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SCMP Reporter

RESEARCH publishing is becoming an increasingly important area of business for Hong Kong's property consultancies.

Typically, international consultancies carry out feasibility studies, sectoral analyses and socio-economic forecasting.

Jones Lang Wootton's research team also provides financial analysis for clients.

JLW undertakes feasibility studies for developers wanting to know whether their proposed projects will be commercially viable.

JLW carries out research in China, North and South Korea and the Philippines, in addition to the Indochina region.

 JLW director Charles Wheatman said the firm's research team had published a large number of papers analysing infrastructure projects.

 For example, the consultancy recently published 'Hong Kong's Infrastructure Initiatives' as part of its 'Infrastructure Impact Series'.

The document provides essential facts and figures on the territory's land reclamation projects and the airport railway.

 According to Godfrey Blott, deputy managing director, of First Pacific Davies, there was strong demand for the agency's studies of cities in China.

 He said corporate clients were keen to obtain these studies because the data helped companies to make decisions about opening offices on the mainland.

 Often it is researchers who are among the customers for other analysts' findings.

 Vigers has a two-member team analysing the land registry figures on Hong Kong property transactions to find out the unit value of properties sold.

 Researchers at other property agencies also subscribe to Vigers' 'Analysis of Property Transactions'.

 Vigers' research director, Jenny Bower, said transaction data was much sought-after because it was essential for making valuations.

International comparative research is sought by investors, developers and industry commentators.

 Richard Ellis' revelation earlier this year that Bombay was the most expensive place in the world to rent an office shocked many who had thought Hong Kong and Japan would continue to be the two most expensive locations.

With an eye on the interests of investors, Marlin Land recently published figures which showed investment in commercial property was more profitable than equities in five of the six Southeast Asian countries surveyed by the agency.

The study showed that it was more rewarding than maintaining bank deposits in all of the countries.



Research becomes essential