Overall investment sales rose 19% q-o-q to US$23.1 billion ($31.4 billion) in 2Q2016, says CBRE. The increase was driven mainly by several large transactions, including the largest office transaction in Asia-Pacific since 2001 — the acquisition of Asia Square Tower 1 in Singapore by the Qatar Investment Authority for US$2.5 billion.

China saw a 39% q-o-q increase in investment sales as domestic investors continue to enjoy cheap funding. In Australia, offshore capital remained active with purchases made by foreign investors up 35% q-o-q to US$2 billion.