Recent surveys have revealed that Asian institutional investors are looking to invest $150 billion in real estate in cities such as Dubai, London, New York and Sydney.

According to CBRE, Asian investors currently manage a fifth of global institutional capital. There has been a dramatic increase in investment activity over the last few years, but Asian investors are currently investing only 1.7% of their assets in real estate.

CBRE President Chris Ludeman explained: “Asian institutional investors are already beginning to acquire assets overseas, with core assets in gateway cities being the most sought-after asset class.”

“While investors that have already had exposure in global markets will continue to acquire new assets, the next few years will see a number of new entrants to leading global real estate markets such as London and New York. Japanese institutions which to date have largely been absent from the global scene, as well as Taiwanese and Chinese insurance companies will be the first to merge.”