Global real estate advisor CBRE announces that it has appointed Chris Brett as Head of International Investment for its UK business.
In this newly created role, Chris Brett will advise international investors seeking to access commercial real estate opportunities in all sectors in London and the wider UK market. He will also contribute to the wider CBRE EMEA Capital Markets service, which advises investors on investment opportunities across the region.
Chris joins from LaSalle Investment Management where he was European Head of Strategic partnerships, working as part of the global client services team focussed on relationships with major institutional investors with a particular focus on Asia and the Middle East.
In 2012, 21% of the €127 billion invested in European commercial real estate originated outside of the region, with London capturing €9.8 billion, or 36%, of all cross-regional investor activity. Within this, Asian investors accounted for over £2.6 billion of London transactions in 2012, second only to the United States. The figure for 2012 is double that of 2011, and four times that of 2010.
Simon Blake, Head of Capital Markets, UK, CBRE commented:
“While global real estate investors continue to acknowledge London as one of the most liquid, stable and prestigious markets, they are now also turning to opportunities across the UK and in other key European markets. This interest is being driven by improving confidence in real estate as well as
the emergence of new investors with a wider range of return requirements. Chris’ arrival at our firm will allow us to further strengthen our relationships with these investors and enhance our ability to provide all our clients with the highest levels of service and advice in the market.”