Media OutReach

Greater Bay Area Residential Market Largely Stabilized, Although Sentiment in Q2 2025 Marred by Geopolitical Risks

Published

5 months ago

29/07/2025

Media Outreach

Logistics Portfolio Investment Transactions Gain Attention, Neighborhood Retail Assets Becoming Sought After

Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities continued to extend property-related easing policies from last year through the 1H 2025 period, with a focus on alleviating financial pressure on the supply side and supporting overall residential market sentiment
However, transaction activity slowed from April 2025, impacted by uncertainties from the trade tariff war, with 1H 2025 GBA primary residential sales numbers growing slightly at 3% y-o-y
Total investment volume in the GBA commercial real estate (CRE) market reached RMB24.7 billion in 1H 2025, accounting for more than 31% of the overall Chinese mainland investment market
The industrial/logistics sector’s share of total GBA CRE investment expanded notably with several large-sized logistics portfolio deals recorded, while neighbourhood retail malls also captured interest

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2025 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today published its Greater Bay Area Residential and Commercial Real Estate Investment Market 1H 2025 Review and 2H Outlook. Local governments across GBA cities continued the real estate policies introduced last year through the 1H 2025 period to continue to support a stable market recovery, including easing restrictions on the demand side and alleviating financial pressures on the supply side. From January to March, primary residential market transaction numbers and prices demonstrated growth. Regardless, market sentiment has been weakened since April by uncertainties surrounding the trade tariff war, again prompting potential home buyers to adopt a wait-and-see approach, and resulting in a pause in the upward momentum in home prices. GBA primary residential sales numbers through 1H 2025 recorded mild y-o-y growth of 3%. As for the CRE investment market (large-sized deals at >RMB100 million), property owners have adjusted their expectations. The industrial/ logistics sector accounted for more than 50% of the total GBA investment consideration in 1H 2025, with several large-sized logistics portfolio deals recorded. At the same time, the market has seen increasing interest in the neighborhood retail sector, where assets with stable rental yields are gaining investors’ attention. We expect to see more high-quality retail assets transacted in the second half of the year.

GBA Residential Market

Following the Central Government’s reiteration of the need to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery in its 2025 work report, both the Central Government and GBA local governments continued to extend market-easing real estate policies from last year through the 1H 2025 period. Measures on the demand side, such as “four cancellations” and “four reductions” were extended. Authorities also focused on alleviating financial pressures on the supply side, aiming to strengthen overall market sentiment and boost buyer confidence. Key initiatives included promoting the launch of special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold residential units. Notably, Guangzhou became the first Tier-1 city in the country to fully abolish the “three restrictions” in housing policy.

The GBA primary residential market showed resilience in the Q1 period despite being the traditional off-season. Monthly transaction numbers from January to March expanded on the same period last year. However, starting from April, greater uncertainties surrounding the trade tariff war weighed on overall economic performance and dampened residential market sentiment. In turn, more potential home buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach. New home sales in April fell by 16% from March, while May and June remained largely stable. The GBA primary residential market recorded approximately 137,000 transactions in the 1H 2025 period, up slightly at 3% y-o-y, with Tier-1 cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen showing significant growth. However, comparing with the significant recovery following last year’s introduction of aggressive easing policies, the 1H 2025 total transaction number was down 26% from the 2H 2024 level (Chart 1).

Chart 1: GBA First-Hand Residential Sales
Source: CREIS, Cushman & Wakefield

In terms of home prices, primary market prices are more swayed by the quality level of newly launched projects. First-hand residential prices in the nine GBA mainland cities showed mixed performances in 1H 2025. Developers generally adopted more realistic pricing strategies to attract buyers, actively offloading inventory to improve cash flow. For secondary home prices, which better reflect current underlying trends, and using Shenzhen as an example, the Cushman & Wakefield Shenzhen mid-to-high-end secondary home price index strengthened by 4.0% from the Q4 2024 level. However, as market sentiment turned more cautious from April, overall prices experienced downward pressure and recorded a q-o-q decline of 4.4% in Q2, bringing the year-to-date adjustment to a modest -0.5% (Chart 2).

