Strategic Position:

AREF stands at the forefront of the UK's real estate investment landscape. It is recognised by policymakers as the intellectual authority on many pivotal industry issues, ensuring that its member-driven agenda consistently reflects the collective voice and interests of its community. Its commitment to enhancing investor outcomes is evident through strategic alliances with fellow investment associations, strengthening the UK's real estate market. AREF has been widely acknowledged for championing the highest standards in corporate governance for fund investing, with its Charter and Quality Mark as well as advancing industry transparency and market-leading portfolio data.

As the UK's largest asset class, UK real estate offers compelling investment solutions.  AREF actively promotes investment in UK real estate through engagement with investors, managers and government bodies. By highlighting benefits like steady income, capital growth and social value, AREF emphasises the sector's appeal and educates on various fund structures and return styles.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to make the property investment  industry better. Better for investment professionals to discharge their responsibilities. Better for investors, so they achieve their financial  and other investment goals. Better for businesses, so they get the real estate  they need to operate efficiently and to facilitate growth.  Better for society by delivering  sustainable outcomes, social value and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry.  And finally better for the economy, so everyone prospers and resources are efficiently and fairly allocated.

Six Key Pillars

Our six key pillars each represent a critical area of focus for AREF. These pillars are designed to guide our efforts and ensure we achieve our strategic goals.

 

  1. Standards & Guidance

    • Recognising the importance of knowledge-sharing and professional development, AREF provides a platform for learning and exchange within the industry. Our Charter is widely recognised as the gold standard in corporate governance for unlisted property funds. Its aim is to encourage the members of AREF to adopt good practice wherever possible.

  2. Lobbying & Advocacy

    • AREF acts as a powerful advocate for the real estate fund industry, representing the collective interests of its members in discussions with policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders. By engaging in dialogue and shaping policy, AREF seeks to influence a regulatory framework that supports innovation, fosters growth, and safeguards its member interests.

  3. Education & Training

    • Recognising the importance of knowledge-sharing and professional development, AREF provides a platform for learning and exchange within the industry through comprehensive educational and topical events.

  4. Networking & Collaboration

    • AREF serves as a forum for networking and collaboration, bringing together investors, fund managers, service providers, and other stakeholders from across the industry through events, conferences, forums, and networking events.

  5. Research & Thought Leadership

    • AREF conducts research and produces thought leadership content on key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the real estate fund industry. By staying at the forefront of industry developments, AREF empowers its members to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market conditions.

  6. Data

    • The MSCI/AREF UK Quarterly Property Fund Index and the Property Fund Vision provide insights into the performance of AREF funds, offering investors and industry professionals a comprehensive view of metrics across various sectors and regions. By promoting transparency and comparability, the index enhances investor confidence and facilitates informed decision-making in the UK real estate market.

Detailed Objectives

AREF Committees and the AREF Team have detailed objectives under each of the six pillars. These objectives are developed and executed by the respective committees to achieve the strategic goals set out in this plan. The committees work collaboratively to ensure that cross-functional objectives are met, and progress is monitored regularly to ensure alignment with the broader strategy.

We are confident that this updated strategy will drive AREF forward, ensuring we continue to serve our members and society by bringing the industry together, sharing ideas, and overcoming shared challenges.

 

For further information, please contact us on [email protected].