Paris to Prosper in 2018 Thanks to USA Investment

Paris could lead residential market growth among the globe’s top cities in 2018, particularly with international buyers, according to recent research from estate agent Knight Frank.

The forecast from the property experts predicts that buyers from the USA are set to continue to view the prime housing sector in Paris favourably and prices are expected to rise by 9%. After a struggle to see growth in recent years, the French capital is back on the radar of global investors, with buyers from the US, the Middle East and other part of Europe are looking to buy.

Knight Frank experts also suggest Singapore and Geneva could be the most improved markets next year with price growth of 5% and 3% respectively. In particular, the firm’s outlook report suggests that Geneva, off limits for non-resident buyers, offers safety, privacy and unrivalled schools putting it high on the list of wealthy families looking to relocate.

Dubai is expected to see modest growth in 2018, after weaker performance during the recent market cycle. However, the report points out that Government investment in the economy and infrastructure ahead of Expo2020 are helping to attract more employment, driving demand higher.

Hong Kong, with ongoing demand from mainland China is likely to post the strongest growth of major Asian urban markets during 2018 with an expected 7% rise by the end of 2018.

Berlin is also high on global buyer wish lists, attracting interest from investors from the US, the UK, Turkey and China. They are attracted to its dynamic and youthful profile, its robust economy and expanding tenant demand.

Across all the markets tracked, Chinese and US buyers were reported to be amongst the most active applicants globally but for different reasons. In China’s case, the strength of interest comes despite the ramping up of capital controls and amid tighter macro prudential measures at home.

In contrast, for US buyers, rising employment, an upbeat economic outlook and the strength of the US dollar are behind the growing appetite for international real estate.