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Introduction

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The APAC region remains the least mature institutional Living market, offering significant room for expansion as structural housing shortages continue to widen the gap between supply and demand. Historically, policy constraints have slowed the ability of global capital to scale in the sector. However, the past three years have brought meaningful shifts across several markets, creating a more supportive environment for investment and development. While progress is uneven and further policy evolution is needed, momentum is building.

Structural demand and capital allocation

14.06* Capital city average house price to household income ratio

79%** Average 5 year change in net migraoin/skilled workers

-8.2% Average change in household size in the ten years to the most recent census

$33.4bn Raised since 2020 for APAC residential strategies (USD)

39% Proportion of non-diversified global fundraising trageting residential strategies 2020-25

Sources: Preqin,SBJ, KOSTAT, DOS, ABS, CSD, Cushman & Wakefield Research

Note: * Seoul, Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore
** South Korea data is foreigners holding professional work visas 2020-25, Japan is total foreign residents 2020-25, Singapore is total foreign workforce excluding MDW’s 2020-25, Hong Kong is total participants in talent/professional visa schemes 2019-24, Australia is net overseas migration 2019-24.

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Looking for more information

Get in touch with one of our professionals

CONTACT US

 

Australia

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The Living sector in Australia is undergoing dynamic transformation, driven by demographic shifts, urbanisation, affordability pressures, and evolving lifestyle preferences.

Our experienced team delivers robust valuation, strategic advisory, and capital markets services tailored to institutional investors, developers, and private owners. Our work spans financial reporting, acquisition and divestment, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting, underpinned by proprietary market data and research.

Living Sector Expertise

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
 

Australia’s PBSA sector blends the stability of a mature demand base with the growth potential of an undersupplied market. With record-high occupancy rates, robust double-digit rental growth, and increasing global capital inflows, PBSA stands out as a resilient, high-yielding asset class for institutional investors seeking long-term performance and diversification.

Talk to us about the PBSA market 

Build-to-rent
 

Australia’s BTR market is gaining momentum, driven by supportive policy shifts and strong underlying demand. As the Living sector becomes the most sought-after real estate category in the Asia-Pacific region, BTR is emerging as a scalable, yield-generating platform.

Speak to us about BTR opportunities

Retirement Living
 

Australia’s over-65 population is projected to double by 2063, and the Retirement Living sector is facing surging demand. Yet, current supply addresses less than 20% of that need, even as national occupancy hovers at 96%. With bipartisan political support and a clear demographic imperative, now is the time to invest.

Let’s discuss retirement living 

Co-living
 

Australia’s Co‑living sector is positioned as a growing but still emerging alternative living format, appealing particularly in cities facing acute housing affordability pressures. The sector is gaining traction, with rising investor interest and a pipeline that includes both new developments and adaptive reuse opportunities. As affordability challenges deepen co‑living is increasingly viewed as a structurally relevant solution that can scale alongside broader rental housing demand.

Explore Co-living opportunities 

Australian Policy Updates
 

Australia’s Build‑to‑Rent (BTR) sector has benefited from a wave of supportive policy changes at both federal and state levels, improving certainty for investors and enhancing Australia’s competitiveness internationally, particularly through more favourable tax treatment. Recent reforms align with the National Housing Accord, which explicitly calls for greater institutional capital to help meet its 1.2‑million‑home target, positioning BTR as a key delivery mechanism. Despite these advances, further policy refinement, most notably consistent recognition of BTR as a distinct use class across states, remains important to fully unlock the sector’s potential.

Download the Policy Radar

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Louise Burke
Director, Living Capital Markets, ANZ
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Paul Savitz
Director, Living Sectors Capital Markets, ANZ
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Conal Newland
International Director, Head of Living, APAC
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Josh Rose-Nokes
Head of Research, Living, APAC
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APAC Living Investor Survey
 

Hong Kong

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Hong Kong's government policy has been moving in a supportive direction over the last three years, with clear demand side catalysts and attempts to unlock delivery across BTR, PBSA, and co-living.

Our experienced team delivers robust valuation, strategic advisory, and capital markets services tailored to institutional investors, developers, and private owners. Our work spans financial reporting, acquisition and divestment, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting, underpinned by proprietary market data and research.

Living Sector Expertise

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
 

The PBSA sector in Hong Kong is benefitting from rising demand driven by increased enrolment caps for international and mainland students, as well as the development of University Town. Government policies are earmarking land for student housing and launching schemes to convert commercial buildings into hostels, expanding the range of accommodation options available to students and supporting Hong Kong’s position as a leading education hub.

