Chris Dietz is the Executive Vice President, Global Operations Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE). 

REthink Tokyo sat down with Chris to gather some insights into his property journey and experiences in the global real estate market throught Leading RE.

Chris explained that "LeadingRE is home of the world’s market-leading independent real estate companies, with 565 firms and 130,000 sales associates in 70+ countries. We connect our members to opportunities and people around the globe and support them with an international referral network, award-winning online learning platform and impactful events focused on networking and professional growth . Our luxury division, Luxury Portfolio International®, offers a comprehensive marketing program designed to help LeadingRE companies specializing in the high-end market reach high-net-worth consumers. And, RELO Direct®, Inc., is our full-service relocation management company,  which provides employee mobility services for corporate clients." 

Supplied: Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®

What are the current roles and titles you hold right now? 

As Executive Vice President, Global Operations, I execute LeadingRE’s expansion plans, focusing on strategies to grow and manage the network’s international footprint, including marketing efforts and brand awareness initiatives.

What member benefits do you believe are the most valuable for those joining LeadingRE?

The ability to market properties and developments to top real estate professionals worldwide is a huge benefit. Our new International Property Marketing program is designed to leverage LeadingRE’s vast network of independent agencies for unparalleled global reach for developers working with LeadingRE members. Our cross-border referral program is one of our most robust offerings. Last year, we facilitated introductions into over 100 countries – empowering our members to assist clients with real estate needs outside their local market by making introductions to trusted network colleagues worldwide. Our events are also hugely popular, giving our members the opportunity to strengthen relationships and learn from one another. The scope of our events ranges from our large Annual Conference with an audience of 2,500 attendees to our more intimate Global Symposium and regional forums, like our upcoming APAC Forum, taking place 28 April – 1 May in Bangkok, Thailand. 

How long have you been working in real estate?

I have over 25 years of executive-level experience in the industry. Before joining LeadingRE, I managed the Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions for a U.S.-based relocation management company out of the London office, and prior to that, I developed relocation business in Europe for a large US real estate franchise brand.

What are some of the main global markets you tend to operate in?

With a presence in over 70 countries, LeadingRE operates in markets worldwide. The MENA and APAC regions are among our top priorities, recognizing the huge opportunities in these markets.

Are there any notable trends you are witnessing at the moment that you would point out to investors? 

The Asia Pacific region is an incredibly active and dynamic market. It represents the world’s largest source of cross-border real estate capital – outperforming Europe and the US dramatically. This activity is driven by the strength of domestic markets in the region, which experienced a 36% increase in investment activity in 2018. For the ASEAN economic region, annual economic growth is projected at 5-6%, compared to a global growth of 3%. 

In these markets, where is demand currently coming from? Where is the interest focused at the moment? (i.e. What areas have the strongest interest at the moment are where are the buyers based - locals or foreigners etc.?) The middle classes in particular are growing here: by 2030 Indonesia will overtake both Germany and Japan in the ranking of middle class spending. Buyers from the APAC region are no longer looking at mostly western shores such as the United Kingdom, United States and Canada –  but are heavily investing in other emerging markets across Asia such as Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam just to name a few. Cooling measures introduced in other countries such as Australia and New Zealand have seen investors expanding their portfolios in more seasoned markets like Singapore and Japan. 

Any particular trends you are following?

We are keeping our eyes on golden visa or passport schemes – which allow property buyers to benefit from residency or citizenship in return for their investment in real estate. These programs exist all over the world, but the schemes of Portugal, Malta and Greece are especially popular. In these European countries, such programs have commodified residency and are proving to be a significant draw for international investment. In countries with relatively weak passports, like the Philippines and Vietnam, the prospect of a second passport offered by a residency scheme may be particularly attractive.

For more information about the Leading RE and opportunities with joining phone or email Chris Dietz Executive Vice President, Global Operations Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® via the contact details below.

Click here to visit the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® website.

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