Customer Support
952 815 080

Reflection on the Transformation of the Real Estate Sector: Alfil Real Estate Chair Conference

In a sector defined by constant change, the Alfil Real Estate Chair at San Telmo Business School hosted a pivotal conference on the 28th of November 2024, focusing on exploring the opportunities and challenges of the current real estate market. Centered on the main theme of financial innovation and the strategic role of investors, the event provided an in-depth analysis of the trends and tools shaping the future of real estate.

New Financing Alternatives: Diversification & Dynamism

One of the most noteworthy moments was the roundtable discussion titled "Financial Innovation in Real Estate: New Players and Alternatives", moderated by Prof. Eduardo Olaya Estefan. The discussion, featuring experts from Banco Sabadell, Arcano Partners, and Urbanitae, highlighted the evolution of real estate financing into a more diverse ecosystem, converging around three major players: traditional banks, investment funds, and crowdfunding platforms.

  • Traditional Banks: Facing increased regulation, banks have adopted a conservative approach, primarily financing established projects and requiring an initial equity of 20-30%. Their current role prioritizes cost coverage and largely excludes operations like land acquisition.

  • Investment Funds: Offering greater flexibility and faster operations, these funds are willing to take on higher risks in pursuit of elevated returns, with internal rates of return (IRR) close to 10%. However, this capacity to finance riskier projects translates into higher operating costs.

  • Real Estate Crowdfunding: Represented at the event by Urbanitae, this model has proven to be an agile and accessible tool for connecting investors with innovative projects. With over 160 successful operations, real estate crowdfunding has democratized investment, enabling small and medium-sized investors to participate in structured senior debt or bridge financing deals.

Risk and Return: The Investor’s Perspective

The conference also addressed the delicate balance between risk and return in real estate investments. Experts emphasized how new financial tools are not only diversifying funding sources but also enabling broader participation in the sector, ranging from small-scale investors to large corporations. This approach drives real estate development, fosters innovation, and adapts the sector to evolving market demands.

Practical Workshop: Crowdfunding as a Corporate Strategy

The event concluded with a workshop led by Prof. Josep Mor Figueras, delving into the potential of real estate crowdfunding for businesses. This model was highlighted as an effective solution for bridging financial gaps and exploring new strategies within the corporate sector.

A Commitment to the Future of Real Estate

Through events like this, the Alfil Real Estate Chair reaffirms its commitment to leading strategic reflection in the real estate sector. Collaboration among academia, private enterprises, and technology platforms emerges as a key factor in addressing market challenges and maximizing future opportunities.

With a focus on education, critical analysis, and knowledge generation, the chair remains a reference point for those seeking to anticipate trends and lead change in the dynamic real estate sector.