Talk to us about the PBSA market 

Build-to-rent
 

Hong Kong’s Build to Rent sector is gaining momentum thanks to supportive government policies that aim to unlock new housing supply and attract global talent. Initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis project and regulatory reforms are streamlining development, reducing costs, and encouraging institutional investment in rental housing. These changes are making BTR an increasingly viable and attractive option for residents seeking flexible, professionally managed living arrangements.

Speak to us about BTR opportunities 

Hong Kong Policy Updates
 

Hong Kong’s policy environment has moved steadily in a more supportive direction for the BTR, PBSA and Co‑living sectors (as we have collectively named Talent Housing in our Hong Kong focused report) over the past three years, with government initiatives aimed at stimulating demand and unlocking delivery across all three housing types. Recent policy addresses have reinforced this momentum, placing significant emphasis on higher education expansion, talent attraction, housing and land supply, and measures to reduce construction costs—each of which directly supports the viability and growth of these Living subsectors.

Download the Policy Radar

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Josh Rose-Nokes
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India

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Our experienced team delivers robust valuation, strategic advisory, and capital markets services tailored to institutional investors, developers, and private owners. Our work spans financial reporting, acquisition and divestment, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting, underpinned by proprietary market data and research.

Living Sector Expertise

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
 

PBSA across APAC is underpinned by strong international student growth, with governments actively easing visa rules and expanding university enrolments. Despite this, PBSA supply remains limited in most markets, creating a sustained mismatch between demand and quality student housing. As countries sharpen their focus on global education competitiveness, PBSA is emerging as a high‑growth institutional opportunity that supports both student experience and broader rental market resilience.

Talk to us about the PBSA market 

Build-to-rent
 

BTR is gaining momentum across APAC as governments look to boost rental supply, attract global talent, and support more flexible living solutions. Policy reforms including tax incentives, clearer planning pathways, and long‑term rental frameworks are steadily lowering barriers for institutional capital. With growing acceptance of renting, shrinking household sizes, and ongoing affordability challenges, BTR is becoming a core component of the region’s residential investment landscape.

Speak to us about BTR opportunities 

Retirement Living
 

APAC’s rapidly ageing populations are driving urgent demand for modern, service‑led Retirement Living solutions. While institutional participation is still nascent, several markets are introducing supportive planning measures, incentives, and workforce initiatives to encourage sector growth. As governments grapple with long‑term demographic pressures, Retirement Living presents a significant opportunity to deliver high‑quality, future‑ready housing that bridges the gap between traditional homes and care environments.

Let’s discuss retirement living

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South Korea

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  • ENGLISH
  • 한국어

The Living sector in Korea is being reshaped due to government incentives and monthly rental models that are boosting institutional investment, while international student appeal reshapes demand.

Our experienced team delivers robust valuation, strategic advisory, and capital markets services tailored to institutional investors, developers, and private owners. Our work spans financial reporting, acquisition and divestment, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting, underpinned by proprietary market data and research.

Living Sector Expertise

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
 

Recent policy changes in South Korea have grouped PBSA and co-living under the new ‘rental dormitories’ category, streamlining regulations and enabling private development. A focus on increasing overseas student numbers, has created strong demand for student housing. While PBSA provision remains limited, regulatory reforms and incentives are paving the way for growth.

Talk to us about the PBSA market 

Build-to-rent
 

South Korea’s Build to Rent sector is experiencing a transformation, driven by recent government initiatives that have reduced regulatory barriers and introduced incentives for long-term private rental housing. The New Rental Housing Supply Plan for Housing Stability, alongside urban renewal and REIT reforms, is fostering a more structured environment for institutional BTR participation.

Speak to us about BTR opportunities 

Retirement Living
 

The Retirement Living sector is benefiting from a wave of supportive policy changes, reflecting the country’s status as a ‘super-aged’ society. New incentives, regulatory amendments, and REIT reforms are making it easier for developers and operators to participate, while the government works to consolidate rules and planning treatments for senior residences, addressing the growing demand for quality retirement housing.

Let’s discuss retirement living 

South Korea Policy Updates
 

South Korea has begun to dismantle long‑standing regulatory barriers that previously limited institutional Build‑to‑Rent activity, with the past three years marking a clear shift toward a more supportive policy environment. The government’s New Rental Housing Supply Plan for Housing Stability introduces substantial deregulation and incentives, complemented by ongoing urban‑renewal and REIT‑related reforms that are set to play an important role in enabling institutional participation, though the impact of recent tax measures in Seoul on REITs and real estate funds remains uncertain. Demand‑side policy has also strengthened, with initiatives to expand overseas student intake and attract skilled foreign workers, including measures that support longer‑term settlement, collectively improving the fundamentals for BTR growth.

