Real Estate:UK, the new industry body for the UK real estate industry, has officially launched today following the legal merger of the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF), British Property Federation (BPF) and Investment Property Forum (IPF).
Vanessa Hale was recently appointed as Real Estate:UK’s incoming chief executive and will lead the organisation from July 2026 with Melanie Leech acting as interim chief executive. The organisation will initially be chaired by Anne Breen, global head of real estate at Aberdeen who was previously AREF chair.
Real Estate:UK’s activities will be based around six key pillars: advocacy; research and data; thought leadership and innovation; networking and events; upskilling and training; and standards and guidance.
Breen (pictured) said: “I’m really proud to be Real Estate:UK’s first chair. We will build on what AREF, the BPF and the IPF have done so well – strong advocacy, trusted research, standard setting and improved transparency. With a single strong voice for the industry, we will engage constructively with government to create a better policy environment to enable investment in, and development of, real estate which in turn would bring jobs, homes and long term economic value across the UK. I also want to say a big thank you to all of our members for their support in getting us to this point.”
Simon Carter, outgoing BPF president and chief executive of British Land, added: “It has been a huge privilege to have played a part in Real Estate:UK’s evolution from an initial idea into a fully formed organisation and I am convinced that the sector will benefit greatly from the stronger, unified voice that it will provide. This is a vital time for our industry and through Real Estate:UK we have the opportunity to champion the sector, strengthen its presence, and help shape the UK’s future.”
Matthew Richards, chief executive of JLL UK and EMEA capital markets, said: “The property industry is fundamental to achieving so many things. Town centre regeneration, building much-needed homes, reducing carbon emissions and supporting more productive working in key sectors all depend on our industry to make these ambitions a reality. Real Estate:UK will be a powerful and vital advocate for what we can collectively achieve, as well as a source of industry insight and expertise.”
Martin Towns, global head of real estate at M&G, added: “Real estate will be central to the UK’s future economic strength – driving growth, unlocking housing supply and regenerating towns and cities across the UK. As international investors continue to see the UK as an attractive market, Real Estate:UK will bring the industry together to help shape the policy environment needed to unlock long‑term capital and sustainable development.”
The board of Real Estate:UK includes Jessica Hardman (CEO and co-founder, Aboria Capital), Madeleine McDougall (independent), Jo Jackson (director, Thames Valley, SEGRO), Ben Sanderson (managing director, Sentinel Real Estate), Robin Martin (global head of investment strategy and research, real assets, Legal & General), Paolo Alonzi (head of structuring and operational strategy, Aberdeen), Susanne Schroeter-Crossan (chief financial officer, SEGRO) and Edmund Craston (independent).
