Realcast: Life sciences lively, Dutch courage rewarded, investors go multifamily

In the spotlight this week:

Real Asset Media’s briefing on health tech and precision medicine confirmed that the pandemic has put life sciences front and centre. There is strong demand for real estate that enables the creation of life science communities which is driving up the value of suitable land. The symbiosis between life sciences labs and teaching hospitals has been clearly demonstrated in Glasgow, a burgeoning life science location where property prices are more affordable.

Real Asset Media’s Netherlands investment briefing revealed growing optimism after a tough two years, with residential and logistics the stand-out sectors. The government is prioritising residential although development permits are hard to obtain.

Lack of supply is similarly the main problem in the logistics sector and although demand is strong among occupiers and investors, volumes are likely to dip owing to lack of availability.

Meanwhile, a report from JLL pointed out investment into multi-family markets across Europe in 2021 was 50% up on 2020. Demand from occupiers and investors soared during the pandemic but also due to longer term structural  changes. The UK is an emerging market in terms of multifamily rented housing but the week saw some of the trends illustrated by purchases in London by a Rockwell/Cerberus  JV and by Greystar.

A report from Bonard points out that students did not really go away during the health crisis and average PBSA occupancy is well over 90% making the sector an attractive investment. This week The Student Hotel put an interesting twist on PBSA borrowing possibilities by obtaining environmental impact financing for two new developments in Italy.

Click on the video to watch the full discussion or listen to the podcast below.