The evolving dynamic of development sites and commercial real estate in China

Purpose China has taken on increased importance as an emerging real estate market in recent years. This article assesses the dynamic relationship between development sites and commercial real estate in China over 2007-Q3:2024. It also highlights critical issues for investors as this dynamic between these two sectors plays out more fully in the real estate space in China. Design/methodology/approach To assess the dynamics of this relationship between development sites and commercial real estate in China, the MSCI/Real Capital Analytics database of global real estate transactions over 2007-Q3:2024 is used to drill-out critical details on development sites and commercial real estate transactions in China and globally. MSCI real estate performance data is also used to validate the risk-adjusted performance and portfolio diversification benefits of commercial real estate in China. Findings The dynamics of the relationship between development sites and commercial real estate in China are starting to evolve. This has seen an increased focus on commercial real estate transactions in recent years, particularly in the industrial, hotel and retail spaces, with all real estate sub-sectors increasing their percentage allocation to transactions in China in recent years. A reduced percentage contribution to real estate transactions by development sites has therefore been evident over the recent time period of 2020-Q3:2024. Development site transactions remain the dominant sector, but the commercial real estate sector is taking on an increasing role in China, as completed commercial real estate projects emerge from these development site transactions. The superior performance of commercial real estate compared to the other major asset classes in China over 2007–2023 is further validation of this increased focus on commercial real estate in China. Risk remains a critical issue for China commercial real estate, particularly with a lesser economic environment in China going forward and increased geopolitical risk. Practical implications As well as the local real estate players in China, the major international real estate investors have shown an active interest in capturing the China economic growth story in recent years, with China commercial real estate being a key component in this institutional real estate investment strategy. This is seeing an increased focus on commercial real estate in China, compared to the traditional development sites transaction focus. The resulting role of commercial real estate in facilitating this economic growth story in China is clearly evident in the evidence-based performance analysis, with this China real estate performance analysis also being a strong validation of this strategic real estate decision-making. Whilst China has experienced a lesser economic environment in recent years and changing risk factors for real estate, China commercial real estate remains an important focus for real estate investors seeking emerging real estate market exposure. Originality/value This article is the first analysis of the dynamics between development sites and commercial real estate in China. Using real estate market transactions from China over 18 years, it provides an evidence-based analysis of this dynamic for a deeper understanding of the relationship between development site transactions and commercial real estate transactions in China. Clear evidence is seen of an increased focus on commercial real estate transactions compared to development site transactions in China.