UK Shopping Center Investment Trend Continues in 2011

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According to global property consultant Cushman & Wakefield, the UK shopping center investment market had a strong start to the year and saw a continuation of the significant activity seen in the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
In the first quarter of 2011, a total of 13 shopping center investment transactions took place with a turnover of £2,069m, slightly down from the previous quarter in which activity matched that of the buoyant market of five years ago. Shopping centers under offer in the first quarter of 2011 totaled £579m.
 
The quarter has been dominated by CSC completing its acquisition of The Trafford Centre at £1.6bn. The purchase reflected a net initial yield of 5.00% and an equivalent yield of approximately 5.55%. Another notable deal is Hammerson's acquisition of four shopping centers from St Martin's totaling around £160m (Croydon, Lichfield, Newcastle and Coventry). Other, smaller transactions in the first quarter include: British Land's acquisition of Green Lanes, Barnstable for £30.3m; Helical's acquisition of Sutton in Ashfield for £16.5m; Sovereign/AREA's purchase of Ayr for £33.8m; and KFI's acquisition of Princes Mead, Farnborough for £26.3m.
 
As relatively few centers have been openly marketed throughout the first quarter of 2011, a number of shopping center requirements for prime schemes remain outstanding. Investment demand remains strong with the REITs and the UK institutions seeking prime stock and the property companies pursuing schemes with a higher yield.
 
Charlie Barke, head of shopping center investment at Cushman & Wakefield said: "Looking ahead, it appears there will be short term downward pressure on prime yields as demand continues to outweigh supply. Secondary yields appear stable at present; though a significant increase to investment supply could leave these yields vulnerable. We do anticipate seeing an increase in the amount of stock on the market over the next quarter, principally bank-led sales."

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