Thank you for joining us in Cannes for another fantastic year. We had a great time reconnecting with familiar faces and building new relationships. This year, we hosted a range of engaging events and led many insightful conversations.  

Our position in the market 

Hollis has been a proud participant at MIPIM for over 20 years, and this year was no exception. Beyond hosting outstanding events on our stunning rooftop, we engaged in forward-thinking, insightful conversations that will shape the future of real estate. 

We showcased our position as a circa 500-strong, employee-owned, independent real estate consultancy, working with owners, occupiers, developers, and funders across the built environment. Operating in the UK, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, and Germany, our team is united by the Hollis Hallmark and a dedication to excellence. With expertise spanning Development & Project Management, Buy & Sell, Lease & Occupy, and Sustainability & Innovation, we continue to lead across key areas of the market. 

Shifting capital flows 

One of the dominant themes emerging from discussions was the significant reallocation of capital away from the United States towards European markets. Major investors are apprehensive around uncertainty in the US, with many turning to Europe’s more stable investment climate. Spain is seen as an increasingly attractive market, Germany remains a stable, and the Netherlands is experiencing a rise in capital, particularly in data centres and sustainability-focused assets. 

Navigating market challenges

The investment landscape remains challenging, navigating the turbulence of the current market. Institutional investors are assessing opportunities, with some willing to acquire assets others are retreating from. Fire safety remains a key concern, impacting lender confidence and reshaping investment priorities across sectors. Meanwhile, the office market remains complex, with ongoing safety and regulatory concerns, while the industrial sector continues to attract US capital, particularly in refurbishment projects. 

Regulatory and compliance concerns 

Legislative hurdles, particularly in the UK, remain a pressing concern as Head of Building Safety and Fire, Dr. Benjamin Ralph highlighted. The Building Safety Act and its “Gateway 2” provisions are proving problematic, with uncertainty surrounding the future of safety regulations. A shortage of fire engineers is further compounding challenges, making it difficult for developers and lenders to navigate compliance requirements.  

This was a regular topic, as Nathan Hooper, our Head of hotels and residential sectors, noticed there was still evidence of nervousness around the building control regime (BSR) gateways for higher-risk buildings (HRB) development, resulting in people acting cautiously around HRB developments/works. As well as lots of clients still saying there is a diversion between pricing and expectation, which continues to make acquisitions and disposals tricky. 

Meanwhile, changes in residential regulations – such as the requirement for second staircases – are influencing development strategies. The exchange between regulatory frameworks and investment decisions continues to be a key issue, with professionals at MIPIM calling for greater clarity from policymakers. 

Sustainability as a strategic priority 

Sustainability remains at the forefront of investment strategy discussions. Institutional investors, such as L&G, remain firm in their long-term sustainability commitments, viewing them as essential rather than optional. The increasing focus on embodied carbon and emissions reduction is shaping European investment strategies, particularly in markets like the Netherlands. Private equity and family offices, particularly those from countries like Singapore, are prioritising returns but remain aware of the importance of integrating sustainability into their projects. The challenge ahead will be balancing financial performance with ESG commitments, especially as regulatory expectations tighten. 

Leading the sustainability conversation

We led discussions on sustainability, as Katherine Biesler, Head of ESG shared insights into our full range of services, from ESG due diligence and Net Zero Carbon pathways to climate risk assessments and certifications. We also outlined growth across key sectors, with £320 million in building safety and fire remediation projects, £250 million in life sciences, and significant expansion in student accommodation, residential, and hotel developments.

Diversity and inclusion in investment

A key trend gaining traction is the rise of female-led investment opportunities, particularly in sustainability. With women increasingly leading initiatives in ESG-focused projects, industry players are beginning to assess the long-term impact of this shift on decision-making processes and corporate strategy. Broader diversity discussions also were a topic of interest, covering LGBTQIA+ representation and company policies. There is a growing recognition that inclusivity is not just a social imperative but also a driver of innovation and resilience in the real estate sector.

Sector-specific momentum 

Despite wider economic challenges, certain sectors are seeing strong momentum. The luxury hotel market is experiencing an uptick in sales and leasebacks, with institutional investors showing keen interest. The residential sector, particularly affordable housing, is also drawing attention, with initiatives like L&G’s affordable homes programme gaining traction. Our new Development Management service was a key topic, as service head Sarah Trahair-Williams shared how she’s helping clients maximise their asset value and returns, positioning Hollis at the forefront of the development cycle. 

Additionally, a key talking point was the complex issues that arise when navigating the acquisition or sale of a building. There are several factors to consider, particularly when transitioning office buildings to residential environments, which was a main point of discussion in conversations.  

Our array of technical experts are available to assist at every step – we understand buildings, their uses and running requirements, the occupiers they attract, navigating building safety and the sustainable refurbishment of assets, particularly in the lifescience, office and industrial sectors, where getting the costs right is key. 

Embracing technology and transparency 

We also revealed HollisEngage, our innovative new client portal that provides seamless access to all assets in one place, enabling clients to visually track our work on RCAs, sustainability, and building optimisation data. As we continue to grow, technology and transparency will remain at the core of our client relationships. 

Looking ahead: agility and adaptability

With uncertainty still looming, industry leaders emphasised the need for agility and adaptability in navigating market conditions. Investment decisions are being scrutinised more than ever, with banks working closely with legal teams to assess risk. However, optimism remains, and those who can stay flexible and responsive to the everchanging market will benefit from emerging opportunities. 

Our vision for the future

Our new CEO, Andy Hay, spearheaded conversations on our future vision, and how we’re expanding within our current markets, exploring cross-border opportunities, and strengthening our presence in the EU.  

We’re surveyors, engineers, ESG consultants, project and development managers, and technical specialists. The road ahead may be complex, but for those willing to embrace change, MIPIM 2025 made it clear that the future of real estate investment remains full of potential. 

A massive thank you to everyone who made MIPIM 2025 so special – whether you attended an event, co-hosted with us, or we met while networking. We value each and every conversation.