Private property funds will be ‘main’ equity source in 2009

Private property funds are set to be the main driving force behind investment in European real estate after raising more than €23 billion in equity during 2008.

However, according to the PricewaterhouseCoopers/Urban Land Institute 2009 Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe report, funds with capital are not planning a buying spree just yet – with many planning to “keep” their powder dry amid expectations valuations across the continent will drop further.

The report said many funds were “hunkering down in the trenches” as they tried to deal with falling prices and declining fund valuations, which were endangering both banking covenants and managers’ fees.

As one fund manager told the report: “I have told my people, ‘Let’s keep our powder dry, watch the market, and then strike.’ ”

Private property funds own approximately €280 billion of European real estate, about two-thirds of it continental and one-third in the UK. According to Morgan Stanley, the report said, more than €10 billion of that was owned by funds whose LTV covenants were more than 75 percent. “That is, either already or in danger of going under water,” the report added.

Germany emerged as a top destination for investors in 2009 as many seek safety from volatile markets.  Munich and Hamburg were the top two investment destinations, the report said, followed by Istanbul, Zurich, London and Moscow. Munich and Hamburg were in fourth and third place respectively in the 2008 report.

The report said European investors were also looking to more niche property sectors, including student housing, self-storage, caravan parks, nursing homes, health care facilities, car parking, data centres, and infrastructure. “Long leases, strong covenants and RPI-linked leases are all attractive and yields reflect that,” one fund manager is quoted as saying, with another one adding: “Anything that is government-backed is a good place to be in this environment.”