Global property volumes up 11% in H1

Global commercial real estate markets continue to rally in 2013, with total transaction volumes for the first half of the year up 11% on H1 2012, Jones Lang LaSalle has reported.

The EMEA region had strong half-year performance, up 12%, though Q2 was flat year on-year and down 13% on a strong Q1.

Germany was the standout half-year country performer, with volumes up 43% on H1 2012. France and the UK saw growth of +6% and +4% respectively.

Jones Lang LaSalle's capital markets research, spans 60 countries and over 130 cities worldwide. Direct commercial real estate investment volumes in Q2 2013 reached $114 bn (€132 bn) globally, up 4% on Q2 2012 and up 9% on Q1 2013.

Continued strong growth in Q2 2013 has kept global volumes above $100 bn for five consecutive quarters, evidencing increasing investor confidence in commercial real estate, despite volatility in equity and bond markets,. Other highlights include:

Jones Lang LaSalle’s forecasts for the remainder of 2013 remain at between $450-500 bn. With global volumes up 11 percent on this time last year and the second half of the year traditionally busier than the first, the global investment market is on track to surpass last year’s volumes.