In the last of our series of surveys, held in association with Multi Development, the market gave its views on the performance of Q4 2011 compared with Q3 In general, on domestic issues, consumer sentiment and rent trends, respondents felt that the market in Q4 2011 was much the same as in Q3. But retailer sentiment in the quarter improved, with only 44.9% believing that the market deteriorated in Q4, compared with 56.4% in Q3. However, there is a real sense of worry about conditions in Europe. More than 62% of respondents were increasingly concerned about the future of the euro, and over 43% did not believe that there will be an upturn this year in Europe’s economic fortunes. Given the problems in the eurozone, China was highlighted as being a more important market than Europe. Europe aside, more than 73% of respondents believed that the UK will see more internet-only companies opening stores.
Which are your main areas of business?
Investor 16.5%
Landlord 22%
Property consultant 49.5%
Retailer 11.9%
Developer 15.6%
Banker 0.9%
Other 8.3%
Sentiment trends
Compared with Q3 2011, has consumer sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2011
Improved 15.9%
Remained the same 50.5%
Deteriorated 33.6%
Average -0.18
Compared with Q3 2011, has retailer sentiment in the fourth quarter of 2011
Improved 10.3%
Remained the same 44.9%
Deteriorated 44.9%
Average -0.35
Rent trends
Compared with Q3 2011, have rents in the fourth quarter of 2011
Risen 10.4%
Remained stable 57.5%
Fallen 32.1%
Average -0.22
In Q1 2012 do you expect rents to
Rise 12.3%
Remain stable 54.7%
Fall 33%
Average -0.21
How optimistic are you that 2012 will see an upturn in Europe’s overall economic fortunes?
Optimistic 24.3%
Pessimistic 43%
There will be no change 32.7%
Average 0.08
Market priorities
Given the rise in eurozone problems, which markets are becoming more important?
America 15.4%
Middle East 4.8%
South East Asia 14.4%
India 8.7%
South America 19.2%
China 37.5%
Internet and social media
Following the examples of Google, eBay and Bodens, could we see more internet-only companies opening stores?
Yes 73.8%
No 10.3%
Only as pop-ups 15.9%
Average -0.58
