Proposed merger of IPF with aref and bpf
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
" Between them, AREF, the BPF and IPF already provide a comprehensive programme of seminars, round tables and webinars; site visits; informal networking events; conferences; and dinners and lunches in London and the regions. RE:UK will expand this provision, not least to provide more events and mentoring for younger members and facilitate networking with non-UK based investors "