Cross-border investment around the world took a leap forward in 2010, indicating that a growing number of property professionals are feeling more confident about the performance of overseas markets.
New research from Jones Lang Lasalle has revealed that there was a 60 per cent increase in activity compared to the previous year, with inter-country transactions accounting for 40 per cent of all direct commercial real estate investments over the course of the year.
The firm added that last year cross-border volumes were highest in the Europe and Middle East region. Levels reached USD 72 billion of a total market of USD 136 billion - a 53 per cent rise compared to 2009.
"With two of the most sought after global markets in the region, namely London and Paris, and a large number of active global investors, it is no surprise that this region led the world once again in terms of cross border activity of both buyers and sellers. We expect this trend to continue," explained Richard Bloxam, director of the consultant's EMEA Capital Markets group.