Safe-haven markets with manageable downside risk for international investors; these geographic areas are characterized by liquid investment markets, transparent legal systems, and stable tax regimes.

Demographic trends, most notably population growth and migration, create opportunities for investors. Examples which have impacted the real estate market include urbanization and the advent of live-work-play lifestyles, the Baby Boomer population retiring healthier and wealthier than ever, and the demands of the Millennial generation impacting higher education, technology and housing.

Technology is rapidly changing our world and impacting the real estate market: e-commerce has transformed logistics into a core asset class to the detriment of traditional retail, worker connectivity and the demand for flexible working solutions has heralded the rise of serviced offices, and the exponential growth in data usage and storage has solidified data centers as an emerging asset class. These are just some of many examples.

Each market has its own micro dynamics. Most important among these is supply and demand. In some markets, the effects of the financial crisis are still being felt, as lack of new supply has created demand imbalances. Local planning considerations also play an important role.