Chart of the Day: Foreign players injected $8.11b into Singapore real estate in 2018

Gaw Capital, ARA-Chelsfield and Allianz Real Estate entered the market last year.

The vibrant office segment continued to attract foreign entrants into Singapore's real estate sector as overseas capital hit $8.108b in 2018, according to a report from CBRE. 

Also read: Singapore's office sector weathers slumping stock markets better than Hong Kong

Of this number, nearly a fifth (19%) of foreign capital were from new entrants who sought a haven from the ongoing volatility in the office and industrial sector. This includes Gaw Capital's purchase of Robinson 77, ARA-Chesfield joint purchase of Manulife Centre, Allianz Real Estate's acquisition of a 20% stake in Ocena Financial Centre and Kenedix Inc's purchase of a 25% stake in Capital Square. 

Also read: Office prices up 5.7% in 2018

The office sector traditionally delivers different return expectations ranging from core plus to value-add investments which makes it attractive for investors seeking defensive asset classes on the back of higher financing costs, according to the report. It certainly helps that Singapore features prominently amongst territories with ease of investment.

"Positioned on the upside of the rental cycle, Singapore's commercial sector emerged favourable amongst property funds. In addition to capitalising on tightening office vacancy, value-add funds are eyeing further gains through asset enhance initiatives," the report's authors said.

Invetors can also limit their risk exposure by acquiring a partial stake in the property which grants them access to the property's income stream but leave the asset management expertise to a seasoned real estate investor.