Zhong Guo Jing Ying Bao·2025-10-13 10:21Core Insights - The article highlights the competitive landscape of commercial real estate in China, focusing on Hang Lung Group's strategic approach to maintaining its market position through selective expansion and partnerships [1][6]. Company Strategy - Hang Lung Group has signed a 20-year operating lease with Baida Group for the South and North buildings of Hangzhou Department Store, significantly increasing the retail space of Hangzhou Hang Lung Plaza by 40% and street-facing area by over 200% [1][7]. - The company emphasizes a shift from aggressive expansion to enhancing existing assets and customer experience, focusing on core cities to improve investment returns [1][6]. - The current strategy, termed "Hang Lung V.3," reflects a move away from a growth model based solely on quantity, recognizing the saturation of commercial space in various cities [6][8]. Market Conditions - The office market is experiencing downward pressure on rents, with CBRE projecting a 9.9% decline in national office rents by 2025, an increase of 3.2 percentage points from earlier predictions [5]. - The retail market shows signs of recovery, with Hang Lung's Shanghai Plaza maintaining a high occupancy rate of 98% despite ongoing renovations [5][6]. Project Developments - The Hangzhou project is the 11th comprehensive commercial project for Hang Lung in mainland China, with a retail pre-leasing rate of 83% and plans for phased openings starting in late 2025 [7][8]. - The company plans to complete renovations within a year of acquiring the properties, aiming to integrate the new space into the existing Hangzhou Hang Lung Plaza [9]. Competitive Landscape - Hang Lung aims to collaborate with local competitors like Hangzhou Tower to enhance the overall commercial environment rather than engage in direct competition [9].