In reflection of the overall attractiveness of Australian commercial real estate, investment activity picked up in Q2 2014. Total investment volume was recorded at $9.3bn, up 93% quarter-on-quarter. The main reason for this being the significant M&A activity which occurred in Q2 (Figure 2). At the halfway point through 2014, investment volume stands at $14bn, almost 30% higher than H1 2013 at $11bn.
As a key proponent in the M&A activity, Institutions were the largest net purchasers in Q2 2014 at $1.5bn. Both domestic and offshore private vehicles also increased investment activity, being net purchasers of $1.4bn in commercial real estate. In contrast, A-REITs ended the quarter as strong net sellers following the Commonwealth Property Office Fund (CPA) takeover.
Source : DTZ (Groupe UGL)