Keynote speaker Andrea Carpenter (Women Talk Real Estate) presented the findings of the 2020 report, which was based on interviews with, and surveys from, more than 900 of the most influential leaders in the real estate industry. In her presentation Andrea Carpenter noted that the 2020 survey responses reflected Europe’s property leaders’ faith in real estate as an attractive and in-demand investment class, despite strong political and economic headwinds. With interest rates set to stay lower for longer and bond yields in many European countries in negative territory, real estate income retains its broad appeal to investors, especially in comparison to other asset classes. At the same time market participants are careful how they deploy capital with focus on cities that offer liquidity and stability.

In her presentation with the title “Death of the retail or retail renaissance”, Eri Mitsostergiou, Director of European Research Savills London, highlighted the challenges faced by the retail industry due to demographic and technological changes, but also the opportunities created through redevelopment and repurposing of retail assets. Eri discussed how the emergence of e-commerce and other structural shifts have changed the way we want to spend our time and money, focusing more on experiences and how this impacts retail destinations. Over-spaced retail markets, where the growth in online penetration is forecast to be significant, are expected to be the most exposed to these changes. However, she also emphasised the importance of physical stores for retailers. Effectively, in order to enhance the attractiveness of retail destinations, a greater focus on experience and intensification of uses that attracts more people will be key.