HONG KONG, CHINA - Media OutReach - 21 October 2020 - Henderson Sunlight Asset Management Limited (the "Manager"), as manager of Sunlight Real Estate Investment Trust ("Sunlight REIT"), announces the operational statistics of Sunlight REIT for the first quarter of the financial year 2020/21.

The overall portfolio occupancy rate of Sunlight REIT was 85.1% at 30 September 2020, compared with 95.7% recorded at 30 June 2020. The notable decline was mainly attributable to office occupancy rate which dropped to 80.4% (30 June 2020: 95.6%), principally reflecting the transitional vacancy relating to the departure of a major tenant at Sunlight Tower. In contrast, retail occupancy rate stayed relatively steady at 95.2% (30 June 2020: 95.8%).

At 30 September 2020, the overall passing rent of Sunlight REIT's portfolio was HK$49.3 per sq. ft.. The office and retail portfolios registered negative rental reversions of 3.6% and 6.9% respectively, demonstrating that the impact of COVID-19 was exerting increased rental pressure on both sectors.

On the office front, Sunlight Tower was inevitably affected by the transitional vacancy as mentioned above, while a more cautious approach on new letting was evident throughout the quarter. However, had we taken into account the lease with Dah Sing Bank, Limited which only commenced in early October 2020, the average occupancy rate for the office portfolio would have been approximately 91%. 

On the retail front, despite the tightened social distancing restrictions and closure orders for selected trades during the quarter, business activities in our community shopping malls were reasonably upheld by domestic consumption, as the summer promotional campaign launched by the Manager was met with a warm reception. Accordingly, Sheung Shui Centre Shopping Arcade and Metro City Phase I Property recorded decent occupancy rates of 95.3% and 94.0% respectively, with corresponding passing rents of HK$109.9 per sq. ft. and HK$58.0 per sq. ft..

Remarks: Attached operational statistics of Sunlight REIT for the first quarter of the financial year 2020/21.

Operational statistics for the first quarter of the financial year 2020/21

Notes:

1.       Calculated on the basis of occupied gross rentable area ("GRA") as a proportion of total GRA on the relevant date.

2.       Calculated on the basis of average rent per sq. ft. for occupied GRA on the relevant date.

About Sunlight REIT

Sunlight REIT (Stock code: 435) is a real estate investment trust authorized by the Securities and Futures Commission and constituted by the trust deed dated 26 May 2006 (as amended and supplemented by six supplemental deeds) (the "Trust Deed"), and has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on 21 December 2006. Sunlight REIT offers investors the opportunity to invest in a diversified portfolio of 11 office and five retail properties in Hong Kong with a total gross rentable area of over 1.2 million sq. ft.. The office properties are primarily located in core business areas, including Wan Chai and Sheung Wan, as well as in decentralized business areas such as Mong Kok and North Point. The key retail properties are situated in regional transportation hubs and new towns including Sheung Shui, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long.

About the Manager

The Manager of Sunlight REIT is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Henderson Land Development Company Limited (恒基兆業地產有限公司). Its main responsibility is to manage Sunlight REIT and all of its assets in accordance with the Trust Deed in the sole interest of its unitholders.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or the solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for units in Sunlight REIT in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.