China Research

"Foreign tourists in Chengdu have increased considerably in 2024. The first buy-and-refund spot in Sichuan province was set up at Chengdu IFS in September, facilitating the tax refund process for foreign consumers. More renowned brands have opened stores at Chengdu airports. All above are favorable to promote the consumption of foreign tourists."

"Beijing’s current en-bloc investment market has cooled down, with transaction volumes showing varying degrees of decline across various asset classes. However, with the implementation of supportive real estate policies to enhance the market confidence, it is expected that the market’s activity will pick up quickly."

"Q3 was so far the best season of 2024 in terms of leasing transaction volume. Some particular submarkets such as Qianhai and Shenzhen Bay SHB managed to attract an increasing amount of relocation leasing demand for financial considerations and premise upgrade."

"Government’s subsidies will surely boost the local consumption market and support the further development of the first-store, new concept and flagship-store economy, propelling a more sustainable development of the local retail market and enhancing the impacts of regional catchments."

"The central government held a meeting in late September, cascading headline policy guidelines to boost residential property market growth nationwide. Market activities are expected to increase in the locality in Q4/2024."

"In Q3/2024, Beijing’s Grade A office market further recovered, led by strong leasing demand release. On the supply side, a new project was completed with a strong pre-leasing performance. Meanwhile, demand remained steady this quarter, and market activity is quickly picking up. The government’s comprehensive real estate supporting policies launched in late September is expected to provide positive momentum and opportunities for Beijing’s office market."

"Four new shopping centres were opened in Q3/2024, located in non-prime and suburban areas. Their unique characteristics stimulated consumer activity. Additionally, the Beijing municipal government organized a variety of promotional activities covering shopping, dining, culture and tourism for improved consumption and experience."

"The current Grade A office supply in Tianjin has slowed, and landlords seized the current market window to accelerate the absorption, adapting their leasing strategies. Tenant demand and market competition remain uncertain in the near future. The future direction of policy and shifts in demand from key industries need to be closely monitored."

"During Q3/2024, market take-up increased while rental decline accelerated. On the demand side, the service sector continued to expand steadily. In addition, SOEs’ leasing transactions boosted market de-stocking."

"In Q3/2024, the Wuhan retail market witnessed the opening of Wuhan SKP and Wanda Plaza (Han Street). The city’s high-end retail landscape continues to benefit from the new supply."