Chart 2: Shenzhen Mid-to-High-End Secondary Home Price Index
Source: Cushman & Wakefield

Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China said, “With central and local governments continuing to relax demand-side policies, and with the central government actively promoting the development of “Good Housing,” we expect pent-up demand from both first-home buyers and upgraders to be further released. Through the past six months, local governments have accelerated the implementation of special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units, helping to alleviate developers’ financial pressures and promote supply-demand balance in the housing market. These efforts should also support potential homebuyers’ confidence and, in turn, a stable recovery in the GBA residential market. In the 1H 2025 period, new home sales numbers stood out in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, indicating that high-quality residential units, in prime locations in first-tier cities, at reasonable prices continue to be sought after despite market volatility.

“However, uncertainties surrounding trade tariff policies contributed to weaker sentiment in the GBA residential market in Q2, and the restoration of market confidence is expected to take time. We believe that, even if China-U.S. trade tensions show sign of easing in 2H 2025, lingering uncertainty may keep buyers cautious through the Q3 period, and residential transaction numbers are not likely to strengthen significantly. Nonetheless, fundamental housing demand from first-time homebuyers and upgraders is likely to provide continuous support to the GBA residential market. We forecast average monthly new home sales to record around 27,000 to 28,000 units in 2H 2025, bringing the full-year 2025 transaction number to approximately 300,000 units. Meanwhile, home prices are still facing downwards pressure, with a full-year price correction estimated in the range of a 0%–5% decline.”

GBA CRE Investment Market

The GBA CRE property investment market remained resilient in the 1H 2025 period, with total investment volume reaching RMB24.7 billion, marking a 108% increase compared to the same period last year, and accounting for around 31% of total investment volume in the Chinese mainland (see Chart 3). Among the 35 transactions, 31 were at less than RMB1 billion, reflecting that investors remain cautious on big-ticket transactions.

Chart 3: CRE Investment Transactions in the GBA (2020 – 1H 2025)
Source: Cushman & Wakefield

By property type, industrial and logistics assets accounted for the largest share of total CRE property investment in the GBA by transaction value in 1H 2025, with 14 related deals making up more than half of the total investment volume (see Chart 4). Within the industrial and logistics transactions, Tier-2 cities including Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing, and Huizhou, recorded a combined transaction volume of RMB9.6 billion, comprising both logistics portfolios and individual warehouse deals. Dongguan, classified as a Tier-2 city, stands out as a top choice for logistics investment due to its strategic location, making it the most desirable logistics hub within the GBA and a key focus for investors.

Investment interest in the neighborhood retail sector also continued to heat up in the 1H period. Assets with stable rental yields and mature operations are favored by the market, attracting a diverse range of buyers. A total of nine retail sector transactions were recorded in the GBA in 1H 2025.

Chart 4: Share of Asset Type in the GBA CRE Investment Market (by Transaction Volume)
Source: Cushman & Wakefield

Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Capital Markets, China commented,

“Looking ahead to 2H 2025, among the various types of investment properties, we believe the logistics and commercial sectors will continue to outperform. With the ongoing expansion of cross-border e-commerce, demand for logistics assets has remained strong and continues to attract investor attention. However, the GBA’s warehouse market is expected to see a heavy new supply pipeline over the next two to three years, which will likely lead to a rise in vacancy rates and exert downward pressure on rents. Moreover, since the onset of the China–U.S. trade tensions, market sentiment has become more volatile. Logistics asset owners have become more pragmatic, allowing for greater room in price negotiations. This has helped narrow the expectation gap between buyers and sellers, potentially facilitating more transactions in logistics and warehouse facilities. We believe institutional and long-term investors will seize this opportunity to hunt for value. On the other hand, we expect to see more transactions involving high-quality commercial assets in the 2H 2025 period. Benefiting from the spillover of Hong Kong residents’ spending power and a shift toward mid- to lower-end consumption, well-performing shopping centers and community retail malls are gaining market traction and interest from potential investors. However, mall owners in Tier-1 cities tend to be more reluctant to sell, whereas owners in Tier-2 cities are more pragmatic, making retail projects in mature communities the preferred investment sectors for insurance companies and real estate funds.”

Please click here to download photos.
Photo 1: Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China (Left), and Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director of Capital Markets, China (Right)
Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail and others. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

Media OutReach

SIM Graduates Demonstrate Strong Employment Outcomes in High-Demand Sectors

Published

19 hours ago

21/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 December 2025 – As Singapore’s economy continues to evolve and sectors undergo rapid transformation, the need for adaptable, industry-ready talent remains paramount. The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), one of the nation’s leading private education institutions, continues to play a significant role in equipping graduates with the competencies required to excel in a competitive labour market.

