-national corporations. ▪ Lower returns for Singapore and Hong Kong due to a supply increase in the near future and increased pressure from a US interest rate rise. ▪ Lower returns for Brisbane and Perth office markets given a subdued occupier demand from the mining sector and new supply expected in Perth. Our View CORE | Focus on cash flows. Established markets in the mature economies of Australia, Japan, and South Korea provide some defensive traits. Deutsche Asset and Wealth Management (Deutsche AWM) anticipates that healthy economic fundamentals in 2015 could help support the office markets in Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul where combined returns are forecast to average 8-9% over the medium term, although accessibility to prime assets is becoming more challenging for institutional investors. The income component of logistics properties can provide attractive investment opportunities with a steady income stream and a higher yield—typically in excess of 5.5%. VALUE ADD | Choose markets with mispricing and repositioning opportunities. Secondary locations in mature markets and China provide such plays. However, accessibility to product, competition from domestic capital, and limited exit opportunities make such openings a challenge. There may also be opportunities in core locations in mature North Asian markets by taking on leasing up risks for newly constructed but vacant office properties. Retail is a strong candidate for a value-add proposition including the improvement of foot traffic and a fresher tenant mix. Real estate assets in emerging markets typically have less sophisticated asset management skills that fail to extract the true value of these properties. To complement the expansion of online retail, we have also witnessed the conversions of older industrial properties to distribution/logistics facilities. This is particularly true for the mature markets in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. OPPORTUNISTIC | Develop in under-supplied markets. In many emerging markets, development provides a viable route to access the real estate market. This means taking on construction risk, including managing the construction process and the necessary permits from local authorities. For example, the lack of modern logistics facilities in China has attracted a growing number of players including Goodman (Australia), Global DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 2 Logistics Properties (Singapore), and Prologis (U.S.). Experienced logistics developers can increase supply of this property type to meet the very high specifications of tenants. Residential development is also another familiar opportunistic play although margins have since fallen in China. As consolidation in China’s property sector continues, the recapitalisation of some cash-starved developers could also provide an opportunity to enter the Chinese real estate market. Select opportunities with caution. Bond-type prime assets have become scarce due to limited deal flow, difficulty in meeting cash yield requirements, and the expected negative impact from rising interest rates in some of the markets. While we still expect modest returns; caution should be taken when investing in the highly cyclical office markets of Hong Kong and Singapore due to near future rental corrections and the possibility of rising cap rates. Currently these markets are dominated by end users and private investors with strata-title transactions often seen. We favour non-discretionary suburban retail as it provides a cushion against fluctuations in discretionary spending, although the negative impacts of online retailing cannot be fully discounted. Neighbourhood centres and suburban retail typically attract these types of tenants. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 3 The Economy The Asia Pacific macro economy experienced a temporary lull in 2014 with soft domestic demand seen in some of the region’s large economies. China’s growth continued to taper with ongoing structural reforms and drags from the housing and manufacturing sectors. Australian export industries were affected by it especially as the commodity sector continues to slow down. Consumer sentiment in Japan was eroded due to the consumption tax (VAT) hike in April 2014 while weak consumption prevailed also in South Korea especially after the Sewol Ferry tragedy. The region’s growth momentum is turning, however, with signs of stabilization on the housing market in China supported by the implementation of the policy rate cut together with accommodative fiscal policy. Growthsupportive monetary and fiscal measures were introduced in other mature economies such as Japan and South Korea and should stimulate stronger growth in 2015. Risks remain, however, such as the financial sector vulnerabilities in China, slowdown the Eurozone coupled with more international geopolitical risks from Russia, the Middle East to North Asia. Without any shocks or unexpected shifts in the baseline, the regional economy is set for healthy growth over the coming years, but the full scale recovery is expected after 2016 following the current struggle in commodity prices. Regional GDP growth in Asia Pacific is estimated to be 5.6% in 2015, only a mild increase from 5.5% in 2014 according to the IMF’s report published in October 2014. Real GDP growth & unemployment rates GDP (YoY) (%) Unemployment Rate 12 15% 10 8 6 4 2 0 Australia China Hong Kong Japan Malaysia Singapore 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f -2 South Korea f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management; Oxford Economics, February 2015 Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance External demand: Outlook for external demand has been upgraded, with the U.S. economy now on track for solid recovery providing the brightest spark. While the Eurozone economy is still fragile, prospects appear more sanguine following the ECB’s accommodative monetary measures implemented in January 2015. However, headwinds from a slowing China are expected to persist. China has become the largest trading partner for many countries in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, South Korea and DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 4 to a lesser degree Japan, and these economies are experiencing a slowdown especially in the commodity and manufacturing sectors. Exports to China (as % of total exports) 2007 40% 2013 30% 20% 10% 0% Australia S Korea Japan Singapore Source: Consensus Economics February 2015 Monetary policy: The Bank of Japan (BoJ) continues to maintain a policy of ultra-low interest rates, which pushed the yen’s value further down to around 118 yen against the U.S. dollar as of January 2015, close to the lowest value in seven years. The devalued yen has helped to boost corporate earnings of large export-led manufacturers in Japan. Bank of Korea (BoK) and People’s Bank of China (PBoC) also lowered the policy rates in the second half of 2014, respectively, with the intention to stimulate the weak domestic economy. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has trimmed its policy rate by another 25bps to a record low of 2.25% in February 2015 amidst concerns that the economy is facing another year of below average growth. Policy rates in major Asia Pacific economies Australia (%) China Japan South Korea 8 6 4 2 Dec 14 Dec 13 Dec 12 Dec 11 Dec 10 Dec 09 Dec 08 Dec 07 Dec 06 Dec 05 Dec 04 Dec 03 Dec 02 Dec 01 Dec 00 0 Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management; Bloomberg, February 2015 Inflation: Overall inflationary environment across Asia is expected to remain benign, with consumer prices in Asia forecast to ratchet down marginally from 3.7% in 2014 to 3.5% in 2015.With regional governments generally adopting a growth-supportive stance at the moment, the timing of interest rate rises have been deferred. Nevertheless, long term interest rates (10-year government bond yield) are forecasted to rise gradually by about 12 percentage points in all markets we cover across the region over the next five years, according to Oxford Economics, reflecting an eventual return to normal levels. Deutsche DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 5 AWM anticipates a risk of cap rates increasing in some markets, especially in the small and open economies of Hong Kong and Singapore (cap rates are already widened in Singapore). Inflation & long-term interest rates Long Term Interest Rate (%) Inflation 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Australia China Hong Kong Japan Malaysia Singapore 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f -1 South Korea f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management; Oxford Economics, February 2015 Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance Economic Outlook Japan: Japan’s prime minister Abe unveiled a new growth strategy in 2014 including corporate tax cuts, an investment policy change on Japan’s government pension fund and deregulation of the labour market. The corporate sector remained healthy in 2014 and the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since 1997. Domestic consumption struggled, however, due to the negative effects from the VAT hike in April 2014 which resulted in the economic slump. Japan is expected to witness a modest economic recovery in 2015 given Abe, who tightened his grip on power at the victory in the lower house election in December 2014, is set to implement further stimulus and reform initiatives. South Korea: South Korea’s GDP expanded by 3.0% in 2014 driven by a recovery in exports, while consumer sentiment was eroded by the Ferry disaster. In August 2014, the government announced a $40 billion stimulus package aimed at propping up the economy whilst the BoK lowered the policy rate twice in the year to 2.0%. External conditions remain challenging for exporters with subdued trade volumes among emerging countries while the Free Trade Agreement with China should bring about positive effects on the trading volumes. BoK estimates a 3.4% growth in 2015. China: Growth is expected to dip further before rebounding in the second half of the year to record around 7.0% in 2015, compared to 7.4% in 2014. Given a still-robust employment outlook, policy makers are expected to continue pushing ahead with economic reforms in 2015, albeit more cautiously than before as growth concerns have mounted. Already, the pilot free trade zone set up in Shanghai as a test bed for liberalization measures has attracted the attention of multinational companies that are eager to tap new opportunities brought about by more efficient movement of capital and goods. The scheme will be expanded to three other areas – Tianjin, Fujian and Guangdong – in 2015, marking gradual progress towards further market liberalization. Drags from the property sector persist as inventory levels remain elevated despite the rebound in transaction volume. Overcapacity and restructuring challenges remain for the DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 6 manufacturing sector, but improved export prospects due to U.S. recovery could provide some modest relief. Supportive macro measures introduced in end-2014 – interest rate cut, liquidity injection and expansion of infrastructure investments – as well as additional interest rate and reserve requirement rate cuts in the first half of 2015 should help to lift the economy in the second half of the year. Low oil prices and a benign inflationary environment would afford policy makers headroom for more supportive measures when necessary. The fiscal positions of local governments pose a key risk and bears close watching. South East Asia: Growth in key South East Asian economies are generally expected to recover in 2015, riding on trade tailwinds from the U.S. recovery and lower oil prices, but also reflecting low-base effects of 2014. However for Malaysia and Indonesia, declining commodity prices and currency pressures would weigh on consumption and add to capital outflow risks. Although consumer sentiments have improved, particularly in India and Thailand, the recovery remains tentative. Contrasting central banks bias reflects the uneven picture across the region, dovish in India and Indonesia and hawkish in Malaysia to avert capital flight. Singapore: The economy could experience modest growth of 3.0% in 2015 as it gains strength from a stronger expansion in developed economies. The unemployment rate is expected to remain low at 2.0%. However, household consumption could remain lacklustre, dampened by the weakening housing market. To bolster growth, the Singapore central bank has moved to slow down its currency appreciation ahead of its scheduled review in April in order to support its trade reliant economy. Australia: Increased home building on the back of record-low interest rates has been a driver of growth for Australian economy while the growth rate moderated due the price correction in commodities in the second half of 2014. The economy faces a number of constraints as the recovery in non-mining investment and labour market indicators remain patchy. The RBA anticipates that the economy will be slightly below trend in 2015 with growth forecasts of 2.75% before rebounding to a healthy level in 2016 and 2017. Risks to the Forecast China’s housing market slump: Asian economies’ high correlation to Mainland China and also the Euro bloc renders them susceptible to shocks from these economies. Although the residential sector’s outlook has improved in China, its financial sector remains under threat from the shadow banking sector and strained fiscal positions of local governments. China needs to maintain the right balance in pursuing reforms to rectify these issues while maintaining sufficient growth to support employment. Meanwhile, economic uncertainties in Europe continue to persist. Any shocks to Europe would be sharply felt in export-reliant Asia. Japan coming up short on delivering much needed structural changes: Aggressive monetary easing and fiscal stimulus have put Japan’s economy on a path toward healthy recovery, although it currently struggles with a slump in consumer spending following the consumption tax (VAT) hike in April 2014. Attention from economists has now turned towards much needed structural reforms as the key to Japan’s long-term economic sustainability. These include corporate tax cuts, investment policy change on Japan’s government pension fund, and deregulation of the labour market. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 7 Disorderly U.S. interest rate normalization triggering volatility: Interest rate normalization is next on the agenda for the U.S. Federal Reserve after winding down of the quantitative easing program. While this is well anticipated by the market, the manner in which interest rates are hiked could yet generate market volatility. Key REIT markets, such as Singapore, Japan and Australia, are structurally sensitive to long term interest rate volatility since REITs are invested by yield seeking investors. We’ve reflected increases in the long term interest rates in our base cases for each market but cap rates might widen more than our expectation. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 8 Strategic Real Estate Outlook Real estate performance across much of the Asia Pacific region has been a balance between a strong capital market and a softer but recovering leasing market, particularly in the office sector. Japan, China and Singapore experienced relatively stronger office leasing demand in 2014. The recovery is expected to extend into 2015 for key markets with the exception of Australia, where leasing demand is likely to remain subdued. Continued global and domestic capital flows into quality assets in the region contributed to a further cap rate compression during the period, especially for the developed markets of Japan, South Korea and Australia. Given the current low yields and the possibility of interest rate rises in the medium term, capital growth prospects have diminished over our forecast horizon. Accordingly, the five year returns forecasts are slightly trimmed compared to our previous view, since we believe further cap rate compression is limited if at all in most markets. Nevertheless, future cap rate widening could yet create good entry opportunities for investors seeking to gain exposure within the region. Annual total return by sector in Asia Pacific (weighted average), 2001-2019F Office Retail Industrial 30% 20% 10% 0% 2019f 2018f 2017f 2016f 2015f 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 -10% f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Strategic Views Although the macro economy, capital markets, and real estate fundamentals have all moved broadly in line with our previous forecast in August 2014, we have since witnessed further tightening of cap rates. It has become more challenging for investors seeking prime asset investment opportunities in some markets in the region to achieve their returns objectives with some possibly choosing to trade up the risk curve in response. We hold the view that while part of the cap rate compression was driven by anticipation of a recovering rental cycle, other structural driving forces were also at play: (1) diversification needs as evident from the gradual but steady increase in cross-border transactions since 2011 and (2) higher allocation to real estate by institutional investors. As revealed in Preqin’s Investor Outlook for the second half of 2014, 52.0% of institutional investors committed to private real estate funds in just the first eight months of 2014 compared to the average of 41.0% for each of the years from 2011 to 2013. So while pressures on cap rate widening will intensify with expectations of eventual interest rate rises, we believe that some of the fears may be exaggerated. As such, we favour markets with relatively good yield spreads to mitigate risks arising from cap rate widening and healthy leasing DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 9 fundamentals to provide increasing rental income to drive returns going forward. In addition, we believe that there is some more way to go for the cross border diversification trend and as such, prefer gateway cities with their deep markets and greater appeal to foreign investors. