Share of respondents voting for "no increase" declined from 44% to 6%. The vast majority (94%) of investors expected that more than EUR 1 billion of investments will arrive to the Hungarian commercial real estate market in 2016.
"Agreeing with the majority of respondents, CBRE is also of the opinion that the overall investment volume in Hungary will be in the range of EUR 800-1,200 M. Last year’s survey touched the same question where most of the respondents were correct in their prediction which gives us more confidence for the current estimation", said Lóránt Kibédi Varga, Managing Director of CBRE Hungary.
What is your estimation for this year’s Commercial Real Estate investment volume in Hungary? 2016
No increase on last year (up to EUR 800 million) 6%
In the region of 1 billion (around EUR 800-1,200 million) 50%
Clearly above the 1 billion line (above EUR 1,2 billion) 44%
Close to all-time high (close to EUR 1,9 billion) 0%
What is your estimation for this year’s Commercial Real Estate investment volume in Hungary? 2015
Lower than last year (under EUR 450 million) 6%
Same value as last year (EUR 450-550 million) 44%
Clearly above last year’s level (EUR 550-900 million) 47%
Almost best on record (EUR 1 bln or above) 3%
Participants expected domestic investors to be the most active players, in contrary to last year when they were ranked second after investors from key EU countries. Share of German open-ended funds went up significantly from 5% to 25%. Estimated share of Middle-Eastern and Russian money remained stable.
"2016 should be the turning point as conservative Western-European investors return to the Hungarian market resulting in an overall increase in investment volume supported by an increased number of landmark transactions expected to close in 2016", said Tim O’Sullivan, Head of Capital Markets Hungary & SEE.
Who will be the most active investors? 2015 2016
Domestic investors (real estate funds, public entities) 26% 44%
US opportunistic investors and venture capital 26% 21%
Old, core investors (incl. German open-ended funds) 37% 25%
Money from Middle East, Russia, and other new sources 11% 10%
About the expectation on a possible credit rating change the relative majority of investors (47%) answered that "it will happen in 2016 but will not materially increase turnover." CBRE also expects this move to happen in the course of the year. However, CBRE believes its impact will be rather moderate, as most of the investors have already priced in this change.
Among the real estate sectors office is still the most popular asset class – as it was the case last year. Retail made the largest improvement from 17% to 30%. Interest for industrial assets has also increased from 8% to 13%. This is being already reflected in the increase of liquidity.
Concerning the current investment cycle the relative majority of the respondents (38%) thought that "it is a sustainable increase to the level where Hungary should be". CBRE shares the view that this is a start of a gradual improvement both on occupational and investment market. There can be correction coming as a result of changes in the global environment; however, current market patterns in Hungary are suggesting a sustainable growth.
Despite the yield compression experienced last year, same high share of the respondents expect further yield decline as last year. Regarding the opportunity in Budapest for investors Interest for core assets has increased slightly from 34% in 2015 to 39% in 2016 - in line with the global trends. Assets with add-value opportunity showed stable interest accounting for 50% in both years.
Where is the opportunity in Budapest for investors? 2015 2016
Core assets with stable cash-flow 35% 39%
Assets with add-value opportunity 51% 50%
Distressed assets, NPLs 14% 11%
Questioning the alternative sectors investors’ interest might shift towards alternative assets: student housing and healthcare properties can be the new favourites. CBRE has to point to the lack of availability of these assets, while sport facilities are more progressed.
At CBRE Hungary Investment Breakfast hold on 5th April 2016 a survey was carried out about the investment market with more than 50 investors and fund/asset managers active in Hungary.
CBRE
