Alternative UK property sees record £4.7m investment

03 Jun 2019 –– Investment News
Alternative property investments are at a record high

Investing in alternative property assets is at a record high, with £4.7m injected into the sector during the first quarter of 2019.

The asset class now has a 42% share of the UK commercial property investment market, according to research carried out by Cushman and Wakefield.

In fact, alternative property investments grew by 50% in the first quarter of 2019, when compared to the same period last year.

This is the highest ever growth for the sector, which saw an increase of 29% and 35% respectively for the final two quarters of 2018. 

These figures demonstrate the growing demand for alternative commercial property investment opportunities, seen in the consistent rise in the alternative real estate asset class. 

The alternative commercial property investment sector includes student accommodation, co-working spaces and care homes.

Jason Winfield, head of UK and Ireland capital markets at Cushman and Wakefield, said: “Investors are looking more broadly at the real estate market and while a flight to alternative assets is typically associated with late-cycle strategies, the strength of the interest is unprecedented.

“The growing understanding and maturity of alternatives as an asset class is proving to be a significant driver for change.”

Overall, more than £11 billion was invested in UK commercial property in the first quarter of 2019.