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Commercial markets in Tokyo and Osaka provide attractive yield spreads and are likely to provide good performance in the medium term, fuelled by the recovery in space demand from the corporate sector and well under control supply. Total returns look modest on an unlevered basis but excess returns are one of the highest due to the very low interest rate environment. Given the tight cap rates in prime areas, we suggest that yield-seeking investors look toward frequently transacted mid-sized grade-B assets, forward commitment or suburban retail. The Seoul market is expected to provide stable performance. Led by the leasing market recovery, foreign investors are back and stiffly competing with domestic capital for investment. Since deal flow is limited for prime office and high street retail, we propose that investors consider asset repositioning and/or suburban retail portfolios in order to achieve minimum required cash returns on their investments. Melbourne and Sydney remain attractive due to the highest yields among mature economies. Due to the short-term softness of the Australian economy driven by the slowdown in the mining sector, there are short-term challenges such as elevated vacancy rates of about 10.0% and generous incentives granted to tenants in the main markets. We expect, however, rental growth to revert to trend from 2016 onwards given a limited new supply and the recovery of space demand. The income component of logistics properties together with their longer leases and stable or stepped-up rents provide attractive investment opportunities. Because of limited liquidity yields are higher than other sectors making it is especially attractive for income seeking investors. The combined average property level total return is expected to be around 10.0% for logistics investments across the region in the medium term. Opportunities with caution: ▪ Moderating headline growth and sizeable new pipeline supplies in decentralized areas puts pressure on the Chinese leasing market. In the investment market, owner occupiers and domestic investors are driving valuations to challenging levels. There remains a further attractive upside for Tier-1 cities, however, from ongoing structural reforms and the return of leasing appetite from multi-national corporations (MNCs). Local partnerships could be the key to source deals. ▪ In the highly cyclical office markets of Hong Kong and Singapore, rental corrections are expected. Cap rates are tight in the office sector and investment opportunities are limited only for non-yield seeking investors such as private investors or end users (owner occupation). Initial yields can be negatively affected by any increases in longterm interest rates occurring over the medium term. Opportunities are likely to arise in Singapore when cap rates start to decompress. ▪ We favour non-discretionary retail as this provides a cushion against fluctuations in discretionary spending, although the negative impact of online retailing cannot be fully discounted. Neighbourhood centres and suburban retail typically attract these types of tenants, and annual gross returns are expected to be in the high single digits on an unlevered basis for most markets in the region. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 10 Capital Markets Transactions: Commercial real estate transaction volumes (excluding land transactions) in 2013 totalled US$137 billion in the Asia Pacific region, a healthy 18.0% increase a year. The volume remains at the elevated level of 2014 on the preliminary basis where Japan leads the pack followed by Australia and China. Asia Pacific transaction volume (US$bn) Japan 50 Australia China Hong Kong Singapore S Korea Others 44 39 39 40 35 32 31 30 32 30 29 27 27 28 28 29 31 33 33 33 33 30 29 28 26 25 23 20 20 18 18 17 11 12 13 10 14Q4 14Q3 14Q2 14Q1 13Q4 13Q3 13Q2 13Q1 12Q4 12Q3 12Q2 11Q4 12Q1 11Q3 11Q2 11Q1 10Q4 10Q3 10Q2 10Q1 09Q4 09Q3 09Q2 09Q1 08Q4 08Q3 08Q2 08Q1 07Q4 07Q3 07Q2 07Q1 0 Note: Figures exclude land acquisitions and developments, hospitality and apartments/residential Source: Real Capital Analytics; Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Past performance is not indicative of future returns REITs: REIT stock indices in major markets in the region experienced healthy growths in 2014 while the amount of fundraising halved down from 2013 when it exceeded US$20 billion, the all-time high. Although listed REITs remain one of the main purchasers of real estate, volume declined in Japan and Singapore. Equity capital raised by listed REITs (US$ bn) (US$bn) 24 Combined Market Cap (RHS) Others 280 Hong Kong 18 210 Singapore Australia Japan 12 140 2014E 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 0 2002 0 2001 70 2000 6 Note: Figures exclude land acquisitions and developments, hospitality and apartments/residential Source: Real Capital Analytics; Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 11 Investor Profile: Domestic buyers still dominate the investment market in the region while cross border investors have stepped up their activities in search of diversification. The volume share of transactions by REITs slightly declined from 28.0% in 2013 to 26.0% in 2014 on the preliminary basis while cross border investors share increased from 19.0% in 2013 to 28.0% in 2014 on the preliminary basis according to Real Capital Analytics. Institutional investors with preferences over income-producing assets remain challenged by strong competition from REITs and private investors in acquisition activities. Accordingly, Asian investors are expected to remain active in outbound cross-border investments, reflecting the desire to explore higher yielding offshore markets. These include investors from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan which could contribute to yield convergence among global markets. Asia Pacific investor profile (US$bn) 140 137 136 Unknown 120 112 117 115 114 User/Other 100 84 Institutional 80 63 Private 60 40 Listed / REITs 20 Cross-Border 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014E Note: Figures exclude land acquisitions and developments Source: Real Capital Analytics; Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Looking ahead, the trend of global and domestic capital chasing prime office assets and favourable credit conditions could result in further mild cap rate compression in some markets such as Japan, Australia and South Korea by 20-50 basis points before yields start to decompress in years to come. Yields are forecast to rise in other markets, including Hong Kong and Singapore, which will affect the capital values in these highly cyclical markets. The market witnesses a continuation of the forward funding trend as banks remain cautious in their lending for development. Office sector: Initial yields and 10Y government bond yield 10Y Govt. Bond Yield 8% Initial Yield 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% Tokyo Osaka Seoul CBD Beijing Overall Shanghai Overall 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f Hong Kong Overall 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f Melbourne CBD 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f Sydney CBD 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 0% Singapore Raffles Pl. f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecast returns shown will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management; Oxford Economics, Global Insight, February 2015 Past performance is not indicative of future returns DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 