The second favoured property type for investment is the office sector. According to respondents, this segment has become fiercely competitive. Ho Chi Minh City is again listed as the top market in which to buy such properties, followed by Mumbai, Tokyo, Bangalore and New Delhi.

Retail, described as very dynamic, ranks as the third most favoured property type. Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Shanghai are listed as the top five markets in which to invest in retail properties. The industrial/ distribution sector, while not a very glamourous investment option, is set to emerge as a “major property type” next year, predicts the report. Currently, it is ranked fourth in terms of investment potential. Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Guangzhou are ranked as the most promising markets in this category.

The residential for-sale segment ranks fifth, and apartment for-rental segment ranks sixth in terms of investment opportunities. The most promising markets for apartment rental investments are Ho Chi Minh City, Mumbai, Bangalore and Guangzhou. In terms of development prospects, the residential for-sale sector ranks first among all property types. Urbanisation, nuclearisation of families and growing income levels are cited as some of the factors why residential development remains the most preferred category for developers to enter.