Findings from the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Private Education Institution (PEI) Graduate Employment Survey 2023/2024 provide valuable insights into the employment landscape for PEI graduates. The survey reported that 74.8% of PEI graduates in the labour force secured employment within six months of graduation. Of this group, 46.4% attained full-time permanent roles, while others engaged in part-time, temporary or freelance employment.

Although overall employment rates reflect a slight softening in the job market, the median gross monthly salary for full-time permanent employment increased to S$3,500, signalling continued demand for qualified talent. Graduates in Information and Digital Technologies achieved the highest median salary at S$4,080, underscoring the strong market appetite for digital and technological skillsets, areas in which SIM’s IT and Computer Science programmes are well aligned.

SIM’s Business graduates also continue to perform competitively across the finance, technology and consulting sectors, leveraging analytical proficiency and global perspectives to contribute to multinational corporations and high-growth enterprises. In parallel, Arts and Social Sciences graduates are building meaningful careers in communications, media and the public service, where creativity, problem-solving and community engagement remain critical.

Graduate Success Pathways

The survey findings are reinforced by the varied experiences of SIM graduates who have progressed into competitive roles across multiple industries. Their journeys demonstrate how diverse learner profiles can achieve successful outcomes when supported by accessible pathways and industry-relevant learning.

Many SIM graduates enter programmes with different educational starting points — from polytechnic diplomas to mid-career transitions — and go on to advance through learning designed to strengthen both academic foundations and practical skills. Graduates have leveraged internationally recognised qualifications offered at SIM to secure positions in multinational organisations, high-growth technology firms, financial institutions, and public service agencies. Others pursue postgraduate education at reputable universities worldwide, building on their undergraduate success.

Students benefit from exposure to real-world environments through internships, applied industry projects and student leadership opportunities, which help build capabilities valued by employers. These experiences contribute to stronger career readiness and more resilient employability outcomes, supporting transitions into fast-moving sectors that are central to Singapore’s economic priorities.

Collectively, these pathways reflect SIM’s ongoing role in enabling talent progression — supporting students in unlocking new opportunities, whether beginning their careers, switching industries or enhancing their professional expertise.

SIM’s Contribution to Workforce Development

The survey findings underline the important contribution of private education pathways within Singapore’s broader talent ecosystem. While autonomous universities continue to report higher employment rates and salary outcomes, SIM remains a key provider of industry-relevant programmes that complement national skills priorities, serving a wide spectrum of learners and supporting their career advancement goals.

The upward salary trend among full-time permanent roles, together with strong performance in technology and business fields, indicates that SIM graduates are well-positioned to participate in sectors driving Singapore’s continued growth.

References:

Close To 3 in 4 Private Education Institution Graduates in Employment Within 6 Months After Graduation Amidst Overall Lower Hiring Demand – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/close-to-3-in-4-private-education-institution-graduates-in-employment-within-6-months-after-graduation-amidst-overall-lower-hiring-demand/
From Undergrad to Postgrad: Paving the Way to the C-Suite – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/from-undergrad-to-postgrad-paving-the-way-to-the-c-suite
How this graduate pivoted her career by pursuing a degree while working full time – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-this-graduate-pivoted-her-career-by-pursuing-a-degree-while-working-full-time
How 6 internships, 4 hackathons, and CCAs paved the way for Ashley – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-6-internships-4-hackathons-and-ccas-paved-the-way-for-ashley
The Power of a Second Chance – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/the-power-of-a-second-chance

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

SIM Career Fairs: Connecting Talent with Top Employers

Published

1 day ago

20/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) reinforces its commitment to student success through flagship career fairs that connect graduates with leading employers across diverse industries. These initiatives form part of SIM’s comprehensive employability ecosystem, Career Connect, which integrates coaching, mentorship, internships, and high-visibility recruitment events. Supported by the CareerSense app, students enjoy centralized access to job listings and event registrations, ensuring a seamless career planning experience.

Two Opportunities to Engage Annually

SIM organizes two major career fairs each year, strategically aligned with industry hiring cycles. This biannual format provides flexibility for students seeking internships during their studies or full-time positions upon graduation.

DREAMS Career Fair – Flagship Event

DREAMS is SIM’s premier career fair, featuring over 100 leading companies from sectors such as finance, technology, logistics, and consulting. Participating employers include Big Four accounting firms, major banks, and multinational corporations. The event offers extensive networking opportunities, interactive employer booths, and on-the-spot interviews for internships and graduate roles. This serves as a powerful launchpad for students to secure meaningful career opportunities.