12 Given low yields in the office sector, some investors may try to seek opportunities in the retail sector. Institutional grade assets are tightly held by local developers in some countries, the lack of investment grade stock available capping deal volumes. Investment demand for retail assets in China softened due to the government’s anti-corruption campaign which restricts using luxury goods for bribery purposes, while retail sales struggled in Japan after the consumption tax hike implemented in April 2014. Retail sector: Initial yields and 10Y government bond yield 10% 10Y Govt. Bond Yield Initial Yield 8% 6% 4% Sydney RC Melbourne RC Sydney Hong Kong Neighbourhood Overall Tokyo Seoul Beijing Core Shanghai Prime Singapore Prime 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 0% 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2% Singapore Suburban f = forecast. Past performance is not indicative of future returns Note: There is no guarantee the forecast returns shown will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management; Oxford Economics, Global Insight, February 2015 Investor interest in the industrial and logistics sector has grown due to higher yields and the gradual maturity of the sector. The supply of modern facilities continues to lag demand from retailers and 3PLs as a large number of such assets are owned privately or tightly held by developers in some markets. A further mild yield compression is expected in Japan and Australia, while it stabilizes at the current level in other markets. Industrial sector: Initial yields and 10Y government bond yield 10Y Govt. Bond Yield Initial Yield 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% Tokyo Seoul Beijing Shanghai 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f Hong Kong 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f Melbourne South East 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f Sydney South 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 2010 2012 2014 2016f 2018f 0% Singapore High Tech f = forecast. Past performance is not indicative of future returns Note: There is no guarantee the forecast returns shown will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management; Oxford Economics, Global Insight, February 2015 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 13 Credit markets: The financing environment has become more accommodative than the previous period in major markets due to the positive effects of recent rate cuts and supportive measures. “All-in” funding costs fell more than 40 basis points in Australia, China, Singapore and South Korea last year while it was as low as 1.0% in Japan. Typical commercial lending terms LTV (%) Australia China Hong Kong Japan Singapore South Korea 60% 50-60% 40-50% 50% 65% 50-60% Spread (bps) 100 - 200 150 - 200 300 - 350 50 - 100 115 - 130 140 - 190 Reference rate 3M BBSW Rate : 2.7% 3-5Y PBOC lending rate: 6.0% 1Y HIBOR: 0.85% 5Y JPY swap rate: 0.25% 3M Swap Offer Rate: 0.55% 5Y KTB: 2.1% Interest rate (bps) 370 - 470 750 - 800 385 - 435 75 - 125 170 - 185 350 - 400 Source: Bloomberg, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Investment Market Outlook Japan: On the back of very favourable credit conditions the transaction volume in Japan in the rolling 12 months to September 2014 was around JPY 4.7 trillion, indicating a 27.0% increase from the same period the previous year, and the second largest volume amount in the last fifteen years. Cap rates are expected to remain tight in this environment below 4.0% for prime assets in Tokyo or around mid 4.0% in Osaka. Foreign investors have been attracted by the recovering rental markets, healthy yield spreads together with the yen’s depreciation, while some investors try to avoid prime sectors. The main target opportunities and types of assets include forward commitment, hospitality, suburban retail malls, grade-B offices and offices with vacant spaces. Transaction Volume and Lending Attitude by Banks in Japan (JPY tn) transaction volume (12 months, LHS) lending attitude DI (6 months prior, RHS) 36 6 2014.09 2014.03 2013.09 2013.03 2012.09 2012.03 2011.09 2011.03 2010.09 2010.03 2009.09 2009.03 2008.09 2008.03 2007.09 2007.03 2006.09 2006.03 2005.09 -36 2005.03 0 2004.09 -24 2004.03 1 2003.09 -12 2003.03 2 2002.09 0 2002.03 3 2001.09 12 2001.03 4 2000.09 24 Diffusion Index (DI) 5 Sources: Urban Research Institute, Bank of Japan, Real Capital Analytics, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 14 South Korea: The investment market is still dominated by domestic investors, while international investors increase activities. Given cap rates standing at 5.0% or lower for prime office in Seoul’s CBD, many investors have moved up the risk spectrum and considered transactions as asset repositioning, leasing ups, forward commitment, asset conversions, or more opaque sectors such as suburban retail and industrial. Cap rates compressed more than 100 basis points in the last three years in the Seoul office sector and are expected to move further downward in accordance with the lowered interest rate. Transaction Volume in South Korea (KRW tn) Transaction Valume (Korea - All Sectors) 10 Other Cities 8 Seoul Industrial Seoul Retail 6 Seoul Office 4 2 2014E 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 0 Source: Real Capital Analytics, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize China: Transaction volumes have come off roughly 20.0% in 2014 from the previous year’s level. While investor interest in the logistics sector has intensified, investors have also become more cautious towards the office and retail sectors, particularly in lower tier cities as a sizeable pipeline supply looms nearer. In the meantime, domestic investors continue to turn their attention overseas as outbound investment rules relaxed further. Transaction Volume in China (USD bn) Office Retail Industrial Apt Hotel 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 14Q3 14Q2 14Q1 14 YTD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 0 Source: Real Capital Analytics, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 15 Hong Kong: Transaction volume reached its highest level in the third quarter of 2014 since the introduction of Double Stamp Duty in the first quarter of 2013, reflecting recovering investor sentiments. Activities continued to be dominated by local end-users while the risk of rising interest rates has seen investors growing more cautious. Given the generally low yield environment, many investors have adopted a value-add strategy including converting older but well located buildings to other uses. We could anticipate some properties to come to market as local developers offload non-core properties to bolster cash reserves. Transaction Volume in Hong Kong (USD bn) 20 Office Retail Industrial Apt Hotel 16 12 8 4 14Q3 14Q2 14Q1 14 YTD 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 0 Source: Real Capital Analytics, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize Singapore: Similar to the situation in Hong Kong, core investors have grown increasingly wary of widening yields on the expectation of rising interest rates. Nevertheless, the office sector has seen a number of en-bloc transactions in 2014, driven by opportunistic investors looking to capitalize on the rebound in rents and improved sentiments in the strata-title segment. Looking ahead, investment activities in the core space could potentially pick up with some funds looking to offload properties as they approach the end of their fund lives. Office Retail 2011 (USD bn) 2009 Transaction Volume in Singapore Industrial Apt Hotel 16 12 8 4 14Q3 14Q2 14Q1 0 14 YTD 2013 2012 2010 2008 2007 0 Source: Real Capital Analytics, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 16 Australia: Investors continue to retain a strong interest in Australia given the higher yields, asset liquidity and greater transparency compared to other Asian markets. The transaction volume in the country in 2014 exceeded the historical high recorded back in 2007. The asking prices for buildings in core Central Business District (CBD) locations appear demanding with cap rates going below 6.0% for long term leased assets. However, we believe the low cap rates is in part due to relatively high vacancy rates of about 10.0% at the moment, a result from the earlier wave of new completions as is the case in Melbourne. As the leasing markets regain traction, current vacant space would yet provide an additional source of rental growth. We expect hedging costs to remain a challenge for foreign investors. Transaction Volume in Australia (AUD