Download the Policy Radar

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Conal Newland
International Director, Head of Living, APAC
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Josh Rose-Nokes
Head of Research, Living, APAC
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APAC Living Investor Survey
  • ENGLISH
  • 한국어

한국의 리빙 섹터는 정부 인센티브와 월세 중심 임대 모델 확산으로 기관투자자의 관심이 높아지고, 해외 유학생 수요가 주거 수요 구조를 변화시키고 있습니다.

풍부한 경험을 보유한 당사 팀은 기관투자자, 개발사업자, 개인을 대상으로 가치평가, 전략 자문, 캐피탈마켓 자문 서비스를 제공합니다. 재무보고, 자산 인수 및 매각, 사업성 검토, 맞춤형 컨설팅 등 폭넓은 업무를 수행하며, 모든 서비스는 자체 보유 시장 데이터와 심층 리서치에 기반하고 있습니다.

리빙 섹터 부문

PBSA(학생 전용 주거)
 

최근 한국에서는 PBSA와 코리빙이 새로운 ‘임대형 기숙사’ 범주로 통합되면서 규제가 간소화되고 민간 개발이 가능해졌습니다. 또한, 해외 유학생 수 확대에 힘입어 학생 주거 수요가 크게 늘고 있는 가운데, PBSA 공급은 여전히 제한적이지만 규제 개혁과 다양한 인센티브가 향후 성장을 뒷받침하고 있습니다.

한국 PBSA 시장 진출에 대해 문의하세요 

빌트 투 렌트(BTR)
 

최근 정부의 각종 제도 개선과 규제 완화에 따라, 국내 빌트 투 렌트(BTR) 시장이 본격적인 변화 국면에 접어들고 있습니다. 장기 민간임대주택 활성화를 위한 인센티브 도입과 함께, 주거 안정을 위한 임대주택 공급 확대 방안, 도시정비사업 및 리츠(REITs) 제도 개선이 추진되면서, 기관투자자 중심의 BTR 사업이 제도적으로 안착할 수 있는 기반이 마련되고 있습니다.

BTR 기회 활용 전략에 대해 문의하세요 

리타이어먼트 리빙(Retirement Living) 섹터
 

리타이어먼트 리빙(Retirement Living) 부문은 초고령사회 진입에 따른 정책적 지원 확대의 수혜를 받고 있습니다. 각종 인센티브 도입, 관련 규제 완화 및 리츠(REITs) 제도 개선을 통해 개발사 및 운영사의 시장 참여 여건이 점진적으로 개선되고 있으며, 정부는 시니어 주거시설에 대한 제도 및 인허가 기준을 일원화함으로써 양질의 리타이어먼트 리빙 수요 증가에 대응하고 있습니다.

한국 리타이어먼트 리빙(Retirement Living) 시장 진출 전략을 함께 논의해 보세요 

South Korea Policy Updates
 

South Korea has begun to dismantle long‑standing regulatory barriers that previously limited institutional Build‑to‑Rent activity, with the past three years marking a clear shift toward a more supportive policy environment. The government’s New Rental Housing Supply Plan for Housing Stability introduces substantial deregulation and incentives, complemented by ongoing urban‑renewal and REIT‑related reforms that are set to play an important role in enabling institutional participation, though the impact of recent tax measures in Seoul on REITs and real estate funds remains uncertain. Demand‑side policy has also strengthened, with initiatives to expand overseas student intake and attract skilled foreign workers, including measures that support longer‑term settlement, collectively improving the fundamentals for BTR growth.

Download the Policy Radar

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Japan

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  • ENGLISH
  • 日本語

Japan’s Living sector is growing steadily, driven by rising international talent, strong rental demand, and supportive policy shifts that are opening new opportunities across multifamily, PBSA and senior living.

Our experienced team delivers robust valuation, strategic advisory, and capital markets services tailored to institutional investors, developers, and private owners. Our work spans financial reporting, acquisition and divestment, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting, underpinned by proprietary market data and research.

Living Sector Expertise

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
 

Japan’s PBSA sector is shaped by strong demand-side policy support. While supply-side changes are limited, the majority of students currently live in private rental accommodation, making policy support for international student growth highly relevant for the multifamily sector. Opportunities exist for the government to further recognize the role of high-quality PBSA in attracting students and alleviating pressure on the wider rental market.

