Research Proposals
The IPF welcomes research proposals from those looking to undertake research in real estate investment. Proposals are considered by the IPF Research Steering Group, a committee of industry practitioners with a wealth of experience in both research and practice.
The research ideas that the IPF will consider progressing will be those that meet the IPF's overall aims to enhance the knowledge and understanding of property as an investment asset class (both to property professionals and to those outside property). These may support or develop new or existing forms of real estate investment or improvements in the functioning of the property investment market in the UK, possibly with reference to other asset classes or real estate markets in other jurisdictions. In terms of research themes, specific areas of interest are asset allocation, portfolio selection and asset management.
IPF Research Submission Guidelines
Unlocking Institutional Access to the Next Generation of Real Assets – Invitation to Tender
The IPF wants to commission research looking at the investment case for large-scale operational real estate and infrastructure, using data centres as an example, while also considering other growth sectors such as new energy infrastructure (e.g., renewable generation, battery storage, and grid-support assets). The research will address the broader question of scale:
- How can traditional real estate investors access and participate in operational assets typically dominated by specialist or infrastructure-focused capital?
- What organisational capabilities, partnerships, and structures are required to operate effectively at scale?
- Where do the boundaries lie between real estate and infrastructure investment, and how are these evolving?
The research will:
- Analyse global and regional trends in large-scale investments, including data centres and comparable infrastructure investments.
- Compare investment structures (direct ownership, joint ventures, listed vehicles, funds).
- Categorise investment opportunities across i) debt and equity ii) risk profile (core, value add and opportunistic).
- Provide case studies of successful market entry in both digital and energy infrastructure.
- Identify key risks, due diligence requirements, and long-term value drivers across asset types.
A copy of the full brief is attached below.
Unlocking Institutional Access to the Next Generation of Real Assets – Invitation to Tender
In order to be considered to undertake this project, please submit a formal proposal by email to the IPF Consultant, Rachel Portlock (rportlock@ipf.org.uk) by close of business, Wednesday 17th December.