Mainland property players still upbeat despite tougher conditions: survey
A tough operating environment fails to dampen enthusiasm for mainland market, survey finds

After an eventful year during which the China market continued to fall under the influence of restrictive policies, DTZ believed it would be interesting to gauge real estate players' outlook for China's property market in 2013.
DTZ Research conducted a cross-sector and cross-regional survey of those with an interest in the mainland property market for their views on market demand in the New Year, their financing and portfolio growth prospects, and what factors would be most important in driving their portfolio development.
Despite a harsh external environment and relentless government control over local property markets, respondents were generally positive about prospects for both occupier- and investment markets.
On the residential market, sentiment swung towards increasing occupier demand in the coming year. However, respondents were far more cautious about investing in residential projects. This is understandable given the purchase restrictions in force in the past two years, and the difficulties in raising capital for residential development.
Demand in the residential occupier market was viewed as more sustainable because of strong end-user demand.
In the retail, office, and industrial sectors, respondents expected strong demand from both occupiers and investors. This positive sentiment is largely attributed to the strong GDP and domestic consumption growth that China is still enjoying.
