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Credit crunch affects Singapore even in boom

The Singapore property market is booming. In fact, according to a recent survey, Singapore was viewed as being the best place in Asia, generally speaking, for property investment. In spite of this however, the global credit crunch has made things difficut for real estate investment trusts (REITs) in the country, many of which are considering mergers in these troubled times.

Singapore is still considered a young market as far as REITs go and a lot of potential remains. Opportunity for growth remains very tangible, but the REITs may need to extract some of the players in that field so that debt may be managed more effectively. Mergers among some concerns can bring about positive results, which will only enhance Singapore's commercial, industrial, office, and retail markets for buyers.

The Singapore Exchange and the Monetary Authority of Singapore are credited with helping Singapore's economy and the high value still being placed on the REITs. In these days of continuing financial trouble, Singapore is utilising strategies that will help their markets remain viable. The prime time to purchase approaches, and when all things are sorted out, according to most indicators, Singapore will be ready to seize prospects as they open up.

The business concerns that may be the most likely to succumb to mergers, consolidations, or acquisitions are those with high yields, that are greatly discounted from book value, or that retain such valuable assets as to make them attractive to larger purchasers.

Tycoon Kwek Leng Beng is Singapore’s fifth richest person and runs the second largest property development firm in the country. He recently stated he may be interested in purchasing an REIT but only if the management company is included in the deal.

Real estate investment trusts are typically the first sign telling of a downward spiral in the real estate market, however, they bring the first signs of the market rising back up. They are an important part of the real estate equation, and the market in Singapore is no different.

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