Investment activity in Property Markets worldwide rebounds in V shape

• Global transactions fall to $380 b in 2009
  
• Q4 volume surges as rebound takes hold

Globally, the volume of commercial property sold in 2009 was $381 b, with nearly 11,000 properties selling in deals valued above $10m, according the latest Global Capital Trends Report, released by Real Capital Analytics. Overall, the volume of  transactions was off 30 % from 2008 while the number  of properties sold dropped 40%. China was the only country to post a significant gain in 2009, up 139 % to a total of $156 b, which constituted an astounding 41% of global volume. Without China, global transaction volume would have registered a 52% decline last year. While the annual comparisons reflect broad declines since 2007, quarterly data show a marketplace that appears to be making a remarkable recovery. Volume surged in Q4 to $147 b, the first quarterly increase on a yoy basis in seven quarters. So far, investment activity is rebounding in a clear V shape, but risks remain, and some fear the V could easily become a W.

Nevertheless, sentiment among investors is much improved and 2010 is starting with a broad but cautious sense of optimism.