The Spanish capital is preparing to host the sixth edition of the IBERIAN REIT & Listed Conference, an essential forum for Real Estate that will take place on 6 February at the emblematic Rosewood Villa Magna Hotel. Organised by the European Public Real Estate Association (EPRA) and Iberian Property, the event promises to be a key meeting point for financiers, experts and professionals in the real estate sector and financial investment.
Since the consolidation of the Socimi regime in Spain, the market has undergone a significant evolution, with an exponential increase in its market capitalisation, and has positioned itself firmly in the European listed real estate scene. The conference will address the ability of Socimis to adapt to attractive structures in the international arena and their leading role in the country's real estate industry.
The meeting will highlight the recent operations of international REITS in Spain, which have injected more than 500 million euros into the sector, with a notable concentration in the office market. Despite a 2023 focused on disinvestment, with sales exceeding €1.1 billion, expectations point to renewed investor interest in Spanish socimis, in line with the economic recovery projected for 2024.
Transactions that boost the real estate market
The Spanish real estate market has seen significant activity from REITS and Socimis, with 32 deals closed, representing an investment volume of €522 million. Although this number reflects a 77% plunge compared to the investment recorded in 2022, the details of the most important transactions reflect the continued investor interest in quality assets.
The top three deals account for 46% of the total invested, with the purchase of the residential asset at Velázquez 21, Madrid, assuming the leading role of the podium - a transaction worth €100 million concluded by Inbest GPF, being the Grifols family offfice the selling entity. It was followed by the acquisition of an office building occupied by Movistar Plus+, also in Madrid, for €79 million, by JSS Real Estate (the seller being an undisclosed US fund). The third leading transaction was the purchase of the office building at Francisco Gervás 10, Madrid, by Zambal, for €60 million (previously owned by Blackstone).
Analysing the geographical distribution of investments by REITS and Socimis in 2023, Madrid leads with 63% of the total, followed by Andalusia with 10%, and Barcelona and Valencia with 6% respectively. The rest of Spain accounts for 16% of investment. In terms of investor nationality, Spanish investors top the list with 68% of the purchase volume, followed by the French with 16% and the Swiss with 15%.
Leading experts and market outlook
Among the featured speakers at the upcoming IBERIAN REIT & Listed Conference is Matthew Candy, Global Managing Partner of IBM's Generative AI, who will address the impact and adoption of artificial intelligence in the real estate sector.
Also present will be Borja Ortega, CEO of BNP Paribas Real Estate Spain, who will moderate a session with representatives of the main Spanish Socimis: Miguel Pereda, chairman of Grupo Lar and vice chairman of Lar España; Ismael Clemente, CEO of Merlin Properties; and Pere Viñolas, CEO of Colinial, who will analyse investment trends and the outlook for the real estate market.
In addition, to round off the debate, David Martínez Montero, CEO of AEDAS Homes, will contribute his views on the Spanish real estate landscape, focusing on the current opportunities and challenges in the residential market.
And as "new additions", Iberian Property has recently confirmed the participation of new renowned speakers, such as Mariano Miguel, from Banco Santander, Ignacio Carvajal, from Cartesio and José Ramón Iturriaga, from Abante, who will share their knowledge and perspectives on the current state and future of the market. The financiers will lead a round table discussion that aims to answer the following question: Are real estate companies the best option for the return of capital? Analysts will discuss how listed real estate companies are capturing the interest of the financial world and analyse their attractiveness for investment.
Iberian Property and EPRA are in fact planning a detailed programme of speakers whose professional profiles reflect trends in the real estate and financial markets. Here is the full programme of the sixth edition of the Iberian Reit & Listed Conference.
Participation and institutional support
The conference once again enjoys the support of renowned entities, which reaffirm their commitment to the sector and its development in Spain and Portugal. This event, of international relevance, will serve as a platform to share knowledge, discuss trends and establish promising connections between the main players in the market. The detailed programme and registration details are available on the official IBERIAN REIT & Listed Conference website.