Talk to us about the PBSA market 

Build-to-rent
 

Japan’s multifamily rental market is seeing moderately supportive policy movement, with significant demand-side measures aimed at attracting overseas talent and international students. Government initiatives are underpinning rental demand and creating new supply opportunities. Public-private partnerships are also emerging to deliver affordable rental units, positioning Japan as a dynamic market for institutional BTR investment.

Speak to us about BTR opportunities 

Retirement Living
 

Japan’s private institutional Retirement Living market remains fragmented and faces regulatory complexity, but there is substantial scope for increased institutional participation. New recruitment pipelines and training subsidies are supporting labour supply, while existing incentives encourage the development of senior housing to meet the needs of Japan’s ageing population.

Let’s discuss retirement living 

Japan Policy Updates
 

Japan has seen moderately supportive policy shifts for Multifamily investment over the past three years, led primarily by demand‑side measures aimed at significantly increasing overseas talent and international student intake, both vital for sustaining rental demand amid an ageing domestic workforce. Continued government focus on global talent attraction, high‑skill visa clarity, and university enrolment expansion reinforces this direction. On the supply side, updates to national urban‑renewal and condominium‑redevelopment frameworks may help unlock new development opportunities for Multifamily operators. While fiscal changes have been limited, mainly extensions of existing concessions, these moves collectively signal a steady, if incremental, policy environment supportive of the sector.

Download the Policy Radar

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Conal Newland
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Head of Research, Living, APAC
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  • ENGLISH
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日本の居住セクターは、国際人材の増加、堅調な賃貸需要、そして多世帯住宅・学生向け住宅(PBSA)・シニア向け住宅の新たな機会を生み出す政策転換に支えられ、着実に成長しています。

当社の専門チームは、機関投資家、開発事業者、個人オーナーを対象に、評価業務、戦略アドバイザリー、資本市場サービスを提供しています。財務報告、買収・売却、事業可能性調査、個別コンサルティングなど幅広い領域を網羅し、独自の市場データとリサーチに基づく高品質なサービスを展開しています。

居住セクターの専門知識

専用学生寮(PBSA)
 

日本のPBSA市場は、需要面の政策支援が大きな特徴です。供給側の変化は限定的ですが、学生の大半が民間賃貸に居住しているため、留学生増加を後押しする政策は多世帯賃貸市場にも直結します。高品質なPBSAが学生誘致や賃貸市場の逼迫緩和に寄与する役割を、政府がより明確に位置づける余地があります。

日本のPBSA市場への参入について、ぜひご相談ください

ビルト・トゥ・レント(BTR)
 

日本の集合住宅賃貸市場では、海外人材・留学生の誘致を狙った需要サイド政策が進展しています。これらの政策により賃貸ニーズが下支えされ、新規供給のチャンスが広がっています。また、手頃な賃貸住宅を供給する官民連携も拡大しており、日本は機関投資家にとって魅力的なBTR市場として注目されています。

BTRのビジネスチャンスについて、ぜひご相談ください。 
退職者向け住宅(リタイアメント・リビング)
 

日本の民間シニア住宅市場は依然として分散的で、規制も複雑ですが、機関投資家が参入できる余地は十分にあります。新たな人材確保や研修補助制度により労働力環境が改善し、高齢化に対応した住宅開発を後押しする各種インセンティブも整備されています。

日本のシニア住宅分野への戦略的参入について、ぜひご相談ください。

Japan Policy Updates
 

Japan has seen moderately supportive policy shifts for Multifamily investment over the past three years, led primarily by demand‑side measures aimed at significantly increasing overseas talent and international student intake, both vital for sustaining rental demand amid an ageing domestic workforce. Continued government focus on global talent attraction, high‑skill visa clarity, and university enrolment expansion reinforces this direction. On the supply side, updates to national urban‑renewal and condominium‑redevelopment frameworks may help unlock new development opportunities for Multifamily operators. While fiscal changes have been limited, mainly extensions of existing concessions, these moves collectively signal a steady, if incremental, policy environment supportive of the sector.

Download the Policy Radar

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Nobuhiro Maruyama
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Katsuaki Shinohara
Executive Director Valuation Services
katsuaki.shinohara@ap.cushwake.com

Conal Newland
International Director, Head of Living, APAC
conal.newland@cushwake.com

Josh Rose-Nokes
Head of Research, Living, APAC
josh.rosenokes@cushwake.com

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Singapore

Header Banner

Singapore’s Living sector has seen increasingly supportive policies for institutional medium- and long-stay rental housing, particularly co-living.

Our experienced team delivers robust valuation, strategic advisory, and capital markets services tailored to institutional investors, developers, and private owners. Our work spans financial reporting, acquisition and divestment, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting, underpinned by proprietary market data and research.

Living Sector Expertise

Co-living
 

Government initiatives have introduced new rental typologies and tendered state properties for conversion into co-living spaces, fostering innovation and vibrancy in the market. While co-living is not yet a formal planning use class, regulatory shifts have enabled a diverse range of products and encouraged intergenerational and senior co-living. Singapore’s robust demand profile, driven by international talent and students, ensures the Living sector remains dynamic and well-positioned for future growth.

Explore Co-living opportunities 

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
 

PBSA across APAC is underpinned by strong international student growth, with governments actively easing visa rules and expanding university enrolments. Despite this, PBSA supply remains limited in most markets, creating a sustained mismatch between demand and quality student housing. As countries sharpen their focus on global education competitiveness, PBSA is emerging as a high‑growth institutional opportunity that supports both student experience and broader rental market resilience.

Talk to us about the PBSA market 

Build-to-rent (BTR)
 

BTR is gaining momentum across APAC as governments look to boost rental supply, attract global talent, and support more flexible living solutions. Policy reforms including tax incentives, clearer planning pathways, and long‑term rental frameworks are steadily lowering barriers for institutional capital. With growing acceptance of renting, shrinking household sizes, and ongoing affordability challenges, BTR is becoming a core component of the region’s residential investment landscape.

Speak to us about BTR opportunities 

Singapore Policy Updates
 

Singapore’s policy environment has become increasingly supportive of institutional medium‑ to long‑stay Co‑living over the past three years, with the government releasing sites specifically for Co‑living and creating a new long‑stay rental typology, even without formalising Co‑living as a distinct planning use class. This supply‑side shift reflects strong underlying demand and the suitability of Co‑living for adaptive reuse, suggesting further government allocation could follow. Demand‑side policy has been more stable, centred on international talent attraction, with tightened criteria for mainstream routes but easier pathways for top‑tier global talent. With Singapore remaining highly competitive for foreign students and workers, and limited off‑campus PBSA, Co‑living will continue to play a critical role in meeting overseas housing needs.

Download the Policy Radar

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Our experts

Shaun Poh
Executive Director, Capital Markets
shaun.poh@ap.cushwake.com

Conal Newland
International Director, Head of Living, APAC
conal.newland@cushwake.com

Josh Rose-Nokes
Head of Research, Living, APAC
josh.rosenokes@cushwake.com

APAC Living Investor Survey
 

Our Services

Our Services
Capital Markets

Our team of dedicated capital markets professionals have a deep specialisation in the living sector with many team members having over two decades of sector specific experience. We offer strategic guidance and transactional support across asset classes leveraging proprietary market data, investor networks, and sector insights. We advise on acquisitions, divestments, portfolio optimization, and capital structuring enabling informed investment decisions and maximizing asset performance in a rapidly evolving real estate landscape.

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Valuations

Our experienced valuations team offer comprehensive valuation services across a wide range of living sector asset classes. With a national footprint and a team of seasoned professionals we deliver valuations for purposes such as financial reporting, mortgage security, acquisition and divestment, tax, and stamp duty. Our deep sector knowledge and consistent national approach ensure accurate, insightful, and compliant valuation outcomes for institutional investors, developers, banks, and private owners.

Learn more about Valuations
Strategic Advisory

Our specialised strategic advisory team provide services that support informed decision-making in the living sector. These services encompass market reports, feasibility studies, and bespoke consulting engagements that address the unique dynamics of living sectors assets. Leveraging proprietary market data, research insights, and capital markets experience, we provide clients with strategic guidance to navigate evolving market conditions, optimize asset performance, and unlock long-term value across alternative real estate investments.

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Meet the team

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Conal Newland
APAC

Conal Newland

International Director, Head of Living, APAC

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Josh Rose-Nokes
APAC

Josh Rose-Nokes

Head of Research, Living, APAC

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Louise Burke
AUSTRALIA

Louise Burke

Director, Living Capital Markets, ANZ

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Paul Savitz
AUSTRALIA

Paul Savitz

Director, Living Sectors Capital Markets, ANZ

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Tom Ko
HONG KONG

Tom Ko

Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong, Greater China

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Nobuhiro Maruyama
JAPAN

Nobuhiro Maruyama

Senior Director, Head of Investment Sales

Katsuaki Shinohara
JAPAN

Katsuaki Shinohara

Executive Director Valuation Services

Somy Thomas
INDIA

Somy Thomas

Executive Managing Director - Capital Markets

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Shaun Poh
SINGAPORE

Shaun Poh

Executive Director, Capital Markets

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Sorim Jie
SOUTH KOREA

Sorim Jie

General Manager, Capital Markets

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