Yerzhan Yessimkhanov, Partner At GRATA International, Commented For China Business Law Journal On Legal Aspects Of Chinese Real Estate Investments In Kazakhstan

Homes away from home: Chinese real estate investment overseas

"Historically, local players in Kazakhstan are quite strong in the commercial real estate market."

He advises Chinese investors to closely study the local legal, taxation and planning requirements, as well as prevailing government policies, and pursue rigorous due-diligence. Chinese investors in locations other than the cities mentioned are less active in the commercial real estate market. In Kazakhstan, for example, Chinese investors are more interested in acquiring land plots and buildings for the production of construction materials, foods, the construction of energy facilities and other commercial purposes, says Yerzhan Yessimkhanov, a partner of GRATA Law Firm in Almaty. Chinese individuals are also acquiring real estate in Kazakhstan for personal use, he adds.

"Historically, local players in Kazakhstan are quite strong in the commercial real estate market. It would be reasonable, however, to expect the rise in presence of Chinese investors in the commercial real estate market in Kazakhstan, since the financial condition of many local players is now far from stable," Yessimkhanov says.

At the...