bn) Office Retail Industrial Hotel Apartment 30 20 10 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Source: Real Capital Analytics, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 17 Leasing Market Outlook Japan: Office space demand in Japan remains healthy fuelled by a resilient corporate sector. The office vacancy rate in central Tokyo fell to 5.5% in December 2014 from 7.3% a year ago. With only a moderate level of new supply planned, the healthy demand supply balance is expected to persist in coming years. Office rents in Tokyo entered the recovery cycle in 2014 and a further recovery is expected ahead. Office Supply and Vacancy Rate in Tokyo Grade-A (LHS) (million sqm) Grade-B&C (LHS) Vacancy (RHS) (%) Forecast 2.0 10 18F 17F 16F 14 15E 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 99 00 0 98 0.0 97 2 96 0.4 95 4 94 0.8 93 6 92 1.2 91 8 90 1.6 Source: Miki Shoji, Jones Lang LaSalle, Mori Building, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize Vacancy rates have continued improving across all other major cities in Japan. Vacancy rates in Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka and Sapporo declined to 8.0% or below as of the end of December 2014, by well absorbing new supply provided in each market in recent years. Office Vacancy Rates in Major Japanese Cities Sapporo (%) 16 Fukuoka Nagoya Osaka Tokyo 12 8 4 2014.12 2014.06 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 0 Source: Miki Shoji, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 18 South Korea: New office supply peaked in 2010-2013 in the Seoul CBD, pushing up the vacancy rate to over 9.0% in 2013 which was followed by a mild recovery to 8.0% in 2014. Given the limited amount of new supply planned going forward, the vacancy rate is now expected to decline in the second half of 2015 onwards. Office Supply and Vacancy Rate in Seoul (000 py) CBD CBD GBD YBD Vacancy CBD (%) 2014 E 2015 F 0.0% 2013 - 2012 2.4% 2011 40 2010 4.8% 2009 80 2008 7.2% 2007 120 2006 9.6% 2005 160 2004 12.0% 2003 200 Source: Mate Plus, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize China: Leasing demand continued to surprise on the upside despite slowing headline GDP growth, a reflection of structural changes in the economy. The services sector continued to expand healthily, driven by domestic firms, especially from the rapidly growing finance, IT and professional services sectors. While foreign firm demand remained quiet, signs are emerging that this may change soon. 58 multinational companies received approvals to set up regional or global headquarters in Shanghai in 2014, with many citing continued liberalizations in the free trade zone as an important consideration. In Beijing, healthy demand and limited supply have driven vacancy to a historically low level. Looking ahead, office demand in Shanghai and Beijing are expected to strengthen further, sustained by domestic demand and the eventual return of foreign demand. Improved prospects for mergers and acquisitions as well as IPOs could provide additional boosts. Office Supply and Vacancy Rate in Beijing and Shanghai 2018F 2017F 2016F 2005 2004 2015F 0% 2014 0.0 2013 7% 2012 0.3 2011 14% 2010 0.6 2009 21% 2008 0.9 2007 1.2 BJ new supply BJ vacancy rate (RHS) 28% 2006 SH new supply SH vacancy rate (RHS) (mn sqm) Source: Jones Lang LaSalle, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 19 Hong Kong: Considerable new office supply arriving in decentralized areas at a period of soft leasing demand is expected to drive rents lower in Hong Kong where landlords have historically been responsive to vacancy rate movements. Meanwhile, consolidation in the financial sector poses further downside risks, although this might be offset to some extent by anticipation of a pickup in mergers and acquisitions activity in Mainland China. Office Supply and Vacancy Rate in Hong Kong (tho. sqm) New supply Net absorption Vacancy rate (RHS) 2018F 2017F 2016F 2015F 2014 2013 0% 2012 0 2011 2% 2010 100 2009 4% 2008 200 2007 6% 2006 300 2005 8% 2004 400 Source: Jones Lang LaSalle, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize Singapore: Office vacancy rate have been receding since 2011 and are expected to taper further in 2015, given the subdued new office completions from 2013 to 2015. However, an unprecedented wave of office supply is expected in 2016, which would reverse the falling vacancy rate trend and put the rental market under pressure through till 2017 as the market digests this new supply. We have pencilled in a rental correction of about 8.0% during this period with Marina Bay and Shenton Way being most vulnerable as the new supply is concentrated in these submarkets. Office Supply and Vacancy Rate in Singapore (tho. sqm) Supply Absorption Vacancy Rate (RHS) 300 12% 250 10% 200 8% 150 6% 100 4% 50 2% 0 0% -50 2019F 2018F 2017F 2016F 2015F 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 -2% Source: Jones Lang LaSalle, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 20 Australia: Office supply in Melbourne peaked in 2013 and only a moderate new supply is expected in the next three years while Sydney will see the supply surge in 2016, including Sydney International Towers, three new towers at Barangaroo. The vacancy rate in Sydney is expected to widen in 2016 before it declines to 10.0% or below the following year. Office Net Supply and Vacancy Rate in Sydney and Melbourne supply (LHS) vacancy (RHS %) 12% (000 m2) Sydney 200 supply (LHS) vacancy (RHS %) 12% (000 m2)Melbourne 200 150 9% 150 9% 100 6% 100 6% 50 3% 50 3% 0 0% 0 0% -50 -50 -3% 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2015F 2017F 2019F 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2015F 2017F 2019F -3% Source: Jones Lang LaSalle, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize There has been a strong correlation between the vacancy rate and tenant incentives in Australia. On the back of the elevated vacancy rate landlords are now required to provide generous incentives to tenants, about 31.0% or a 37 month rent free period, is given to tenants for ten year leases in Sydney, this is expected to recover only mildly going forward. Office Vacancy Rate and Rent Free Period in Sydney and Melbourne rent f ree vacancy (%) Sydney (months) 40 rent f ree vacancy (%) 12% Melbourne 0 0% 2018F 0% 2016F 0 2013 3% 2011 10 2009 3% 2007 10 2005 6% 2003 20 2018F 6% 2016F 20 2013 9% 2011 30 2009 9% 2007 30 2005 (months) 40 2003 12% Source: Jones Lang LaSalle, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 There is no guarantee forecast returns shown will materialize DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 21 Property Sectors and Returns Office Fundamentals: Vacancy rates recovered in many markets in the region in 2014 including all Japanese cities, most Chinese cities, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, while they were almost flat in other major markets including Seoul, Hong Kong, Sydney and Melbourne and widened substantially in Brisbane and Perth given the slowdown of the mining sector. We expect vacancies to recover over the medium term in most markets as confidence returns to the corporate sector and the level of new supply is kept under control. The exceptions will be Nagoya, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur where a large amount of supply is planned. Office sector: Projected vacancy rate in selected markets 12.6% Perth - CBD Kuala Lumpur 14.9% 12.5% 8.9% 12.4% Brisbane - CBD 16.6% 11.3% Singapore - Shenton Way Shanghai - Puxi 11.1% 9.6% Nagoya 10.8% 8.0% Melbourne - CBD 9.1% Sydney - CBD 9.1% 7.7% Yokohama Guangzhou 8.5% 6.5% 2.8% 5.9% Seoul - CBD 5.8% 4.6% 5.1% Hong Kong - Overall Osaka 10.9% 10.1% 6.6% 5.6% Shanghai - Pudong 14.8% 9.0% 8.0% 4.8% 5.2% Tokyo 3.6% 4.0% 3.4% Hong Kong - Central Singapore - Marina Bay 5.3% Average 2015 to 2019 2.1% 2.0% 1.4% 2.3% Beijing - Overall Singapore - Raffles Place 0% 2% 2014 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% 18% f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Office rental growth is anticipated at a healthy level of around 5.0% or more in Singapore, Beijing and Tokyo in 2015, while growth will be more moderate in other cities. Significant rental decline is expected in Hong Kong, Perth and Brisbane. Looking ahead in the longer term, a healthy growth of over 4.0% per annum is likely in Shanghai while more moderate growth of around 3.0% is expected in key markets including Beijing, Melbourne, Sydney, Tokyo and Seoul. In Singapore where unprecedented supply is in the pipeline, more than 5.0% of rental decline is expected in 2016 while a negative 1.0% growth on average is expected in Hong Kong including decentralized areas over the five year horizon. