AREF Newsletter - September/October 2025
Welcome to this month’s newsletter, where you’ll find highlights from the AREF Annual Dinner and our 2025 Award winners, news on the creation of Real Estate:UK (RE:UK), a look back at the FutureGen Conference in Oxford and our first Charity Walk, as well as the latest policy updates and upcoming events.
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A New Industry Body - RE:UK
Members have voted overwhelmingly in favour of forming Real Estate: UK (RE:UK), a new representative organisation for the real estate sector. With near-unanimous backing across AREF, BPF and IPF, the merger will now move ahead.
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The Final AREF Annual Dinner and Awards 2025
430 guests joined us at Raffles London (at the Old War Office) for the final AREF Annual Dinner and Awards, proudly sponsored by JTC Group. It was a memorable evening of celebration, recognition and entertainment – read the full highlights and view look at the photos.
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AREF Annual Award Winners 2025
The 2025 AREF Award winners were revealed at the Dinner, recognising excellence and contribution across our industry. Find out who won and why on our Awards page.
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What is a ‘Just Transition’
The AREF ESG & II Committee is delighted to launch the first in a series of three articles for our members exploring the concept of a 'Just Transition' within the context of UK real estate.
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FutureGen Conference
AREF’s FutureGen community gathered at Worcester College, Oxford on 2–3 September for the annual FutureGen Conference, sponsored by Mills & Reeve. The two-day programme explored key issues facing real estate and created space for members to connect with industry leaders and peers. Read the conference highlights on our website.
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AREF Charity Walk in aid of Regeneration Brainery
AREF held its first ever Charity Walk on 2 October, with 30 participants walking a 3-mile riverside route in support of Regeneration Brainery. The event was kindly sponsored by Alter Domus and started outside The Gherkin before heading over Tower Bridge.
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Have your say: AREF & Yardi survey on data and technology in real estate investment
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AREF has launched a new research project with our Affiliate Member, Yardi, exploring how firms are using data and technology to shape investment strategies, address challenges and drive performance. As part of this project, we are asking members to complete a short online survey. It takes just 5–10 minutes and all responses are confidential. The findings will form part of a co-branded report, available to all AREF members and the wider industry later this year.
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Public Policy Activity
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AREF is busy engaging with regulators and government to ensure they hear the voice of the real estate industry when determining policy. We always welcome members participation; particularly to consultation response.
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Upcoming Events
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Follow us on LinkedIn
We would encourage all members to follow us on LinkedIn. Please 'like' and 'share' our posts to help spread news of the good work AREF is doing.
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AREF Guidance
Did you know? Our website offers a fabulous range of guidance available to AREF members. From best practice recommendations to insightful resources, our member hub is a treasure trove of support—do explore it and make the most of what’s on offer!
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We can share your Articles and White Papers
We welcome any interesting articles, research, or white papers from our members and would be glad to share them across our channels.
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AREF's History
Read about the history of AREF from its launch in the 1970s as The Association of Property Unit Trusts to what it is today, written by our very own Rachel Portlock, AREF's Head of Research.
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AREF in the Press!
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Read press articles from this month, featuring AREF
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Missed an AREF event?
You can catch up with our events by reading the write-up, watching the recording or listening to the podcasts for all our events held this year.
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AREF Committee Updates
Did you know you can read all about what the AREF Committees have been working on recently?
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Industry Initiatives
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RICS launch Sustainability Advisory Pathway
This is a structured route for sustainability professionals to join RICS, helping them deliver real impact across the built and natural environment. It is suited to those in advisory, leadership, or coordination roles guiding sustainability outcomes at project, portfolio, or policy levels.
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RICS launch Sustainable Real Estate Survey
RICS would also like to hear from real estate professionals about the evolving demand, value, and challenges of green buildings. To do this, they've put together a short survey, and your input would be very valuable.
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Training & Events from Diversity Talks Real Estate (DTRE)
DTRE is offering 10% member discount to AREF members on their upcoming training courses using promo code PARTNERTEN.
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Know someone who would benefit from FutureGen?
Encourage colleagues to join the network to receive updates on upcoming events and initiatives. We currently have over 700 FutureGen members.
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Committee Vacancies
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We actively encourage all members to get involved with the association. Click to view the current vacancies on AREF committees.
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The Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) is the body that represents the interests of its fund managers, those firms that advise and support them and the end-investors. For further information, please visit our website.
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