Colliers restructures Residential & Living division to boost client service
Colliers has unveiled a new structure for its Residential & Living team, appointing Jon Bull-Diamond to lead the division and introducing changes to enhance its client-focused approach across the UK housing sector.
As part of the restructure, Alanna Peach has been promoted to head of living capital markets, while Andrew White will continue as head of UK residential.
The team’s remit spans all asset classes including purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), build to rent (BTR), and new residential developments, with services covering funding, asset and land acquisitions, disposals, and development advice. Colliers said the team will also work closely with colleagues on debt, capital raising and finance solutions.
Bull-Diamond said: “The living sector is one that never stands still, be it the work that government is doing to unlock viability, building safety and funding; changes to the planning system; or demographic shifts that impact trends in student and housing demand.
“Our new look team at Colliers is designed to provide clients with a full-sector service, working across all asset classes in the residential and living sectors and with the ability to provide the best funding and finance advice in the industry.”
According to Peach, falling interest rates are fuelling renewed investor confidence in the UK residential and living market, with demand rising for both traditional sectors such as PBSA and BTR and for newer areas like multifamily and co-living. She said: “As more of our clients get comfortable with direct-let and operational exposure within their portfolios, we are seeing a number expanding to own and operate multiple living sector assets.
“The USP of our team is harnessing our living sector expertise within one team, enabling us to offer bespoke advice within a one-stop-shop, whilst also providing cross sector operational and cost knowledge.”
White added: “Our value lies in our ability to operate as a niche advisory team, across the various housing tenures, whilst leveraging our wider connections across our UK business. And as a truly global company, we also have the benefit of our worldwide reach and insights which our clients can really maximise when making decisions on how to invest in this ever-changing sector.”
CBRE hires Paul Hawkey as senior director to enhance affordable housing team
CBRE has appointed Paul Hawkey as a senior director within its Residential Capital Markets team, in a move aimed at strengthening the firm’s affordable housing offer.
Hawkey joins CBRE from Knight Frank, where he spent more than nine years and most recently led the affordable housing investment team. His previous experience also includes roles at Catalyst Housing, now part of the Peabody Trust.
Commenting on his appointment, Hawkey said: “I am pleased to be joining CBRE at this hugely exciting time for the affordable housing sector. The market is going through an important period of growth, with an ever growing number of investors looking to access the sector. I look forward to bringing my knowledge and expertise in this field to new and existing clients at CBRE.”
Justin Carty, head of residential investment advisory at CBRE, said: “It’s an important time for the sector, with the recent allocation of £39bn which is a much-needed injection for affordable housing. The sector has faced a myriad of challenges, that has seen affordable housing delivery, particularly in London, stall, and there are still significant planning and delivery challenges that developers are facing, which need to be overcome to meet housing needs.
“Paul’s appointment reflects the increasing activity in the market and our commitment to delivering exceptional service to our clients. His extensive knowledge and experience of funding affordable housing schemes, alongside his experience of working for a registered provider, will make him a valuable asset to our team as well as the wider business. We are thrilled to welcome him to CBRE.”