IGNITE Career & Internship Fair – Industry-Specific Networking

IGNITE is SIM’s targeted networking event focused on sectors such as accounting, banking, technology, and logistics. Unlike large-scale fairs, IGNITE facilitates smaller, more personalized interactions with recruiters, enabling students to engage in substantive conversations and build deeper connections. The event includes company talks offering insider insights into niche roles and career pathways, complemented by mentorship and personalized guidance.

From Campus to Corporate

Students at SIM leverage career fairs and employer engagement events to build clearer pathways into the workforce. Many approach these opportunities by researching participating organisations, strengthening their resumes and practising how to communicate their strengths effectively, steps that help them gain direct exposure to recruiters and better understand evolving industry expectations.

While early interaction at career fairs may not immediately result in internships or job offers, they have provided meaningful insights and networking opportunities that later contribute to successful applications. Through repeated engagement and improved preparation, students have been able to secure internships and full-time roles at major firms across different sectors.

These outcomes reflect how structured career development activities at SIM support students in strengthening both their technical and interpersonal competencies, expanding their professional networks and transitioning more confidently into competitive industries.

Beyond Recruitment: A Holistic Employability Ecosystem

SIM’s Career Connect integrates career fairs with sustained employability programming, skills workshops, mentorship initiatives such as Project Protégé, and internship matching via the CareerSense app. This holistic approach ensures students have repeated engagement with employers throughout the year and supports recognition through awards like the SIM EDGE awards, which celebrates the well-rounded development of students.

More than recruitment channels, these fairs exemplify SIM’s commitment to bridging talent, industry needs and employment opportunity. External coverage of DREAMS and IGNITE further validates SIM’s commitment in equipping graduates to thrive in an evolving job market.

References:

SIM Career Services Career Connect Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
How I Landed A Full-Time Job Before Graduating – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-i-landed-a-full-time-job-before-graduating
External Coverage – DREAMS Career Fair @ SIM (CYS Global Remit) – https://www.cys.com.sg/post/dreams-career-fair-sim-unlocking-opportunities
IGNITE Career & Internship Fair – SCDF Career Outreach Listing – https://www.scdf.gov.sg/join-us/career-outreach-activities/2024/09/20/career-outreach-activities/sim-career—internship-fair—ignite-2024

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

SIM Introduces CareerSense, an AI-Based Career Guidance Platform for Students

Published

2 days ago

20/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 December 2025 – Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) introduces CareerSense, an AI-powered career guidance application designed to transform how students plan, prepare, and pursue their careers. This initiative reinforces SIM’s commitment to preparing learners for the future of work in an era where technology is reshaping industries and job roles at unprecedented speed.

CareerSense Matters in Today’s Job Market

The global workforce is evolving rapidly. Automation, digitalisation, and emerging technologies are creating new opportunities while presenting new challenges. Navigating this landscape requires more than academic credentials; it demands self-awareness, adaptability, and strategic planning.

CareerSense addresses these needs by combining artificial intelligence with career development expertise, offering a personalised, data-driven approach to job readiness. It functions as a comprehensive career coach, accessible anytime and anywhere.

Key Features That Set CareerSense Apart

CareerSense offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to empower students throughout their career journey. Its AI-driven VIPS profiling evaluates Values, Interests, Personality, and Skills to deliver personalised career recommendations aligned with individual strengths and aspirations. The smart resume builder provides real-time scoring and improvement tips, while the job-matching algorithm connects students to roles that fit their unique profiles. Through integrated access, students can RSVP for events, schedule advisory sessions, and apply for internships and job listings seamlessly. Additionally, the Employability Index measures job readiness and works alongside skill gap analysis and tailored course recommendations to help students stay competitive in today’s dynamic job market.

The Bigger Picture: Empowering Future-Ready Graduates

The future of work is shaped by constant change, technological disruption, and global connectivity. Employers seek individuals who are adaptable, self-aware, and equipped with relevant skills. CareerSense empowers students to take ownership of their career journey, understand their strengths, identify gaps, and build competencies that matter in the real world.

This initiative reflects SIM’s commitment to lifelong learning and employability, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but future-ready. In a competitive market, CareerSense positions SIM learners as confident, agile professionals prepared to lead in the digital economy.

References: