Asia-Pacific Real Estate Buying Intentions Hit 4-Year High
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) real estate market is witnessing a significant shift in sentiment. According to the latest CBRE 2026 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey, net buying intentions have climbed to a four-year high, signaling a robust recovery for the region’s property sector.
After years of subdued activity due to high interest rates and cautious capital markets, investors are returning with renewed confidence. The “net buying intention”—the gap between those looking to buy versus those looking to sell—rose to 17%, up from 13% the previous year.
Key Investment Hubs: Tokyo and Singapore Lead the Way
Cross-border investors continue to favor stable, high-liquidity markets. For the seventh consecutive year, Tokyo remains the most preferred destination for real estate investment in Asia, largely due to its favorable debt costs and stable yield spreads.
However, the competition is tightening:
- Sydney secured the second spot as Australia’s economy shows resilience.
- Singapore and Seoul tied for third place, reflecting strong demand for core assets in transparent markets.
- Hong Kong made a significant comeback, jumping back into the top five, fueled by mainland Chinese interest in the “living” (residential) and hotel sectors.
The Return of the Office Sector
In a surprising turn of events, the office sector has reclaimed its title as the most preferred asset class for the first time in six years. While remote work initially dampened demand, 2026 is seeing a flight-to-quality trend. Investors are targeting Grade-A offices in cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo, where occupancy remains high and rental growth is projected to be strong.
Drivers of Growth and Potential Risks
Several factors are converging to create this “bullish” outlook:
- Easing Financing: Expectations of stabilizing interest rates are making debt-backed acquisitions more viable.
- Limited Supply: A reduced pipeline of new completions in major CBDs is putting upward pressure on rents.
- Strong Rental Outlook: Markets like Singapore and Australia are seeing rental growth outperform previous forecasts.
Despite the optimism, the industry faces headwinds. Escalating construction and labor costs have emerged as the top concern for developers and investors alike. Additionally, geopolitical tensions continue to be a “wait-and-see” factor for investors in Greater China and India.
Conclusion: A Year of Acquisition
For Property News Asia readers, the message is clear: 2026 is a year of strategic acquisition. With buying intentions at a multi-year peak, the window for securing prime assets at the start of the recovery cycle is narrowing. Whether it is the resilient office market in Singapore or the hospitality boom in Hong Kong, Asia-Pacific remains the global engine for real estate growth.
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