Owing to strong port activities, proximity to key business districts and mixed-use development opportunities in infill locations, New Jersey is a burgeoning investment destination for Asian investors looking into the United States' industrial property market. Leveraging 90 years of local real estate expertise, Morristown-based The Hampshire Companies creates value through its diversified investment platform. "What distinguishes us from our developer competitors is that we are also a private real estate investment fund manager with discretionary capital," says president and CEO James Hanson. "This allows investors to closely monitor their assets and participate in direct ownership of the real estate." Hampshire is a full-service real estate firm spanning three generations. Advising institutional and high-net-worth investors, it has equity in assets valued at more than US$2.5 billion. The company focuses on northern New Jersey and the markets within the Mid-Atlantic and the eastern seaboard. About 40 per cent of its assets are industrial space, and 30 per cent are retail properties. It also has significant investments in self-storage, office and medical facilities, and has eight discretionary funds with more than US$1.2 billion in equity under management. Hampshire's partnership with Singapore's United Overseas Bank has enabled it to understand the demands of Asian investors. Together with London-based Hermes Real Estate, the three-way joint venture - forged in 2011 - launched a closed-end income fund targeting commercial real estate on the East Coast. To balance the risks in its various fund portfolios, the company adopts a two-pronged investment strategy. Under its value add strategy, Hampshire draws on its operational expertise in project repositioning, redevelopment, marketing and capital enhancement. For its core plus strategy, the company looks for long-term lease properties, and focuses on capital preservation, cash flow and enhancing net operating income. "Asian investors are looking more into gateway cities and expect really good solid cash-on-cash returns," Hanson says. "Having that long history, we can seamlessly navigate the industry landscape and source the best deals in the market." The Hampshire Companies: http://www.hampshireco.com
