Hong Kong continued to hold the top spot for occupancy costs, in both the Asia-Pacific region and the world, property consultant Colliers International say.

Gross office rent in Hong Kong, which also ranked top in 2008, was US$161.14 per sq ft per year last year and an increase was expected this year.

It was followed by London's West End with rents of US$139.43 per sq ft per year. It ranked fourth in 2008.

Tokyo, with rents of US$101.24 per sq ft per year, fell one place to third, according to Colliers' year-end report, Global Office Real Estate Review.

South China Morning Post