2023 tested the resilience of the Private Equity Real Estate (PERE) sector, confronting it with a combination of challenges, such as high inflation rates, monetary policy tightening, bank failures, higher interest rates, equity market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, all of which caused a steep decline in capital flows and alpha.
According to McKinsey, ‘fundraising fell 22 percent across private market asset classes globally to just over $1 trillion’, reaching its lowest since pre-pandemic levels. Alongside this, both global PE deal volume and total transaction value declined between Q1-Q3 2023 compared to the previous year. While these figures could be seen purely in the negative, managers are in a great position alongside a team like Centralis to build on the hard work of the last 12 months.
Those in the Private Equity Real Estate sector are compelled to recalibrate their strategies. Placing a greater demand on generating alpha for investors, firms must dedicate all their efforts and resources towards identifying and delivering new deals to investors. The pursuit of such necessitates a commitment to assess the current market and unearth fresh opportunities that offer the potential for outsized gains.
Despite the opportunity for success in 2024, the PERE sector, like other sectors, faces several pain points that may hinder success.
- Market volatility and uncertainty
Despite the sector’s resilience, market volatility and uncertainty remain significant pain points for PERE firms in 2024. Economic fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, unforeseen events, such as pandemics or natural disasters, can impact investment returns and asset valuations.
- Increased demand for real-time reporting
One significant challenge is meeting the demands of commercial investors for real-time reporting and transparency. As investors seek greater visibility into asset performance and portfolio metrics, fund managers are under pressure to enhance reporting capabilities and adopt robust technology solutions.
- Competition and pricing pressures
Compliance with regulatory requirements adds complexity and costs to RE transactions and asset management activities. Failure to navigate regulatory complexities effectively can lead to legal risks, delays, and reputational damage, undermining success in the sector.
- Digital infrastructure reliability
To implement technology-driven solutions and optimise operational efficiency, a reliable digital infrastructure is key. Maintaining portfolios and ensuring thorough data management and analysis is not only good business practice but also improves firm transparency, which is beneficial for investors.
How Centralis Group can help
Centralis Group provides specialised real estate services, operating directly within the Private Equity and Real Estate investment funds market. By partnering with us, you can concentrate on securing deals while we handle your administrative tasks and infrastructure needs. Our comprehensive services include portfolio KPI monitoring, reporting, escalation management, reconciliations across various asset classes and currencies, and customised reporting and task lists.
Our clientele comprises global leaders in real estate who benefit from Centralis Group’s esteemed reputation and unwavering commitment to service excellence as part of their own client service proposition. This strategic collaboration positions them advantageously for future business prospects and opportunities.
We cater to entities of varying sizes and experience levels, seamlessly integrating our services to align with each of their unique growth strategies. Our role extends beyond support, offering market expertise across a spectrum of functions, including but not limited to, consulting, transaction support, reporting and compliance services, management, and accounting services, as well as unwavering business continuity support. Please contact Elizabeth Fitzgibbons at elizabeth.fitzgibbons@centralisgroup.com to find out more.
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