Global Branded Residences Enters Booming Asia-Pacific Market
Singapore – Global Branded Residences (GBR), a top global advisory firm, has officially launched its operations in Asia Pacific. This strategic move comes as the region’s luxury real estate market booms. In fact, APAC is now poised to equal North America as the world’s largest market for branded residences.
The branded residences sector is seeing explosive growth. Over 900 new projects are expected globally in the next five to six years. Consequently, this will more than double the current market of just over 780 projects worldwide. According to GBR data, the Asia-Pacific region is driving much of this expansion. As a result, APAC now holds the second-largest global share for both completed and pipeline projects.
Hotspots of Growth: Thailand, Vietnam, and India
Specifically, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and India are leading this charge. Key cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, Bali, Hoi An, and Kuala Lumpur are therefore becoming hotspots. Here, leading international brands are launching some of their most ambitious residential projects.
For example, Thailand stands out with two cities in the global top 10 for total projects. Phuket ranks fifth and Bangkok ranks seventh worldwide. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s market is on a remarkable rise. It now has 51 projects in development, a huge jump from only 15 completed projects. This surge makes Vietnam the top country in APAC for new projects in the pipeline.
Furthermore, a notable trend is the rise of resort locations. Phuket, for instance, now has more pipeline projects than Bangkok. This shift is significant because it aligns with global data. It shows that resort-based branded residences can command sales premiums as high as 68%.
The New Standard in Luxury Development
Residential components are now a new standard in luxury hospitality. In fact, about 70% of all new luxury hotel deals include branded residences. This clearly shows the sector has evolved from a niche product to a mainstream development strategy.
GBR brings deep global experience to the APAC market. The firm has advised on over 150 projects across more than 40 countries. Founder and industry expert Riyan Itani leads the firm. Under his leadership, GBR has worked with top brands like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, One&Only, Rosewood, and The Ritz-Carlton.
“The growth of branded residences in APAC is both rapid and sustained,” said Riyan Itani. “What took 100 years to build globally, the market is now matching in just five. Moreover, Asia Pacific is at the forefront of this wave. GBR’s expansion ensures we’re on the ground to deliver the strategic insight our partners need to succeed.”
New Leadership for a New Era
The launch also includes a key leadership appointment. GBR named Anna Carver as its Business Development and Brand Selection and Negotiation Manager for the region. Based in Singapore, Carver will guide developers and brands through every project stage, from concept to completion.
“I’m thrilled to join the experienced GBR team at such a pivotal moment,” said Anna Carver. “Developers increasingly recognise the value that hotel and lifestyle brands bring to residential developments. Our on-ground presence, therefore, allows us to guide them through every step of the process.”
This expansion follows GBR’s recent role as a Strategic Partner at the Branded Residences Forum Asia in Bangkok. There, the firm presented its latest data on the future of the sector. GBR uses a unique, data-led approach, offering services like brand selection, feasibility studies, pricing definition, and market strategy.
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