London agencies set sights on Asian investors

Asian investors continue to enjoy capital appreciation on their international property investments, especially in London, where Colliers is seeing the highest level of demand, he said.

In the past year, prices for central London property have increased by an average of 9.5 per cent, according to Colliers International research.

Osborne said the London property market had been a shining light when compared to most other markets across the globe, and the company expected capital appreciation to continue into 2017.

Colliers International further reports that interest is rising for UK projects amongst Thai investors.

Wanna Sutitosatham, head of Colliers International Thailand’s Residential Department, said that in Thailand the reasons to invest in the UK were much the same as elsewhere in Asia. 

Investors may be looking to diversify their property portfolios, their children may attend university in the UK and therefore want a home for the duration of their studies, or they may have personal or business interests in London and elsewhere in the UK. 

Whatever the justification for purchasing, the underlying reason is investment, as London’s reputation as a safe haven appeals to the global investor, she said.

London has developed a solid reputation as a financial safe haven due to the ease with which overseas investors are able to purchase property. In addition, it is outside of the euro zone, interest rates are low, sterling is at relatively weak levels, and there is an imbalance of supply and demand pushing up capital values. 

Combined with the fact that London is considered by many to have some of the best schools in the world, leading universities, a strong financial hub, unique cultural centres, extensive shopping and lifestyle amenities and excellent transport links – including the London Underground and a number of airports – investors can be confident that their asset’s value will be maintained over time, she added.

Taylor Wimpey is one of the largest home-builders in the UK, with a track record of delivering value-for-money developments within well-planned communities throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Trish Henderson, sales and marketing director of Taylor Wimpey Central London, said the demand for its homes had grown throughout Asia, especially in Hong Kong and Singapore, and had now extended to Thailand. 

The company is pleased to be able to introduce an exclusive range of Taylor Wimpey projects to the Bangkok market, she said.

Meanwhile, listed Thai developer Sansiri invested in London in 2010 by buying a condominium project – 9 Elvaston Place – and renovating it for sale by focusing on Thai buyers who want to buy a residence for their children who are studying in the capital. 

The project has proved a major success and is already fully sold.