Members of the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF), the British Property Federation (BPF), and the Investment Property Forum (IPF) have voted in favour of creating RE:UK. Set to launch in 2026, RE:UK will act as a champion for the entire real estate industry, uniting institutional and private investors, property firms, developers, asset owners, managers and advisors.

AREF, BPF and IPF have consistently championed UK real estate and have now come together to form RE:UK, a unified voice for the sector. As the real estate landscape continues to change, RE:UK aims to inspire, connect and empower the next generation of professionals to navigate these developments, while actively engaging and working with policy stakeholders to represent the sector’s interests effectively. This initiative will also create a dynamic platform that brings together future leaders and junior employee networks from AREF, BPF and IPF.

RE:UK is committed to promoting a more inclusive and progressive real estate industry by highlighting underrepresented perspectives and advocating for systemic change. The vision for RE:UK underscores the significance of inclusivity and innovation in the real estate sector, with a focus on uplifting diverse voices and driving transformative change to build a sustainable future.

recruitment of Chief Executive Officer of Real Estate:UK (RE:UK)

The ideal candidate could come from a range of backgrounds, bringing either a track record in the UK real estate sector and/or alternative asset classes or in the government/public sector/industry associations. Regardless of the background, they should demonstrate a capacity to shape the strategic vision and advocacy initiatives of RE:UK while effectively engaging and influencing both internal and external stakeholders. A successful track record of driving commercial growth, coupled with experience in managing operations with a focus on financial oversight, governance, and technological advancement, is essential.

The candidate should also exhibit the personal style, gravitas, and confidence necessary to act as an ambassador for RE:UK and its members. They should be analytical and data-driven, capable of adapting their communication style to diverse audiences. A keen interest in overseeing critical initiatives that shape policy, foster member development, drive research and insights, and encourage innovation is also crucial.

RE:UK embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity; we welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Egon Zehnder has been appointed to advise RE:UK on this recruitment. The closing date for applications is by 6pm on Friday, 23rd January 2026.

In order to apply you will need to include:

• The role title and marked FAO Nese Guner
• A Curriculum Vitae which provides details of your qualifications, employment history, skills and experience;
• A covering letter in which you succinctly address how your skills meet the requirements of the role
• Names of at least two referees who may be contacted at short list stage, i.e. before final interview
• Confirmation from you that you are happy for Egon Zehnder or its client to undertake any necessary background checks, including career, credit and qualifications, or similar at the appropriate stage in the process. No checks will be undertaken without your prior knowledge
• As part of the recruitment process, due diligence reviews will be undertaken, this will include the review of social media that will be taken on candidates as they progress through the appointment process.

To apply for this role please send applications by email to [email protected]

The Shadow Board at RE:UK reserves the right to only consider applications that contain all of the elements listed above, and that arrive before the published deadline for applications.

If you have any questions about the appointments or the process, please contact [email protected]

Proposed merger of IPF with aref and bpf - what's happened so far?

As the IPF approaches its 40th anniversary, we’ve been asking ourselves some big questions. The world has changed. Our industry has changed. And the IPF must change too — to remain relevant, impactful, and financially sustainable. This thinking has led to the proposal to merge with AREF and the BPF to create a single, stronger industry body Real Estate:UK.

The Investment Property Forum (IPF) Operational Board held a General Meeting of members at 12pm on Monday 14 July 2025 to consider the resolution: Should IPF merge with the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF) and British Property Federation (BPF) to form Real Estate:UK (RE:UK)?

Given the significance of this question, Clare Thomas, IPF National Chair, decided to trigger an all-member polling rather than ask for a 'show of hands' at the meeting (per the Articles of Association). The online vote opened on 14 July and closed on 29 August; with IPF members each being sent an individual link to the voting platform. During the voting period, the IPF held further briefing online sessions on 16 July and 13 August. Several members also contacted members of the IPF board to discuss the proposal in more detail.

On 1 September, the three organisations issued a joint press release to confirm that IPF members, together with those of AREF and BPF had voted in favour of the merger.

RE:UK Press Release 1 September 2025

Presentation at the General Meeting

Members of the IPF Operational Board presented an overview of the current position of the IPF and outlined details of the proposed merger, including the indicated fee structure for existing IPF members.

Slides are available here:

IPF/AREF/BPF proposed Merger - Background and Proposal slides

Click here to view the recording of the General Meeting and Q&A.

Real Estate:UK key documents

IPF, AREF and BPF have created a prospectus outlining their plans for the proposed merger.

RE:UK Prospectus

 

Find out more information about the mission, purpose and governance below:

RE:UK Mission and Purpose

 

RE:UK Governance