Lendlease's Asia boss says there is a "huge opportunity" for Australian companies to invest and expand in China as the property giant prepares to sell its first batch of retirement living apartments being developed in Shanghai early next year.

"As Australian companies we have great opportunities to leverage our skills," Tony Lombardo, Lendlease's chief executive office Asia, told an audience at a strategic forum in Sydney on Monday about the potential for investment and expansion in China.