Become a Fund Member

Who Can Join?

Our fund members vary in size and structure, from large to small, open-ended to closed-ended, and across all strategies from core to opportunistic. Members can:

• Be structured under any legal framework
• Be domiciled in any well-regulated jurisdiction
• Invest in any form of real estate (e.g., direct, indirect, equities, debt, derivatives)
• Invest across all real estate sectors (e.g., commercial, residential, healthcare, agricultural)
• Operate in any geographic market

Why Join?

AREF is widely recognised by policymakers, regulators, and industry bodies as the leading voice of the real estate funds industry. Fund Members benefit from:

1. The AREF Charter & Quality Mark

As a Fund Member, you commit to aligning with the AREF Charter, the gold standard in corporate governance and transparency for UK unlisted property funds. Compliance with the Charter reassures investors that your fund upholds the highest standards of governance and reporting. Members receive the AREF Quality Mark, a recognised symbol of excellence.

Members are encouraged to display the AREF logo, the Quality Mark, and reference the Charter in client reports and marketing materials, reinforcing their commitment to best practices.

Read more about the Charter and Quality Mark here.

2. Industry Influence & Collaboration

Through AREF’s Committees and Working Groups, members actively shape industry policy, engage in lobbying efforts, and contribute to consultations that enhance the operational environment for investment managers and investors alike.

Members are invited to join our committees and working groups, giving them direct influence over key issues in the real estate investment industry. Through our policy work, members have the power to drive meaningful change, ensuring that their voices are heard by regulators and policymakers.

Read more about the work our committees and working groups are doing here.

3. Data & Market Insights

Fund Members gain access to essential benchmarking tools, including participation in:

• The AREF/IPD UK Property Fund Index
• The AREF/IPD Property Fund Vision

Each member also benefits from a dedicated profile page in the AREF Member Directory, providing visibility and a direct link to your fund or organisation’s website.

4. Exclusive Events & Professional Development

Fund Members and their teams have access to a wide range of exclusive events, including:

• Conferences & thought-leadership events, featuring industry-leading speakers
• The AREF Annual Awards Dinner, celebrating excellence in the sector
• The AREF Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to the industry
• Training sessions & seminars, covering key industry topics
• Networking events, bringing together fund managers, investors, and policymakers
• The AREF Mentorship Programme, supporting career growth and knowledge-sharing

View our Events Calendar here for more information or catch-up on our post-event information here.

5. FutureGen Network – Supporting the Next Generation

Fund Members can also take advantage of AREF’s FutureGen Network, designed for professionals in the first 10 years of their careers or those not yet in senior management positions.

FutureGen members benefit from:

• Exclusive networking opportunities with peers and senior industry figures
• Access to dedicated networking events and educational sessions tailored to early-career professionals;
• A dedicated FutureGen Annual Conference, tailored for early-career professionals
• Access to industry-leading training and development resources

For more details, visit the FutureGen Network page.

6. Full Access for Your Team

While fund membership is at a per-fund level, all employees involved—whether in product, tax, or business development—can access full membership benefits, including:

• Invitations to member-only seminars, training, and networking events (many of which are free)
• Regular industry updates and newsletters
• Exclusive access to member-only content on the AREF website

7. Get Involved & Make an Impact

We encourage our members to actively participate and make the most of their membership. We welcome collaboration on white papers, research, and events—including in-person gatherings, webinars, and podcasts. We also champion our members’ thought leadership, sharing insights with our extensive industry network and professional social media channels, where our following continues to grow.

At AREF, your voice matters. Help shape the conversation, influence the agenda, and be part of the change.

Get involved. Together we can make a difference.

Fund Membership Fees

Fund NAV	Annual Fee (+VAT)
≤ £250m	£10,100
> £250m and ≤ £1bn	£11,900
> £1bn	£14,900

Renewals are due 1st November each year. Fees are pro-rated based on joining date.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining AREF, please complete our Enquiry Form, and a member of our team will be in touch.

Application Process

1. Initial meeting with an AREF team member
2. Submission of the Full Member Application Form (provided after initial discussion)
3. Completion of the Self-Certification Process to confirm compliance with the AREF Charter
4. Submission of the membership request to the AREF Board for approval

 

Click to view our Fund Member list:

 

 

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