Commercial Finance Specialists

Overseas property investment in central London is expected to be sustained on buildings exceeding £100 million in value, according to new research.

Data expected to be published by property adviser CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) later this month obtained by the Independent will show that nearly three-quarters of all commercial finance for central London property last year originated overseas.

Commenting on the findings, CBRE's head of central London research Kevin McCauley said: "Though I don't think that level [73 per cent] is sustainable, I do think this amount of overseas investment will continue in central London for buildings worth £100 million-plus.

"There were 15 transactions of that order in 2009 and there will be more this year."

His comments follow the publication of a new survey by Jones Lang LaSalle, which indicated that the majority of banks will not be prepared to lend more than £50 million to support commercial developments in 2010.