What to expect at UKREiiF

In two weeks’ time from when you’re reading this – and given the scale of the event, I’m pretty confident that’s likely to be true whenever you actually end up reading this edition of Politics & Planning – workers in Leeds will be dismantling the UK’s Real Estate infrastructure and investment Forum (UKREiiF).

Now in its fourth year, having had its first outing in 2022, UKREiiF has become a major milestone in the UK’s real assets industry’s calendar. In a way that other events have tried and failed, UKREiiF has not only managed to become commercially successful, even having been bought over by an international events company following last year’s event in a reflection of its value while other events (even established ones) splutter and fail, but has become an agenda-setting moment in our calendar.

As a (relative) veteran of UKREiiF, with 2025 to be my third year of attending, this is what I’m expecting from this year’s event:

Firstly, politics will dominate. As indeed it should given UKREiiF’s success in bringing political figures from across the spectrum, both regional and national, in front of the industry. Between ongoing challenges around regulatory changes particularly those from gateway two and Trump’s economic impact, the industry isn’t feeling the political stability that it must have hoped for following the decision by Rishi Sunak to call an election in the pouring rain mid-last year’s UKREiiF. 

Issues around the likes of gateway two also dominated UK conversations at MIPIM and yet, given the more investor-focused nature of the sector at that event, little has been done to address common challenges. With UKREiiF bringing together more contractors, developers and local authorities, it also offers the opportunity for professionals to come together to better discuss ways forward.

Secondly, there’ll be greater clarity around the microeconomic environment. While some seem to believe that capital is once again stuck, waiting to see the lay of the land before progressing deals, what we’re also seeing is that some investors are going hell-to-the-leather when it comes to deploying funds. There’s a growing chasm between those moving and those not, and UKREiiF will help the industry understand which approach is better and consider an adjustment accordingly.

Thirdly, UKREiiF also offers the first major opportunity to fully grasp how UK real estate is responding to the headwinds facing the green agenda and DE&I. With Trump’s first 100 days having set the tone, and Reform’s local election success just a couple of weeks in the wingmirror, we’ll have a much clearer idea of how businesses are reacting – and leading – when it comes to positions that were once so mainstream and are now seen as risky. 

Caveats apply: UKREiiF is very public-sector heavy. It has always spoken out as a progressive voice for the industry. And attendees skew to partnership-led individuals and firms. And yet it will nevertheless be interesting to see how conversations evolve. Many firms are waiting to see what others are doing – particularly those seeking US capital – and UKREiiF will help some get off the fence.

And, of course, for what it’s worth: our view remains consistent that the UK public consistently shows support for responsible businesses. While it may not be appropriate to shout from the rooftops, taking short-term business decisions is not the route to long-term reputational growth. 

Finally, and this is based entirely on previous experience, it’ll either be gloriously sunny or feature torrential rain. One or the other. Plan accordingly.

Good luck to everyone heading to the event for what is becoming one of the most productive networking and deal-making weeks of the UK real estate calendar. Whether the literal sun shines on you or not, we hope the figurative sunshine is out.