Commercial property investment volumes in the UK increased by 1% in the first half of 2017 to £27.2bn despite uncertainty caused by the general election.

However, average prime yields in June remaining static at 4.7% due to ongoing uncertainty, according to the latest analysis report from international real estate advisor Savills.

Savills forecasts that total returns are expected to be around 5.5% for UK commercial property in 2017 and that returns will improve throughout the next five years.

Offices were the most popular sector, accounting for 39% of investment in the first half of the year and in terms of location, investment was split 50/50 between London and the rest of the UK. Savills says that sectors which could still see yields harden (prices rise) slightly by the end of 2017 include food stores, M25 offices, regional offices, retail warehouses, industrial distribution and industrial multi-lets.

“UK commercial property is in good health, with investors continuing to be attracted by its underlying strengths, with overseas buyers additionally benefitting from the current currency discount. Indeed, volumes in the first half could have been higher, but have been held back by lack of sellers, rather than any reluctance from buyers,” said Richard Merryweather, joint head of UK investment at Savills.