Dominique Moerenhout, European Public Real Estate Association's (EPRA) CEO, commented at the occasion that «the socimis' success in Spain, which is the most successful case I know, is a clear example of what is to come for Portugal, a country with a market very similar to the Spanish market». She also highlights that «this vehicle allowed for the recovery of a sector that generates jobs and which is expanding once again», she said at the opening of the event.
For Paulo Núncio, Portugal's ex-State Secretary for Fiscal Affairs and current attorney at Morais Leitão (MLTGS), «the approval of the REIT regime (in Portugal) is big news», it's a great step for the Portuguese economy since it attracts even more foreign investment. However, he also remarks that «it is important to clarify the tax regime», because it still doesn't include a specific regime for REITs in Portugal.
REITs «might be an opportunity for Portugal», considerers Tobias Steinmann, director of Public Affairs at EPRA, who also highlights these vehicles' growth in Europe, particularly in Germany and the United Kingdom.
In the last 18 months, Spain has evolved in this matter, especially in the retail sector, according to Jesús González Nieto – Márquez, vice-president and director at Mercado Alternativo Bursátil (MAB) - Alternative Investment Market. And in the face of this growth, transparency in information becomes «essential», defends MAB's vice-president, who assumes the goal of «reaching a balance between transparency and flexibility to attract more investment» for the sector.
Organised by EPRA and Iberian Property, the Iberian REIT Conference received more than 250 participants, among attendees and speakers, who gathered to discuss the REITs' future, socimis in Spain and SIGIs in Portugal. Several Spanish socimis and renowned players like Merlin Properties, BNP Paribas Real Estate, Colonial, Lar España, and specialists from Clifford Change or MLGTS were actively involved.
EPRA's anual conference and Portugal Real Estate Summit will be back in September
EPRA's anual conference will also take place in the coming 10th to the 12th of September, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
On the other hand, on the 26th and 27th of the same month, Estoril will once again host the Portugal Real Estate Summit, an event organised by Iberian Property which will focus on real estate investment in Portugal.