The Brexit impasse is contributing to perceptions that the commercial property market is in the downturn phase of the property cycle, the RICS UK Commercial Property Market Survey has revealed.
Figures for Q3 2019 showed that 62% of surveyors sensed the overall market is in a downturn phase of the property cycle.
Brexit was suggested as having an increasingly detrimental impact on market activity.
Tarrant Parsons, economist at RICS, said: “Although a clear majority of respondents now perceive the market to be in a downturn, the fact that capital value expectations are still positive in many parts of the country suggests a relatively soft landing for the commercial real estate sector is anticipated overall.
“It remains to be seen what impact the latest Brexit developments have on confidence across the sector, but with the picture unlikely to become clear until into the New Year it may well mean hesitation continues over the near term.”
Tenant demand reportedly fell at the headline level with the net balance slipping to -19%.
Interest in the commercial property market fell at a faster pace last quarter with -15% more surveyors seeing a fall in investment enquiries.
By Michael Lloyd
Source: Mortgage Introducer