Chinese investment made up about 29% of total foreign investment in U.S. commercial real estate, ahead of Canada, the second largest foreign investor, which invested $13.1 billion. In all, hotels and offices remained the most popular assets. Chinese investors poured $8.6 billion into U.S. hotels last year, up from $2.8 billion in 2015. Investment in offices similarly jumped to $7.5 billion in 2016, up from $3.5 billion in 2015.

Key Takeaways:

• China’s insurance industry is valued at approximately $1.83 trillion, according to figures from the Chinese Insurance Regulatory Commission.
• Some of the largest deals were by Chinese insurance companies, which were allowed to invest up to 15% of their assets overseas starting in 2012.
• The east and west coasts have been the primary recipients of Chinese investments.

“Chinese investors were the single largest group of foreign investors in commercial real estate in the U.S. last year, with deal volumes reaching a record high of $19.2 billion, up 10% from $17.3 billion in 2015.”

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