On 12 March 2025, the INREV Cannes Seminar once again brought together industry leaders at the Hotel Carlton during MIPIM. Despite the overcast skies, the mood was engaged and interactive, with anticipation of the day's discussions on the evolving residential investment landscape.
INREV's CEO Casper Hesp opened the seminar, highlighting how the residential sector has outperformed office and retail over the past decade. Yet, despite strong demand, new construction is slowing, and the cost of decarbonising Europe’s aging housing stock remains a significant challenge.
Abigail Dean, Head of Strategic Insights at Nuveen Real Estate, explored the megatrends shaping the sector, including demographic shifts, affordability constraints, and the urgent need for energy efficiency. While demand remains strong, particularly for student housing, low total return forecasts and regulatory pressures may impact long-term performance.
A panel discussion featuring Mads Rude (PATRIZIA), Robert Jan Foortse (APG Asset Management), and Mikael Hjorth (Capman Real Estate) delved into pricing concerns, supply-demand imbalances, and government policy challenges. While capital continues to flow into residential, risks such as rent controls and regulatory fragmentation require careful navigation. The Nordics’ population growth and Spain’s focus on affordability were highlighted as key regional trends.
Discussions extended to entry points for niche residential sectors. Purpose-built student accommodation remains attractive, though senior housing investment is hindered by government policies that encourage aging in place. Audience questions reinforced the importance of decarbonisation strategies, mixed-use developments, and the evolving role of regulation in shaping investment opportunities.
Thank you to all who contributed to this insightful seminar, and a special thanks to our guest speakers and experts.
You can review the presentations by Casper Hesp and Abigail Dean below.
Cannes Seminar 2025 Presentations
Last updated on 13 Mar 2025