Superannuation funds are set to increase their exposure to property as investment markets continue to recover, according to Charter Hall head of research Chris Freeman.
The superannuation industry hasn't been a big player in the sector since the global financial crisis, but Charter Hall expect that to pick up once markets recover, said Freeman.
He added superannuation funds grew to $180 billion a year between 2004 and 2007 and based on a 10 per cent allocation to property, they need to find about $18 billion worth of property a year.
"Pressure is starting to build again slightly. In the longer term once the super funds start to post stronger returns they're actual assets grow they're going to need to portion more to property," he said.
Richard Stacker, Charter Hall's chief executive said self-managed superannuation funds currently account for 70-80 per cent, but he expected the super industry to invest more heavily in property once the Government enforced the compulsory superannuation hike from 9 to 12 per cent.
