KCRE Corporate Real Estate Solutions

SHANGHAI ranks No. 1 among Asia Pacific cities for both real estate investment and development for 2010, a joint industry survey has found.

In terms of investment prospects, Shanghai is followed by Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul and Singapore。

Chinese cities dominate the investment ranking this year, which is a reflection of a remarkable resurgence in Chinese commercial real estate as government-mandated liquidity lifts markets across the country.

The report, based on opinions from more than 270 real estate professionals, including investors, developers, property company representatives, lenders, brokers and consultants, has concluded that the key driver for performance in Shanghai -- and in China generally -- is the government's decision to inject liquidity into the economy, which has led to a surge in bank lending in the property sector and a sharp rebound in commercial property prices.

Shanghai's hosting of the 2010 World Expo, which is expected to draw 70 million visitors, has also been cited as a contributing factor for the city's top ranking.

Pricing and rents in the region fell steeply in 2008 and early 2009 in tandem with those in Western countries but markets across the Asia Pacific were lifted in the second half of the year by the Chinese economy.

In terms of investment prospects, 42.2 percent of survey respondents prefer residential properties while 41.9 percent favored retail and 39.3 percent opted for industrial properties.