Legislation needed to make mixed-use work in Asia's emerging markets, says Limitless

Multi-use projects will make up a sizeable chunk of the region's property portfolio over the next few years, but insufficient laws could impede their long term success and sustainability in countries like Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, according to Philip Atkinson, Regional Director for Limitless in South-east Asia.

"For example, in Vietnam the current investment license system could restrict the development and future sale of multi-use projects," he said, speaking in Singapore at Real Estate Investment World Asia 2008. "An improved legal framework should be put in place now to avoid management and maintenance issues in the future and to protect asset values."

Atkinson also highlighted the risks of building mixed-use projects without 'future-proofing' - planning for growth and change.

Comprehensive plans must be in place at conceptual stage to ensure developments can function effectively and retain their long term value.

"Indonesia and Vietnam are currently hugely dependent on motorcycles, but car use is on the rise. Efficient road networks, multiple access points and adequate parking facilities must be an integral part of the planning and design of mixed-use projects to prevent major congestion issues in years to come," he said.

"Mixed-use developments are as much a destination as they are a place to live or work. But even the most innovative, beautifully designed developments will fail if visitors face traffic queues and parking problems. They will simply take their custom elsewhere."


Limitless is rapidly expanding in South-east Asia, with three projects underway and more in the pipeline.

The company's growing global portfolio - currently valued at more than $100bn - includes Malaysia International Halal Park and Puteri Harbour in Malaysia and Halong Star in Vietnam.

Limitless, whose South-east Asia headquarters are in Singapore, is silver sponsor of Real Estate Investment World Asia 2008.