A recent Development Securities commissioned report showed foreign ownership of London had reached 52% of total floor space, up from 8% in 1980 and 45% in 2006.
Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF, said: “It is entirely logical that investors should look to the UK – a mature, transparent and liquid market that provides a genuine diversifier from alternative, well-recognised investment sectors.”
And Brian Sloggett, managing director of GL Hearn, added: “I believe that the combination of some major structural changes taking place in retail delivery, our town and city centres and the property holdings of banks, combined with the emergence of more realistic pricing and political support means that we are now entering a period of great opportunity to selectively invest in UK property.
“The long term outlook based on population growth political stability and cultural diversity provides a solid base upon which intelligent investments can be made.
“At GL Hearn we have invested in key areas that will enable our clients to make the right decisions.”
