Turnover in the commercial real estate investment market in 2006 exceeded EUR 230 bn, more than a 40% increase on the turnover in 2005. Increased turnover was recorded in all of the 25 European countries covered by the survey, but the rate of growth differed significantly between countries, according to the latest figures by property advisor CB Richard Ellis.
Turnover in the commercial real estate investment market in 2006 exceeded EUR 230 bn, more than a 40% increase on the turnover in 2005. Increased turnover was recorded in all of the 25 European countries covered by the survey, but the rate of growth differed significantly between countries, according to the latest figures by property advisor CB Richard Ellis.
'In five of the countries covered - including Germany - the turnover of the investment market more than doubled. The smallest percentage increase in investment activity was in the UK,' the authors of the report said. Nevertheless, the UK remains the most liquid market in Europe and accounts for around a third of the value of all transactions in Europe. 'The phenomenal growth of the German market has propelled it into a clear second place. Although investment activity in France increased by nearly 50% year-on-year, France fell behind Germany to be the third biggest investment market in Europe in 2006.'
In line with the trend in 2005, the office sector was the most active, followed by retail. 'However, it is evident that investors are increasingly prepared to consider other sectors, with substantial increases in the turnover of mixed-use properties, hotels and other leisure property,' CBRE said.
