Cushman & Wakefield’s initial findings from the 2026 Asia Pacific Living Survey reveal that the ongoing Middle East crisis is influencing investor behaviour in the region’s Living sector. Whilst investors are becoming more cautious, there is no significant withdrawal from the sector. The survey, which began in April 2026, aims to understand investor intentions and priorities across the Living sector in Asia Pacific.
The survey highlights that 62% of investors are slightly more cautious due to the crisis, with only 4% pausing new deployments. The main impact is on the pace and timing of investments rather than a change in conviction. Investors are expected to demand stronger assurance on income resilience, market fundamentals, and pricing.
Key concerns for investors include higher interest rates and inflation risks, with 77% and 69% of respondents, respectively, identifying these as major issues. The geopolitical situation is primarily affecting financial aspects, such as pricing and leverage, rather than the potential for escalation or de-escalation of the crisis.
The survey also indicates a shift in investor preference towards income-producing, operational assets, with increased caution around development and repositioning risks. If the crisis persists, investors anticipate higher finance costs and required returns, suggesting that deals will need to adapt to a more challenging financial environment.
Cushman & Wakefield plans to release the full survey results in July, providing further insights into the evolving investment landscape in the Asia Pacific Living sector.
