Los Angeles Claims Top Spot for Foreign Investment

In the last two years, foreign investment activity in the US has spiked, according to new data from CBRE. Since 2010, foreign capital has acquired $61 billion worth of real estate in US markets with activity increasing significantly in the last two years. Thanks to two healthy ports, a large population and growing infrastructure, Los Angeles has captured more foreign capital than any other US city.

“Los Angeles is a gateway city, with the ports of LA and Long Beach. In addition, this region boasts a tremendous population base, which adds to its great appeal,” Barbara Emmons-Perrier, vice chairman at CBRE, tells GlobeSt.com. “This combination plus its relative value as compared with other gateway regions has made it one of the most desired markets in the U.S.  Foreign investors want to be in prime markets that are recognizable and safe.”

Capital from Asia continues to dominate foreign investment in Los Angeles, however, Canada and Europe are also major players in the L.A. market. “We see foreign investment increasing as the U.S. continues to be perceived as a safe harbor, given our market fundamentals are so strong,” says Emmons-Perrier. “This in turn has attracted capital from all over the world. Asia is still the biggest player in terms of investments into the region. In addition to money from that part of the world, we also have seen an influx of investments from Canada, Europe, and the Middle East.” L.A. isn’t the only city seeing a boost in foreign capital. Western US markets sit at the top of the list for foreign buyers. CBRE’s research showed that San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix and Denver were among the top markets for foreign investment, as well as Detroit, Miami and Minneapolis.