Become an Investor Member

Why is AREF relevant to Investors?

Investor Membership is free! Since real estate funds cover the cost of membership, investors in those funds, and their advisers, can join AREF at no charge. This gives you access to all our events, insights, and networking opportunities without any membership fees.

Sound governance has long been a priority for investors, and today, it is more critical than ever. AREF’s Charter, which replaces our previous Code of Practice, promotes best practices across the industry, with a focus on operational integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The Charter is widely recognised as the gold standard for corporate governance and transparency for the unlisted UK property funds industry. By adhering to the Charter, AREF members demonstrate a clear commitment to high standards, going beyond aspirational statements and offering a practical framework to guide members in delivering excellence across all aspects of fund management.

Read all about the AREF Charter here.

Has your investment got the AREF Quality Mark?

Once a fund completes its self-certification process, confirming compliance with the Charter, they are awarded the AREF Quality Mark for that year. This Quality Mark can be used on client reports and marketing materials, providing investors with confidence that the fund adheres to the highest governance standards.

To help investors identify funds that comply with the Charter, AREF maintains the Charter Compliance Register. This publicly accessible list shows all funds that have completed the self-certification process and have received the Quality Mark for the current year. Investors can consult the register to easily identify funds committed to the Charter’s guiding principles.

For more details on the Quality Mark and the Charter Compliance Register, visit our dedicated page on the Charter here.

Why become an Investor Member?

1. Industry Influence & Collaboration

As an Investor Member, you can actively participate in discussions on key industry issues, challenges, and opportunities. Join any of AREF’s committees or working groups, including the Investor Committee, to help shape the agenda and influence the future of the real estate funds industry.

Read more about our committees and working groups here.

Our advocacy, lobbying efforts and consultation work focus on optimising the operational environment for fund managers, ultimately protecting your interests as an investor and improving the investment landscape. Read more about this here.

2. Access to Key Industry Events & Networking

Investor Members receive full access to all AREF-hosted events, including in-person gatherings, webinars, and podcasts. These events provide excellent networking opportunities with fund managers, advisers, and other industry professionals. Engage in collaborations, discuss industry developments, and stay informed about the latest trends in real estate investment.

We also host specialised conferences and awards dinners, where you can build connections and contribute to discussions about the future of real estate funds.

3. Data & Market Insights

Investor Members gain access to valuable market data and benchmarking tools, such as participation in:

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

These resources offer critical insights into market performance, trends, and benchmarks, enabling investors to make informed decisions. Additionally, each Investor Member receives visibility through a dedicated profile page in the AREF Member Directory, with a direct link to your fund or organisation’s website.

4. Stay Informed with Industry Insights

As an Investor Member, you’ll receive monthly newsletters, research papers, and industry updates that keep you informed about the latest developments, trends, and legislative changes in the real estate investment sector. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your investment decisions are based on current and relevant information.

5. Thought Leadership & Collaboration

We actively encourage our members to collaborate on white papers, research, and industry initiatives. As an Investor Member, you have the opportunity to contribute to industry thought leadership, share insights, and benefit from the expertise of other professionals. Together, we can drive meaningful change in the real estate funds industry.

6. FutureGen Network – Supporting the Next Generation

Investor 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

How to Apply

Becoming an Investor Member is easy and free of charge. Simply complete our Enquiry Form, and a member of our team will contact you.

Application Process

1. Complete the Investor Member Enquiry Form
2. Our team will reach out to confirm your membership
3. Start enjoying all the benefits of AREF membership
    

View our list of Investor Members below:

Register for free Investor Membership by emailing us at: [email protected].

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