Preliminary direct commercial real estate investment volumes in Q3 2013 reached US$125 billion globally, up three percent over Q2 2013 and up 25 percent when compared to Q3 2012. Global volumes have now been above US$100 billion for six consecutive quarters and this is expected to continue into the traditionally strong fourth quarter. In light of this positive trend in activity, JLL has updated its 2013 projected transaction volumes to $475-500 billion, from $450-500 billion, with the final outcome likely to be closer to the upper limit.

The positive transaction volumes should encourage investors as they gather at the international property and investment trade fair, ExpoReal, in Munich this week and will make headlines as JLL launches its global edition of The Investor, an online and mobile app news source providing real-time commercial real estate news to asset buyers and sellers around the world.

Arthur de Haast, Lead Director International Capital Group at Jones Lang LaSalle said, “Global transactional volumes continue to be positively influenced by investors looking outside their home markets for opportunities. With the improving levels of risk appetite and a more supportive economic environment, investors are more comfortable looking at opportunities across the spectrum both in terms of location and sectors.”  (source: europaproperty.com)