Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Private equity real estate – adapting to the cycle and the future

Private Equity Real Estate at PIR Conference 2015 – Presentation on unlisted real estate by Folkestone’s Adrian Harrington


This is not a traditional White Paper but ‘hot off the press’ is a copy of today’s presentation to the PIR Conference 2015. It contains many useful diagrams with commentary on unlisted real estate. Given the increases in prices for most commercial real estate in recent years as yields have fallen, the presentation asks whether the sector has become overvalued. Its conclusions are:

• It’s a challenging time to be putting money to work

• Private equity real estate funds managers need to closely examine both their real estate and business strategies

• The keys to successful real estate investing are: good asset selection, properly pricing and managing risk, active asset or development management, adopting appropriate capital structures, selecting quality partners and timing of exit

• The keys to successful private real estate funds management businesses are understanding the key changes in the marketplace (economic, technology, social, demographic, environmental), enabling innovation to capitalise on market changes, fostering strong alignments with investors, best practice reporting, strong risk management processes, governance and succession planning, and decide whether to be large or a boutique manager – caught in the middle could face obsolescence.

The full presentation is available here.

 

  •   15 October 2015
  •      
  •   
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all

The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement. 

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

The 3 biggest residential property myths

I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.

Get set for a bumpy 2026

At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.

AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts

In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

Latest Updates

Economy

Get set for a bumpy 2026

At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.

Investment strategies

History says US market outperformance versus Australia will turn

Much has been made of how US markets, especially the NASDAQ, have significantly outperformed the ASX over the past two decades. History suggests the pendulum will swing back once again in Australia's favour.

Investment strategies

Announcing the X-Factor for 2025

What is the X-Factor - the largely unexpected influence that wasn’t thought about when the year began but came from left field to have powerful effects on investment returns - for 2025? It's time to select the winner.

Economy

The illusion of progress

What is progress? Is it GDP growth? Increasing wealth? New and improving technology? This argues that our measure of progress has become warped, and we're heading backwards rather than forwards.

Strategy

Our favourite summer reads

Summer is a great time to catch up on a good book. Here is a list of books on leadership, investing, and well-being for those looking to learn, reflect, and gain inspiration over the holiday season.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.