Advanced Tax and Regulations Seminar 2025: highlights

The Advanced Tax and Regulations Seminar, held in London on 30 October, brought together 60 participants to explore how simplifying and streamlining current tax and regulatory frameworks are could improve Europe’s competitiveness in attracting real estate investment. Under the theme “Competing for investment in highly regulated Europe,” the discussions centred on how ambitious simplification agendas announced by policy makers in both the UK and the EU could increase investor interest in Europe and lead to greater capital flows into European real estate.

Jeff Rupp, INREV’s Director of Public Affairs, opened the seminar by welcoming participants and setting the stage for an afternoon focused on the interplay between policy, regulation, and market performance and efforts underway to make Europe more investable.

Gavin Haran from the Financial Conduct Authority provided an update on the UK’s simplification and streamlining agenda, outlining achievements to date and future plans aimed at making regulation more efficient and proportionate for fund managers. This was followed by a joint presentation from Emily Harmsworth of Linklaters and Chris Ormond of Goodwin Procter, who discussed the EU’s corresponding efforts to reduce regulatory complexity and enhance investment efficiency, including in the area of sustainability. The three speakers then joined a Q&A session, where participants engaged in a lively discussion on the reforms already underway and the potential for greater simplification ahead.

In an insightful presentation, Iryna Pylypchuk, INREV’s Director of Research and Market Information, examined the role of tax and regulation in real estate investment decisions, highlighting how policy shifts influence fund structures, investor behaviour, and overall market competitiveness.

A panel moderated by Rahul Manvatkar from Linklaters brought together Abigail Clark (CBRE Global Investors), Zack Williams (DWS Group), and Marta Metsch (LaSalle Investment Management) to explore whether lightening regulatory and tax burdens could make the EU and UK more attractive to investors and which regulations and tax rules would have the biggest impact on reducing compliance and other burdens if simplified. The panellists shared perspectives on balancing investor protection with market flexibility and discussed how simpler, more principles-based regulation could enhance Europe’s investment appeal.

In closing, Jeff Rupp reflected on the day’s discussions, noting the continued importance of collaboration between policymakers and industry participants to ensure Europe remains both competitive and well-regulated in a rapidly changing global landscape.

We extend our thanks to all speakers, panellists, and participants for their valuable contributions. Be sure to check the INREV event calendar for upcoming events.

You can download the seminar presentations below.