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 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 is now open and will close at 12 noon on 29 August.

We urge all members to vote in favour of the merger. As outlined in the slides below, a 'No' vote will not mean that the IPF will be able to continue as it is.

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

The meeting - including a Q&A session - was also recorded and will be available online shortly.

Briefing Sessions & Support

We’ll be holding two further online briefing and Q&A sessions, on:

Wednesday 16 July
Wednesday 13 August

Information on further events will follow.

If you’re unable to attend, all three sessions (including the EGM) will be recorded and available on the IPF website.

If you still have questions, please contact Sue Forster at [email protected]. If you would like to speak directly to a board member, you are welcome to contact any member of the Operational Board or your regional board. A full list of contacts is available on the IPF website.

This merger is about safeguarding what matters most — and creating something stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready for the whole real estate sector, whatever your career stage or location. 

member voting

Members have received an email with a link to vote. This link is unique to your membership. If you can't find the original voting link, we will be sending out regular reminders, which will also include your voting link. Please contact [email protected] if you have any issues voting.

If you have not paid your 25/26 subscription fees, you are NOT eligible to vote. Please click here to renew your membership.

Please note that some of you may belong to companies that are corporate members of AREF and/or the BPF. While voting within those bodies takes place at a corporate level, the IPF vote is individual — and every member’s voice counts. We encourage you to cast your own vote, regardless of your company’s position elsewhere.