According to the HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025, Singapore, the UK and Switzerland remain the top destinations for the world’s wealthy. Singapore leads as a hub for entrepreneurial wealth and relocation.

The UK: Rising Rents, Shrinking Supply

In the UK, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reported rental listings plunged to the lowest since 2020, while rents are forecast to rise another ~3%. London tenants now pay ~£2,250/month, after a 30% rent surge in four years. A landlord exodus spurred by pro-tenant legislation is clearly reshaping the market: fewer landlords, fewer units, higher rents.

Global Property Dynamics

The Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index shows Tokyo at 8.8% growth in H1 2025, with further increases of 6-7.9% expected. Berlin, Dubai and Seoul each exceed 5%. Lifestyle-driven cities like Amsterdam, Cape Town, Lisbon and Sydney are also gaining. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s prime market fell 3.5% in H1 but remains the most expensive globally at US$3,720 per sq ft.

Singapore: Safe Haven with Unique Fundamentals

Singapore’s residential market remains structurally disciplined – steep Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty, a strong currency, and limited foreign-driven speculation mean tighter supply and steadier growth. The Singapore dollar and Swiss franc stand out as major currencies that have delivered positive returns versus the USD over decades, adding to Singapore’s appeal as a safe haven.

Phuket: Emerging Commercial & Retail Opportunity

Turning to Thailand’s resort island of Phuket, the data reveals momentum in the commercial, retail and investment sectors. According to multiple sources:

Commercial property activity in Phuket remains robust, with strong demand for retail and F&B spaces – particularly around the Bang Tao and Cherng Talay areas.

The combination of rising tourist arrivals and limited supply in sought-after zones continues to drive interest and maintain firm rental yields for well-located commercial assets.

Forecasts for Phuket’s property market indicate healthy annual growth, with some segments expecting over 10% near infrastructure-driven zones. 

What does this mean? For commercial/retail properties in prime Phuket locations, high visibility zones such as Bang Tao – Laguna area. The rental market appears poised for further upside, especially if tourism remains strong and supply of top-tier commercial stock remains constrained.

Final Take

From London’s rental squeeze to Tokyo’s property resilience – and now Phuket’s rising commercial fundamentals – the global property narrative is one of scarcity and structural advantage. For investors, the key lies in identifying markets where supply is constrained, demand is structural (not speculative), and the currency/fiscal environment supports long-term holds. In that context, Phuket’s commercial and retail property segment – when thoughtfully positioned – presents a compelling opportunity alongside the more established safe havens like Singapore.