The boards of three property industry groups are beginning talks to merge.

The British Property Federation (a cheerleader for Build To Rent), the Association of Real Estate Funds and the Investment Property Forum say they want to come together “to create a new representative body for the UK real estate sector.”

They say their shared vision is “to build on the individual strengths of each organisation to create a new body that will be a single powerful convenor and voice for the sector.”

A shadow board comprising representatives from each organisation has been established to oversee the next stage of the discussions. 

Each organisation will be consulting with its members over the next few months, and it is anticipated that a proposal will be put to their members to consider during 2025. 

BPF chair Jessica Hardman says: “Our sector is changing. Whether that’s the different way in which many of us run our businesses, or the impact of digitalisation, or the emergence and growth of new asset classes such as single family housing, co-living, life sciences and data centres.  

“In response to this change the BPF is already working hard to deliver a programme of continuous development and improvement, but the BPF Board I chair believes we can go even further working with the Boards of AREF and the IPF to deliver a new larger body building on the strengths of each individual organisation. 

“I look forward to sharing further details with members over the next few months and hearing their views.”

AREF describes itself as aiming to increase transparency and understanding in the UK real estate private markets, providing “essential funding.”

And the IPF says its mission is to advance the understanding and efficiency of real estate as a major investment asset class.