Polarisation in market could ease in 2013: CBRE

Better quality secondary assets in stronger European property markets are most likely to benefit from improved market sentiment this year.

That is one of the key conclusions of CBRE's EMEA Outlook for 2013.

European property markets faced a difficult economic environment in 2012, with heightened fears of a euro break up in the first half and output flat or falling across almost all the continent by the year end. 2013 has started more positively, however, with the threat of euro disintegration receding, together with news from China and the US, underpinning some signs of improvement in market sentiment and business confidence, the adviser said.

However, CBRE remains cautious over the impact this will have on occupier and investment markets in the short term.
The heightened polarisation between prime and secondary property was a major theme of 2012 and a key question for 2013 is whether this will ease.

A greater appetite for property risk would improve this situation, but the availability of new debt for secondary is unlikely to improve much, if at all, in the coming year, meaning the outlook for these assets hinges on the economic fortunes of the region. Nevertheless, improved prospects for better quality secondary assets in stronger markets, which began to attract more interest in late 2012, look set to continue in 2013.

Occupier markets are likely to remain relatively static over the year, with rental growth most likely confined to a limited number of prime retail and office locations. Both occupational and investment markets in Europe will continue to show a marked north/south divide, with core locations in the north expected to record stability, or even price rises, for prime assets.

Neil Blake, head of UK and EMEA Research, CBRE commented: 'Economic forecasts still point to a difficult year ahead, but much of the downside, principally fears around a eurozone break-up, have diminished. Market confidence is all important. If the trend of positive indicators persists, we expect to see improved economic growth and property market conditions, but we may have to wait until 2014 for signs of significant progress.'

Peter Damesick, chairman, EMEA Research, CBRE added: 'Both occupational and investment markets in European real estate will continue to show marked north-south disparities in 2013, with core markets in the north expected to record stability, or even some improvement, in pricing for prime property. For the much of the secondary market, it looks to be far too early to call an end to the widening yield gap against prime property but the trend of good secondary assets in stronger markets attracting greater investor interest looks set to gather pace in 2013.'