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 22 Office sector: Projected rental growth between 2015f and 2019f -15.0% (CAGR) Shanghai - Puxi (4.5%) Shanghai - Pudong (4.2%) Beijing - Overall (3.2%) -10.0% 2015 0.0% -5.0% 2016 5.0% 2017 2019 10.0% 2018 15.0% 22.8% 21.2% 16.5% Melbourne - CBD (3.0%) Sydney - CBD (3.0%) Tokyo (2.9%) Singapore - Raffles Place (2.6%) Seoul - CBD (2.6%) Singapore - Marina Bay (2.3%) Hong Kong - Central (1.9%) 15.3% 15.1% 14.5% 13.9% 13.0% 12.5% 10.1% 10.1% Singapore - Shenton Way (1.8%) Guangzhou (1.1%) Kuala Lumpur (1.1%) Yokohama (1.0%) 5.0% Osaka (1.0%) 5.0% Brisbane - CBD (0.9%) Perth - CBD (0.5%) 6.0% 5.3% 4.6% 3.2% Nagoya (-0.2%) -1.0% Hong Kong - Overall (-1.0%) -15% 5Y Cumulative 20.0% 25.0% -4.5% -10% -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Except for cities in Greater China, there is vacancy rate and rental growth forecast expected in Perth and Brisbane due to commodity sector and also in Hong Kong, surge in the pipeline. an inverse relationship between the expected in most cities. Weak leasing conditions are negative effects from the slowdown in the Nagoya and Kuala Lumpur due to the supply Office sector: Projected vacancy rate vs rental growth between 2015f and 2019f 18% Vacancy Rate (2015f - 2019f) 16% 14% Perth 12% 10% Kuala Lumpur Brisbane Nagoya S'pore Sydney 8% 6% Hong Kong - Overall 4% S'pore 2% -1% 0% Melbourne Yokohama Guangzhou Osaka 0% -2% -2% Shanghai - Puxi Shenton Way Shanghai Pudong Seoul Tokyo HK - Central Marina Bay Beijing S'pore Raffles Pl. 1% 3% 2% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% Rental Growth p.a. (2015f - 2019f ) f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 23 Performance: Modest high single digit returns are expected in most cities in the APAC office sector over the next five year average, driven by healthy rental growth and stabilizing cap rates. Shanghai, Beijing, Sydney, Melbourne and Seoul will be among the top performers while Tokyo and Japanese cities are expected to provide the best excess returns over the long term risk free rate (10-year government bond yield). The performance of the regional financial hubs, Hong Kong and Singapore, could be weak where cap rate expansions seem inevitable over the period, which could negatively affect capital returns. Office sector: Projected compounded annual return and excess return -2.0% Excess Return Avg 10Y Bond Yield 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% Shanghai - Puxi (5.5%) Shanghai - Pudong (4.6%) Beijing - Overall (4.5%) Sydney - CBD (3.8%) Melbourne - CBD (3.7%) Seoul - CBD (4.1%) Kuala Lumpur (3.3%) Brisbane - CBD (3.1%) Tokyo (7.2%) Perth - CBD (2.6%) Osaka (7.0%) Yokohama (6.7%) Guangzhou (1.4%) Nagoya (5.5%) Singapore - Marina Bay (1.3%) Singapore - Raffles Place (0.9%) Singapore - Shenton Way (0.8%) Hong Kong - Central (-2.0%) Hong Kong - Overall (-5.6%) -2% Total Return (5Y CAGR) 6.0%Excess 8.0% Return 10.0% 4.6% 4.2% 4.1% 2.2% -1.5% 0% 2% 4% 10.6% 9.7% 9.6% 9.1% 9.0% 8.4% 8.3% 8.3% 8.0% 7.8% 7.8% 7.4% 6.5% 6.3% 6% 8% 10% f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Retail Fundamentals: Retail sales were generally below trend in most major countries in the region in 2014 including Japan, South Korea, China and Australia due to various reasons including tax increases, anti-corruption measures and weaker consumer sentiments. The outlook for 2015 should be more positive, however, in line with recovery in the economy, especially in non-discretionary products. The current retail environment continues to be a tenants’ market with landlords offering better incentives such as rent-free periods and contributions to fit-outs. Vacancy rates could start to inch upwards on the back of growing supply and lower pre-commitment rates mainly in decentralized areas. In 2015, retailers’ space demand is likely to remain stable in the majority of locations as consumer sentiment bounces back. The region’s strongest rental growth in the next five years is expected in Beijing, followed by Shanghai, Singapore Prime and Guangzhou although growth will be more muted in suburban, decentralized areas in these cities due to an influx of new supply. In other markets in the region, such as Australian cities and Seoul, rental growth will be at healthy levels of about 2.0% or above, almost in line with inflation rates. Rental growth is expected to be weaker in Tokyo due to the negative impact of the consumption tax increase back in 2014 and the next one planned in 2017. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 24 Retail sector: Projected rental growth between 2015f – 2019f 0.0%2015 -5.0% (CAGR) 5.0% 2016 10.0% 2017 2018 15.0% 2019 20.0% 5Y Cumulative 25.0% Beijing - Core (4.4%) 22.0% Shanghai - Prime (3.0%) 15.0% Singapore - Prime (2.8%) 13.8% Guangzhou - Prime (2.5%) 12.6% Sydney - RC (2.4%) 12.0% Melbourne - RC (2.4%) 12.0% Kuala Lumpur - KLCC (2.3%) 11.6% Hong Kong - Overall (2.3%) 11.6% Seoul (2.3%) 11.3% Sydney - SRC (2.1%) 10.5% Melbourne - SRC (2.0%) 10.0% Sydney - Neighbourhood (1.7%) 8.5% Singapore - Suburban (1.2%) 5.9% Tokyo (1.0%) 5.0% -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% f = forecast RC= Regional Centres SRC= Sub-regional centres Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Performance: Since there is concern of a demand shift from bricks-and-mortar to online retailing, there is a clear trend among institutional investors toward long term leases. Also the impact from online retail is expected to be stronger in the discretionary retail segment, such as apparel, than non-discretionary segment of food and daily commodities. Looking ahead, the performance of neighbourhood centres in Australia appears most attractive due to higher yields compared to larger-sized formats, such as regional centres (RC). Healthy excess returns (i.e. annual total returns minus bond yields) of about 3-5% are expected in most key retail markets in the region except for Chinese cities and Hong Kong. Retail sector: Projected compounded annual return and excess return Excess Return 0.0% Sydney - Neighbourhood Kuala Lumpur - KLCC Beijing - Core Sydney - SRC Melbourne - SRC Seoul Melbourne - RC Sydney - RC Shanghai - Prime Singapore - Prime Hong Kong - Overall Singapore - Suburban Guangzhou - Prime Tokyo Ave 10Y Bond Yield Total Return (5Y CAGR) 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% Excess 8.0% 12.0% Return10.0% 10.4% 9.8% 9.5% 9.0% 8.7% 8.5% 8.2% 8.0% 6.7% 6.7% 6.6% 6.4% 6.2% 5.5% (5.2%) (4.8%) (4.4%) (3.8%) (3.5%) (4.2%) (3.0%) (2.8%) (1.6%) (3.4%) (2.5%) (3.1%) (1.1%) (4.7%) 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% f = forecast RC= Regional Centres SRC= Sub-regional centres Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 25 Industrial Fundamentals: Although some weakness is expected to remain in the domestic environment, e-commerce and third party logistics companies are expected to propel leasing demand in the modern logistic space across the region. Occupiers with big space requirements are likely to find it challenging to secure space in modern logistics facilities. The supply of new modern logistics assets in the Asia Pacific region will be about 30.0% lower in 2015 compared to 2014, and the lack of supply of large modern quality facilities will persist in many markets in the region, especially in still evolving Chinese cities. This supply situation encourages major tenants to pre-commit or develop built-to-suit logistics facilities and distribution warehouses to meet their needs. Future demand will be supported by steady retail sales growth, a growing middle class population, the expansion of the e-commerce sector and the recovery in foreign trade. In Hong Kong has witnessed a high level of relocation demand from tenants of obsolete industrial buildings that are to be converted to other uses as part of the government’s revitalisation policy 1 , rental growth could be stronger due to the lack of quality space. Rental growth is expected to be more moderate at around 2-4%, broadly in line with inflation, in other markets in the region as tenants and shoppers remain mindful of costs. In Tokyo expected supply surge will be well absorbed within two years, while rental growth is expected to be minimal. Industrial sector: Projected rental growth between 2015f – 2019f -5.0% (CAGR) 0.0%2015 5.0% 2016 201710.0% 2018 15.0% 2019 20.0% 5Y Cumulative 25.0% Hong Kong (4.6%) Shanghai (4.1%) Singapore - High Tech (3.6%) Singapore - Logistics (3.4%) Beijing (3.2%) Melbourne - South East (2.8%) Sydney - South (2.7%) Sydney - Outer CW (2.5%) Brisbane - South (2.4%) Melbourne - West (2.3%) Seoul (2.0%) Tokyo (1.1%) Singapore - Conventional (0.3%) -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 Performance: Tenant demand continues to outstrip supply for logistics real estate assets in most markets, while a great deal of supply is expected in 2015 in cities like Tokyo and Singapore. Thanks to higher yields, increasing transparency of the sector and strong underlying space demand, the industrial sector has provided higher returns than the office and retail sectors in the past five years, and is expected to maintain the higher returns in the coming years too (see page 8). Five-year return forecasts for Chinese tier-1 cities, Australian cities, Singapore, Seoul and Hong Kong all look favourable with about 8-10% annual returns, although access to good quality assets is limited in Hong Kong, China and 1 This policy was implemented by the government in April 2010 and it directs most obsolete industrial stock to be converted to non-industrial commercial uses, including office. