Research Committee Activity

Committee Activity

A high level summary of what's being discussed in recent committee meetings:

• Prioritising future research to support the policy work of AREF.
• The convening of a working group to set out the Case for Real Estate. This publication will be focussed DC pension schemes but further iterations are planned that will be tailored for other investor groups - for example, overseas investors and LGPSs.
• Launch of 2025 AREF Research Award - the winner to be announced at the Annual Dinner on 25 September.

 

Committee Core Objectives

Lobbying & Advocacy

• ·    Produce a briefing paper (Insights) on attracting, and overcoming barriers, to sources of capital for real estate funds. Distribute the briefing paper to government, opposition, members and other stakeholders.
• ·    Present policy recommendations, to advocate for changes that facilitate DC investment in real estate funds and, throughout this process, monitor progress closely, adapting strategies as needed to achieve AREF’s goals.
• ·    Support research referencing the government's residential agenda that identifies areas where funds can contribute effectively (could include reports, case studies and fact sheets).
• ·    Collaborate with government agencies, housing associations, advocacy groups, and other relevant organisations to leverage their networks and amplify the message.

Research & Thought Leadership

• Drive thought-leadership campaigns, primarily, but not limited to, supporting advocacy initiatives.
• Produce and disseminate thought leadership content, including research reports, white papers, articles, and case studies, addressing key industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, to inform and empower AREF members in their decision-making processes.
• Drive the creation of a 'The Case for Real Estate publication, to promote the benefits and value proposition of real estate investments, advocating for increased allocation to real estate within investment portfolios and highlighting its role in long-term wealth creation and diversification.
• Gather insights, perspectives and research findings, informing AREF’s research agenda. Consider utilising the Index and PFV as key sources of data for this research.
• Organise and facilitate discussion roundtables and forums to gather insights, perspectives, and research findings from industry experts and stakeholders, informing AREF's research agenda and thought leadership initiatives.

 

Next meeting: Tuesday 24 June

View more on the committee here.