Will China’s real estate market rebound and what does the future hold for Singapore-listed Reits owning China properties?

For decades, China’s property market seemed to move in one direction only. Fortunes were made, cities were rebuilt almost overnight and real estate was where wealth went to grow. That story has since changed sharply. Developers collapsed under debt, housing prices fell and the confidence that once fuelled it all went quiet. If you have been wondering what is actually going on and what it means for the rest of us in Asia, this episode is worth your time.

In this episode of PropertyBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents, host and senior correspondent Leslie Yee sits down with Cecilia Tan, former chief executive of Sasseur Asset Management, the manager of Singapore-listed Sasseur Reit which owns outlet malls in Chongqing, Hefei and Kunming. Few people bring the same combination of on-the-ground experience and financial expertise to this conversation. Tan has lived the China real estate story from the inside, and she does not shy away from the hard questions.

Why listen

• Where China’s housing market actually stands today Authorities have been rolling out revival measures. Tan gives her read on whether they are working and what the outlook looks like from here.

• What falling population means for property’s long term prospects Demographics are working against the market. The question is how much that matters and over what timeframe.

• Which retail spaces are surviving and why Online competition is fierce and consumer confidence is shaky. Tan breaks down what is still drawing Chinese shoppers through the door.

• Whether Singapore-listed Reits with China exposure still make sense Some have hit serious financial trouble. Tan gives her assessment of where the China Reit story stands today.

China remains too large and too consequential to look away from. This conversation is a clear-eyed guide to where things stand. Listen now.

Discover more episodes at bt.sg/podcasts. Got feedback? Email us at btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

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Written and hosted by: Leslie Yee (lyee@sph.com.sg)

With Cecilia Tan, former CEO of Sasseur Asset Management

Edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Leslie Yee, Howie Lim & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

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Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.

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