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 26 Seoul. Tokyo is expected to provide good excess returns in the forecast period, while conventional industrial formats in Singapore are expected to be minimal among investors. Industrial sector: Projected compounded annual return and excess return 0.0% Excess Return Shanghai Beijing Melbourne - South East Singapore - High Tech Brisbane - South Singapore - Logistics Sydney - South Melbourne - West Sydney - Outer CW Seoul Hong Kong Tokyo Singapore - Conventional Ave 10Y Bond Yield 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% Total Return (5Y CAGR) 8.0% 10.0% 12.0% Excess Return 11.9% 10.7% 10.3% 10.1% 10.0% 9.9% 9.9% 9.6% 9.5% 9.1% 8.8% (6.8%) (5.6%) (5.1%) (6.8%) (4.8%) (6.6%) (4.6%) (4.4%) (4.3%) (4.8%) (4.6%) (6.3%) (1.1%) 7.1% 4.4% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% f = forecast Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 27 Appendix: Real Estate Market Forecasts Using our market forecasts as a guide, this report has focused on the strategic outlook for the Asia Pacific region’s economy, real estate investment, and commercial property fundamentals. This outlook was based on the following assumptions and logic: Justifications to Deutsche AWM forecast outlook Outlook Justification Slower and gentler recovery in Office supply peaked in 2012 in Tokyo and vacancy has since the Grade B Tokyo and Osaka improved. The recovery in the Grade A office market is now office market. Retail and industrial followed by a gentle recovery in the Grade B market as the sectors provide higher yields. economy rebounded to trend growth. Industrial and suburban retail attracts yield seeking investors. Stable returns for the Seoul office Fundamentals in the office sector are set to improve, though market in the medium term. more completions in late 2015 will likely limit any strong recovery Suburban retail and industrial in the CBD in the near term. Opportunities remain in less sectors provide higher yields. transparent retail and logistics sectors given the lack of professionally managed product in the market. Office returns in Beijing and Take-up still lags in the Beijing and Shanghai office markets with Shanghai to be limited. Returns returns limited by oversupply in decentralized areas. On the other in the logistics markets hold hand, returns in the logistics sector look healthy as demand steady. continues to outstrip supply. Yields in the Hong Kong office Rising interest rates will likely result in an outward movement of market shift outward. Rents and Hong Kong office yields. Office returns are likely to be modest in returns in the logistics sector the medium term while retail returns will likely remain flat. The continue to rise. lack of industrial and logistics space will lead to rising rents and returns in this sector. Singapore office rents will A surge of new supply planned in the CBD over the next two decline in 2016. Office cap rates years while the market enjoys a rental turn around. As global widen. conditions improve, further rental growth is expected, but wider cap rates remain a risk as interest rates rise. Returns in the office markets of Despite the short-term challenges of soft demand in the office Sydney and Melbourne prove sectors of Melbourne and Sydney, fundamentals will revert to resilient. Retail investors enjoy trend from 2015 onwards. We expect stronger rental growth and steady returns for neighbourhood limited new supply to drive this resilience. The retail returns for retail centres. Industrial markets neighbourhood centres hold steady given the defensive nature of hold up well. these assets. Logistics returns track decently as demand outstrips supply and higher yields draw more interest from investors, both local and offshore. Note: There is no guarantee the forecasts will materialise Source: Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management, February 2015 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 28 Deal Flow and Accessibility Challenges Below shows deal flow and accessibility challenges for commercial real estate investments especially for cross border investors. Hedging costs are expensive in Australia and South Korea for Euro and US dollar investors 2 and this can be an impediment for cross border investors when competing with domestic investors. In Japan local investors and developers have the upper hand in the cost of capital due to extremely cheap borrowing costs in the local debt market. Onshore holding structures in China need to be in the form of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) or wholly owned foreign enterprises (WOFEs) to receive equity investments from foreign parties. Conversion of structures is required if the existing holding structure is not in either of these forms and is subjected to regulatory approval, which introduces regulatory uncertainties. Target Market Sectors Melbourne/ Sydney Office/Retail/ Industrial/Logistics Hedging Cost Japan Tokyo/ Osaka Office/Retail/ Industrial/Logistics Cost of Capital (Leverage Level) South Korea Seoul Australia Singapore Singapore China Tier 1 cities Hong Kong Hong Kong Deal Flow Office/Retail Industrial/Logistics Office/Retail/ Industrial/Logistics Office/Retail Industrial/Logistics Office/Retail/ Industrial/Logistics more favorable 2 Challenges for Foreign Investors Cities Hedging Cost Holding Structure neutral less favorable For example, hedging costs stood around 270 basis points in Australia and around 170 basis points in South Korea for Euro investors as of the end of 2014. DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 29 Important Information Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management represents the asset management and wealth management activities conducted by Deutsche Bank AG or any of its subsidiaries. Clients will be provided Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management products or services by one or more legal entities that will be identified to clients pursuant to the contracts, agreements, offering materials or other documentation relevant to such products or services. In the U.S., Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management relates to the asset management activities of RREEF America L.L.C.; in Germany: RREEF Investment GmbH, RREEF Management GmbH, and RREEF Spezial Invest GmbH; in Australia: Deutsche Australia Limited (ABN 37 006 385 593) an Australian financial services license holder; in Japan: Deutsche Securities Inc. (For DSI, financial advisory (not investment advisory) and distribution services only); in Hong Kong: Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Hong Kong Branch (for direct real estate business), and Deutsche Asset Management (Hong Kong) Limited (for real estate securities business); in Singapore: Deutsche Asset Management (Asia) Limited (Company Reg. No. 198701485N); in the United Kingdom: Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited, Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (Global) Limited and Deutsche Asset Management (UK) Limited; in Italy: RREEF Fondimmobiliari SGR S.p.A.; and in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden: Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (UK) Limited and Deutsche Alternative Asset Management (Global) Limited; in addition to other regional entities in the Deutsche Bank Group. Key Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management research personnel are voting members of various investment committees. Members of the investment committees vote with respect to underlying investments and/or transactions and certain other matters subjected to a vote of such investment committee. Additionally, research personnel receive, and may in the future receive incentive compensation based on the performance of certain investment accounts and investment vehicles managed by Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management and its affiliates. This material was prepared without regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person who may receive it. