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China, Singapore seen leading property market recovery after coronavirus pandemic eases, analysts say

  • The increase in enquiries from Chinese buyers indicates future transaction trends, Juwai IQI says
  • Singapore market is likely to recover when successful control measures are lifted and industries regain momentum

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Construction sites, like this one in Chongqing in southwestern China, are busy again as works resume under easing lockdown measures amid the viral outbreak. Photo: Xinhua
Investors in China and Singapore are likely to help spearhead a rebound in property transactions and prices in Asia-Pacific markets amid early signs of success in containing the coronavirus pandemic, analysts said.

That may come as early as next month given a rise in enquiries over the past two months, according to Georg Chmiel, executive chairman of Juwai IQI, which operates a property portal. Hong Kong, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia are also expected to recover ahead of markets in Western countries.

Chinese buyers have stepped up searches in February and March from January, with inquiries rising by 24 per cent for Thai real estate and 15 per cent for rising Australian assets, according to data from its portal.
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“Based on current trends, we see that China is coming back already and the most developed Asian countries could be back by May,” Chmiel said. The increase in enquiries “is a reliable indicator of future transaction trends.”

The view is backed by economic data showing surprise gains in Chinese manufacturing, while policy stimulus revives consumer spending and some Asian governments have eased lockdown measures by allowing more businesses to reopen. Stocks in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan have risen more than 4 per cent so far this month, after losing 21 per cent last quarter.

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