UKREiiF 2026 once again brought together the full breadth of the UK’s real estate sector – and this year felt particularly significant for Brodies as we continue to strengthen our presence in the North of England, with the recent launch of our Leeds office.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity for our cohort of partners and colleagues attending, to take stock of where we are as an industry and reconnect with clients and peers alike – and the energy across the city at the many (and varied) fringe events, reflected a broader sense of optimism in a somewhat varied yet unpredictable market.
Brodies’ Leeds office
This year’s UKREiiF had added resonance for us as we proceeded to embed our new Leeds office at 7 Park Row. Being on the ground in the city has already enhanced our ability to engage more closely with clients, stakeholders and the regional market.
Market sentiment
A consistent theme throughout UKREiiF 2026 was a sense that sectoral confidence is critical, with noticeable highlights including data centres, energy transition, technology and infrastructure. But that regulatory reform was both a blessing and a curse.
Regeneration and place-making continued to dominate the agenda, with a growing emphasis on long-term social value and sustainability.
Across our discussions, several key points emerged: the impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on build to rent and institutional investment, perennial planning issues for homebuilders (ESG, BNG and all alphabet-soup acronyms in-between), existing and future-proofing homes for building and fire safety, as well as data centre growth strategy and the role of local government – with energy consumption and transition of notable relevance.
Brodies’ industry brunch
The highlight of our week was hosting clients and contacts at our breakfast brunch at the Black Cat Club, just over the road from our new office.
We were delighted to see so many client, contacts and friends of the firm in person to catch up over coffee and pastries, before the more formal elements of UKREiiF got underway.
As ever, UKREiiF reinforced the importance of face-to-face engagement. Whether through panel discussions, impromptu conversations or more structured events like our brunch, the ability to connect in person remains as invaluable as ever. We look forward to seeing you in Leeds next year.
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