This paper extends the study of Müller et al. (2008) on the fair value of investment
property of European companies to a Chinese setting. Using agency theory, the main purpose
of this paper is to detect the extent and determinants of investment properties valuation basis
of Chinese listed companies. Although this study relies on constructions mainly based on
Western countries' ideas of a market-orientated study, we argue that China's particular
circumstances warrant such an approach. China's property market has rapidly expanded in
recent times (Ke & White 2009) with a high percentage of Chinese foreign investment
devoted to properties in Chinese cities (Li et al. 1999). In addition, a huge pool of quality
property investment is currently held by commercial banks, developers, and government
(Wang et al. 2009). Quek and Ong (2008) also note the emergence of the rapid growth of the
Chinese real estate market and real estate investment trusts (REITs). This is because the
Chinese economy has outperformed most developed economies over the past decade, a fact
that is commensurately refiected in the rapid growth of the Chinese real estate market (Quek
and Ong 2008).