SINGAPORE (Jan 25): Chinese Mainland’s outbound investment in commercial and residential properties reached a record high of US$33 billion (S$47 billion) in 2016, a 53% increase over 2015, according to Jones Lang Lasalle.

A research report by BNP Paribas noted that Chinese investors were getting more prudent in seeking outbound investment opportunities for diversification, risk hedging and a stable income, amid the uncertainty in the global markets.

According to Jones Lang Lasalle, the biggest Chinese investments were in hotel and industrial properties, led by the US$6 billion acquisition of Strategic Hotels and Resorts by Anbang Insurance.

Properties in UK were also attractive, after prices plummeted, following the vote to leave the EU, said JLL.

At the same time, there was a 44% increase in Chinese mainland capital invested in global land acquisitions, particularly in Hong Kong, Australia and Malaysia.

"As Chinese mainland investors continue to diversifying their assets globally, demand for outbound investment will likely remain strong in 2017, but tightened capital outflows mean it will likely take longer time for deals to be completed," said Joe Zhou, regional director and research chief of JLL in China.