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, an offer, solicitation, the basis for any contract to purchase or sell any security or other instrument, or for Deutsche Bank AG or its affiliates to enter into or arrange any type of transaction as a consequence of any information contained herein. Neither Deutsche Bank AG nor any of its affiliates gives any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information which is contained in this document. Except insofar as liability under any statute cannot be excluded, no member of the Deutsche Bank Group, the Issuer or any officer, employee or associate of them accepts any liability (whether arising in contract, in tort or negligence or otherwise) for any error or omission in this document or for any resulting loss or damage whether direct, indirect, consequential or otherwise suffered by the recipient of this document or any other person. The views expressed in this document constitute Deutsche Bank AG or its affiliates’ judgment at the time of issue and are subject to change. This document is only for professional investors. This document was prepared without regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person who may receive it. No further distribution is allowed without prior written consent of the Issuer. An investment in real estate involves a high degree of risk, including possible loss of principal amount invested, and is suitable only for sophisticated investors who can bear such losses. The value of shares/ units and their derived income may fall or rise. Any forecasts provided herein are based upon Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s opinion of the market at this date and are subject to change dependent on the market. Past performance or any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy or markets is not indicative of future performance. The forecasts provided are based upon our opinion of the market as at this date and are subject to change, dependent on future changes in the market. Any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or the economic trends of the markets is not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance. © 2015 Deutsche Bank AG. All rights reserved. I-037477-1.4 DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 30 Notice to Investors in Switzerland: This presentation document has been prepared upon your request exclusively on a best effort basis and intends to respond to your investment objective/strategy as a sophisticated and qualified investor within the meaning of the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act of June 23, 2006 (“CISA”). This document has not been approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”) under the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act of June 23, 2006 ("CISA"). The products contained in this presentation may not be registered with the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (“FINMA”), and therefore, not supervised by the FINMA. As a result, you cannot claim any protection for unregistered products under the CISA. Notice to Investors in the United Kingdom: Issued and approved in the UK by Deutsche Bank AG London Branch. Deutsche Bank is authorised under German Banking Law (competent authority: BaFin – Federal Financial Supervising Authority) and Deutsche Bank AG London Branch is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the conduct of UK business. This document is a “non-retail communication” within the meaning of the FCA’s Rules and is directed only at persons satisfying the FCA’s client categorisation criteria for an eligible counterparty or a professional client. This document is not intended for and should not be relied upon by a retail client. This material was prepared without regard to the specific objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person who may receive it. It is intended for informational purposes only and it is not intended that it be relied on to make any investment decision. It does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation or an offer or solicitation and is not the basis for any contract to purchase or sell any security or other instrument, or for Deutsche Bank AG and its affiliates to enter into or arrange any type of transaction as a consequence of any information contained herein. Neither Deutsche Bank AG nor any of its affiliates, gives any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information which is contained in this document. Except insofar as liability under any statute cannot be excluded, no member of the Deutsche Bank Group, the issuer or any officer, employee or associate of them accepts any liability (whether arising in contract, in tort or negligence or otherwise) for any error or omission in this document or for any resulting loss or damage whether direct, indirect, consequential or otherwise suffered by the recipient of this document or any other person. The views expressed in this document constitute Deutsche Bank AG or its affiliates' judgment at the time of issue and are subject to change. The value of shares/units and their derived income may fall as well as rise. Past performance or any prediction or forecast is not indicative of future results. This document is only for professional investors. The information contained herein must be kept strictly confidential. No further distribution is allowed without prior written consent of the issuer. Any forecasts provided herein are based upon our opinion of the market as at this date and are subject to change, dependent on future changes in the market. Any prediction, projection or forecast on the economy, stock market, bond market or the economic trends of the markets is not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance. Investments are subject to risks, including possible loss of principal amount invested. Certain Deutsche Asset and Wealth Management investment strategies may not be available in every region or country for legal or other reasons, and information about these strategies is not directed to those investors residing or located in any such region or country Past performance is not an indication of future performance. ©2015. All rights reserved. MARKETING MATERIAL DEUTSCHE ASSET & WEALTH MANAGEMENT Asia Pacific Real Estate Strategic Outlook | March 2015 31 Office Locations: Research & Strategy Team – Alternatives and Real Assets Chicago 222 South Riverside Plaza 26th Floor Chicago IL 60606-1901 United States Tel: +1 312 537 7000 Global Frankfurt Mainzer Landstraße 178-190 60327 Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel: +49 69 71909 0 London Winchester House 1 Great Winchester Street London EC2N 2DB United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 754 58000 New York 345 Park Avenue 24th Floor New York NY 10154-0102 United States Tel: +1 212 454 6260 San Francisco 101 California Street 24th Floor San Francisco CA 94111 United States Tel: +1 415 781 3300 Singapore One Raffles Quay South Tower Singapore 048583 Tel: +65 6538 7011 Tokyo Floor 18 Sanno Park Tower 2-11-1 Nagata-cho Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo Japan Tel: +81 3 5156 6000 Mark Roberts Head of Research & Strategy [email protected] Americas Ross Adams Industrial Specialist [email protected] Erin Patterson Property Market Research [email protected] Ana Leon Property Market Research [email protected] Alex Symes Economic & Quantitative Analysis [email protected] Jaimala Patel Quantitative Strategy [email protected] Brooks Wells Apartment Specialist [email protected] Europe Simon Durkin Head of Research & Strategy, Europe [email protected] Gianluca Minella Infrastructure Research [email protected] Tom Francis Property Market Research [email protected] Farhaz Miah Property Market Research [email protected] Matthias Naumann Property Market Research [email protected] Simon Wallace Property Market Research [email protected] Asia Pacific Koichiro Obu Head of Research & Strategy, Asia Pacific [email protected] Mark Ho Property Market Research [email protected] Natasha Lee Property Market Research [email protected] Minxuan Hu Property Market Research [email protected] www.rreef.com
© Copyright 2024