Research from CB Richard Ellis’ London office revealed that more than £800 million (US$1.28 billion) worth of property – equivalent to 2,500 units – were sold at exhibitions in the three cities during 2010.

Jennet Siebrits, Head of Residential Research UK for CB Richard Ellis, said: “Although a good proportion of Far East investment still traditionally flows through London-based estate agents, this has been largely superseded by the role exhibitions in Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.” She added that between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of buyers were estimated to be Chinese, although this percentage is expected to increase.

The report noted that about 25 per cent of those buying at exhibitions are looking for somewhere to use themselves, and concluded the majority are savvy investors taking a long-term view, both for capital appreciation and strong rental returns. These investors are looking in established markets, such as Canary Wharf and the City, as well as regeneration areas where transport improvements are imminent.

Siebrits added: “To some extent, these buyer groups [from Asia] have always existed, however the advantages of buying now means that a broader base of buyers have been brought into the market. Families – who are not billionaires or professional real estate gurus – are now looking to buy in Central London, often with their children in mind.”