Brownfield development is a critical crossroads. While investors and developers have historically prioritised greenfield sites, updated planning rules and tax reliefs now make brownfield development more cost-effective than ever before.

After a slow start, investor attitudes towards environmental sustainability have started to evolve. It is no longer seen as just a nice to have. Changing regulations mean environmental sustainability credentials will have a significant impact on property values.

Office market pressures have intensified over the past year in many locations. Persistent office to residential conversions continue to constrain supply and push up rents.

Alternative asset classes have come of age. In recent years, the private rented sector (PRS), healthcare projects and the industrial sector have moved up the agenda to become mainstream investment vehicles. Today, they are critical growth levers for UK real estate.

With London reaching saturation point, investors are now turning their attention to new growth hotspots across the country. Regional activity is now a key focus.

The Bank of England’s decision in November 2017 to increase the interest rate was widely expected across the sector. While the marginal uplift will have a negligible effect on investor activity, it does signal the start of creeping rate rises over the medium to long-term.

The EU referendum has created a favourable landscape for overseas investment. While volatility acts as a break on domestic spending, the weak pound creates a big incentive for international investors.

Despite economic and political uncertainty, the UK is still amongst the epicentres of real estate activity globally. An overwhelming majority of investors will continue to focus on domestic markets over the next two years.