PropertyEU
Expert views
One of the popular features of PropertyEU are the contributions provided by experts in their field in the European property industry. Please contact us if you would like to share your opinion on topical subjects with fellow real estate professionals.
The risks of real estate
The risks of real estate
Paul Wessels - Major allegations of fraud are currently front-page news in the Dutch real estate world. The legal authorities are carrying out a wide-ranging investigation into individuals who have worked for leading property investors such as Bouwfonds, Philips pension fund and Fortis Property.
Fit for the 21st century
Fit for the 21st century
Jaap Gillis - Working for a pan-European company, I am used to travelling a lot across Europe. In fact, I frequently travel by plane. Some of you might criticise me for this, and, indeed, it does not seem to exemplify good corporate social responsibility.
Turkish Delight
Turkish Delight
Musfik Cantekinler - Turkey's economy and financial markets have continued to develop and stabilise in the last five years. Inflation rates of around 80% during the early 2000s have dropped to single-digit figures in the last two years and political uncertainty has subsided following the double elections in 2007.
Labour relations: a two-way street
Labour relations: a two-way street
René Buck - Qualitative factors are as crucial to running new operations. As the need for qualified, motivated personnel is imperative for many manufacturing, distribution or office projects, many decision-makers want to know what kind of labour climate they can expect in the various countries under consideration.
Polonia, la alternativa
Polonia, la alternativa
Ekke Overbeek - Poland has recently seen an invasion of Spanish real estate companies. Indeed, it would have been more appropriate to call the second edition of the Central Europe Meeting Point held recently in Warsaw the Spanish-Polish Meeting Point.
The European lesson of Roanne
The European lesson of Roanne
Jan Hebly - A recent verdict by the European Court of Justice on the tender process of an urban development in the French town of Roanne near Lyon could have far-reaching implications for other EU member states.
Shopping Centres that don't sell goods?
Shopping Centres that don't sell goods?
Nicky Godding - Speakers suggested a scenario of future shopping centres hosting well-known retailers offering nothing more than a great experience and...
Sustainability in all shapes and forms
Sustainability in all shapes and forms
Andrea Carpenter - Sustainability issues are climbing up the agenda in countries across Europe. In the process, the cultural differences between the various member states are becoming apparent. 
REIT's make property organizations more attractive
REIT's make property organizations more attractive
Howard Morgan - “What makes your properties attractive is not just building quality and location, but also having a reputation for great service. Great locations plus great service leads to great performance.”
It's time for long-term-oriented and risk-averse investors to move in
It's time for long-term-oriented and risk-averse investors to move in
Karl Petrikovics - “In many CEE markets the pioneering phase is over. It’s now the time for long-term-oriented and risk-averse investors to move in.”
UK is not in overpriced territory
UK is not in overpriced territory
Paul Kennedy - “Provided investors remain sensible and don’t bid yields down to unsustainable levels, then we’re not in overpriced territory.”
Hotels are a suitable alternative to other real estate
Hotels are a suitable alternative to other real estate
Gerard Greene - “The whole passion of the hotel industry used to be about putting a personal touch into properties. What consumers really want when they go to a hotel is to feel special and experience something personal.”
The Two Pillars of European RE
The Two Pillars of European RE
Steve Hays - Why are the UK and the Netherlands also the two gravitational poles of the European real estate investment market?
Brits seek refuge elsewhere
Paul McManus - Over the last couple of years Britain's private investors have become fed up with their domestic market. Property gurus...
Figures which don't add up
Figures which don't add up
Wabe van Enk - Investing in property is becoming less and less a question of mathematics. There was a trend in the 1990s to view investment as a cold calculation of yield and risk.
Yields are falling, but so are the risks
Yields are falling, but so are the risks
Henk Hirs - The days of exceptionally high yields of 11% or more are definitely over in countries like Hungary, Poland or even Romania. But the prospect of ...
Injecting new life into German cities
Injecting new life into German cities
David Gordon Smith - The German foundation 'Lebendige Stadt' ('Vibrant City') is working to make German cities more liveable -- and to change the way Germans think about urban space. 'We want to ...
The urban entrepreneur
The urban entrepreneur
Douglas Clark - Urban development has been with us for a long time. Max Weber outlined the features of the European city in The City published in 1921; the Urban Land Institute has been talking and thinking urban since 1936.