Hilco Real Estate Finance (HREF) has launched a new office in Dublin as part of the firm’s strategic expansion plans.
The new Irish office will initially offer both residential and commercial bridge loans with a suite of new lending products due to launch in 2026.
The team will be led by Stephen Lillis (managing director), Eamon O’Rourke (head of origination) and Colm O’Sullivan (origination), who will operate out of the firm’s office in Fitzwilliam Square.
Brad Altberger, CEO of HREF, said: “Our entry into the Irish market signals our continued European growth. Ireland’s robust commercial property sector and strong investment fundamentals make it a natural next step for HREF. Our goal is to bring a responsive, relationship-driven lending solution to Irish borrowers looking for flexible funding to support their property ambitions.”
Lillis added: “This is an exciting moment for HREF as we expand further into the Irish market. We’re bringing a proven lending model that combines speed of execution and clarity of decision-making, with highly competitive rates. We look forward to working closely with investors and intermediaries to deliver tailored finance solutions that support growth and unlock opportunity across the commercial property sector.”
Max Lewis, HREF chief investment officer, said “By combining the institutional levels of reliability that we have from our committed funding base, with a truly entrepreneurial and unconstrained approach to lending, we genuinely believe we are adding something exciting and different to the Irish real estate lending market.”
