International Retailers and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

UK: Nearly 40% of RICS members across the UK said that in the first quarter of 2016 international retailers and others were reducing investment in the UK ahead of the June referendum, according to The Guardian. In London, 80% said that uncertainty around the outcome was holding back investment. A report from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors shows that there has been a steady easing in international demand for UK office, industrial and retail property since the referendum was confirmed last spring. Demand from international investors for UK offices and shops has fallen sharply, with just 5% of RICS firms reporting increased interest from overseas companies over the last three months, compared with 36% a year ago. Overseas firms based in the UK occupy large swathes of real estate, and their departure could harm office occupancy rates, and the local economy. The organisation said some international firms were drawing up contingency plans to shift their headquarters in the event of Brexit. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.