The first quarter of this year has seen commercial property investment levels in the West End and the City of London contract while a huge supply and demand imbalance is affecting the market.
In the City of London, total turnover in commercial property reached £769.26m, according to the latest research by Savills, but this was made up of just eight transactions while three large deals accounted for 78% of the month’s total investment volume.
The results show a “muted start to the year” according to the estate agent, with the total amount seen in the first quarter reaching £1.37bn across 20 transactions which is the lowest level seen in the area since 2010, and is a decline of 11% on the 10-year average of £1.54bn.
Not enough opportunities in London
Lack of available stock is the main hurdle which is holding the market back, says the estate agent, as investor demand is still strong and there is currently £3bn under offer in the City. There is a significant shortfall in the number of opportunities available in the £50m and under market, with just 16 available now compared to 25 in 2017 and 22 in 2016.
“With investor interest remaining high, the lack of available stock is likely to continue to frustrate both Central London markets,” said Stephen Down, executive director at Savills.
“The supply/demand imbalance is particularly evident at the lower price points, where there is a wide pool of investors, both foreign and domestic, hunting for stock.”
Prices remain high in commercial property
Meanwhile, in the West End which is another of London’s prime commercial property and business locations, the picture is similar in terms of the absence of stock, and the market has also been similarly affected.
Total volumes in March reached £354m over 12 transactions, while turnover for the quarter was £1.07bn over 24 transactions – which is the lowest quarterly turnover seen since 2015 and a 17% decline on the 10-year quarter one average.
The lack of availability combined with high investor demand has pushed prices up in both regions. The report adds: “Investors looking to capitalise on these prices continue to be UK-based, overwhelmingly the largest vendor nationality of stock sold in Q1.”
