Smith: Most people are very aware that there has been a significant influx of Chinese capital coming into Orange County, spanning the spectrum from single-family homes all the way up to large portfolio transactions (for example, Anbang's purchase of the Ritz Carlton and Montage via the acquisition of Strategic Hotels & Resorts). But most people aren't aware of the variety of other foreign capital that has invested here recently, from countries such as Israel, Singapore, Canada and Norway.

GlobeSt.com: What are expectations on foreign investment in Orange County CRE going into 2017?

Smith: There is still significant foreign capital looking to invest in the US, primarily because of the relative stability of our economy and real estate market. I would expect to see continued foreign investment in Orange County in 2017, particularly in portfolio acquisitions as well as partial interest investments, typically non-controlling 49% interests.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about your research on this topic?

Smith: Foreign investors have always viewed the US as a safe haven for capital investments in real estate. As Orange County has grown and matured over the past few decades into a thriving and diverse economic center, foreign capital has become more attracted to our local market. This influx of capital will continue to maintain and grow real estate values and also provide domestic owners/operators the ability to diversify their capital resources with partial-interest investments.

IRVINE, CA—Continued foreign investment in Orange County is expected in 2017, particularly in portfolio acquisitions and partial-interest investments, typically non-controlling 49% interests, JLL EVP Ryan Smith tells GlobeSt.com. The firm recently reported that foreign investment in Orange County real estate reached $2.1 billion in October, which China, Canada and Singapore leading the charge. We spoke exclusively with Smith about foreign investors' interest in this market and what his expectations are in in 2017.

GlobeSt.com: What are the main reasons foreign investors are interested in Orange County CRE?

Smith: Orange County has continued to attract foreign capital for the same reasons as domestic capital: a diverse and highly educated workforce, a significant inventory of institutional-quality commercial real estate, and of course the overall quality of life that the county offers to its residents and businesses.

GlobeSt.com: How has this interest changed over the last few years, and from where is it increasing/decreasing?

Smith: Most people are very aware that there has been a significant influx of Chinese capital coming into Orange County, spanning the spectrum from single-family homes all the way up to large portfolio transactions (for example, Anbang's purchase of the Ritz Carlton and Montage via the acquisition of Strategic Hotels & Resorts). But most people aren't aware of the variety of other foreign capital that has invested here recently, from countries such as Israel, Singapore, Canada and Norway.

GlobeSt.com: What are expectations on foreign investment in Orange County CRE going into 2017?

Smith: There is still significant foreign capital looking to invest in the US, primarily because of the relative stability of our economy and real estate market. I would expect to see continued foreign investment in Orange County in 2017, particularly in portfolio acquisitions as well as partial interest investments, typically non-controlling 49% interests.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about your research on this topic?

Smith: Foreign investors have always viewed the US as a safe haven for capital investments in real estate. As Orange County has grown and matured over the past few decades into a thriving and diverse economic center, foreign capital has become more attracted to our local market. This influx of capital will continue to maintain and grow real estate values and also provide domestic owners/operators the ability to diversify their capital resources with partial-interest investments.