Tech, trees and tailwinds

After a year in which infra debt issuance remained strong despite a challenging backdrop, Darryl Murphy identifies the themes that could drive the market in 2018.

The European economy is enjoying strong growth, but with real estate investment markets advanced in the cycle, value is becoming hard to find. Monika Sujkowska discusses what’s in store for the European real estate market in 2018.

Insurers seeking capital efficient returns are looking closely at private assets, lured by attractive yields with underlying security and strong borrower protections. Real estate finance may fit the bill, and benefits from advantageous capital treatment under Solvency II.

Changes in the age profile of populations will have a significant impact on demand for real estate; influencing the type, functionality and locations that are likely to be popular writes Monika Sujkowska.

The risk of the UK exiting the European Union without agreeing its future relationship appears to have risen in recent weeks. We consider the ramifications of such an outcome for the UK economy and sterling-denominated assets.

A growing number of investors are looking to private assets to provide higher yields than liquid alternatives, but few are targeting illiquidity premia explicitly, writes John Dewey.

Technological change is piling pressure on traditional retailers, a trend with significant implications for retail real estate, says Chris Urwin.

We may only be at the start of the digital age, but it is already exerting a significant influence over real estate, explains Francois de Bruin.

Despite an improving economic outlook, global real estate is likely to offer lower returns over the next five years. But opportunities remain for discerning investors, writes Chris Urwin.

Cambridge’s renowned science and technology hubs are helping the city flourish from the rise of the knowledge-based economy, says Chris Urwin.

Europe’s population is set to contract and age significantly over the coming decades, but the demographic shift will not be uniform. Understanding this dynamic will be an important driver of real estate investment performance, explains Monika Sujkowska.

Manchester is set to capitalise on thriving IT and media sectors, global transport links and renowned universities to profit from the changing role of cities as drivers of growth.