Brunswick's Real Estate Sector | Brunswick Group

Real Estate

Responsible business in a changing environment

The real estate sector is undergoing rapid change accelerated by global trends in how we live and work, together with climate change and greater connectivity through digitization.

Brunswick is well positioned to help responsible businesses navigate increasingly complex critical issues, higher expectations and reporting scrutiny, to tell their story and ensure they meet commercial and community objectives. Working with a wide spectrum of clients in the sector, from the world’s largest companies to the start-ups of tomorrow, we bring industry-leading advice to support clients across a range of issues, including financial situations, ESG, societal challenges, crises, employee engagement, public affairs, narrative work, thought leadership, digital and connected leadership.

The work we do

Our experience in real estate spans finance, offices, residential, retail and leisure, industrial and logistics, professional services, mixed use, purpose-built student housing and alternatives, in both the listed and private arena, cross-border and locally.

Working at the intersection of business, government and society, we provide advice and execution based on our deep sector and practice group expertise to help clients communicate what they do and why it matters, and identify how they can evolve to better meet the needs of investors and society.

Meet the team

The Rapidly Changing Market Dynamics

A change in status quo

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated trends already taking root, including the growth of e-commerce and flexible working, which have increased the demands on all real estate companies. How they communicate with their stakeholders about their ability to adapt to these demands has never been so critical.

Leadership, execution, differentiation

With market confidence impacted by macro concerns over consumer behaviors, inflationary pressures and recessionary fears, real estate businesses who are resilient, demonstrate control, track record and differentiation are positioned to take the greater opportunities ahead.

The built environment is responsible for around 40% of global carbon emissions

To meet the climate challenge, investors are making net-zero commitments, regulators are developing international reporting standards, governments are passing laws to reduce emissions, customers are seeking more sustainable buildings and employees are being called upon to deliver the action. This creates new responsibilities, as well as significant opportunities for the sector.

Boards and management teams need to explain how they are incorporating climate factors into their strategy and the decisions they take, and how these are reflected in their valuations and reporting, both to mitigate risks and to create new sources of value for investors, customers and communities.

Demonstrating social value is becoming a cornerstone of distinctive leadership

As developers and managers of physical assets, stakeholders know that real estate companies are uniquely positioned to influence the prosperity of communities, positively or negatively.

Investors, planners, developers and customers increasingly want to understand the economic, environmental and social benefits in the locations where companies create financial value.

A shift from traditional property management and investment to purposeful asset management and impact investment means businesses are expected to demonstrate how they are helping communities address societal issues and enhancing quality of life for the people who use their spaces.

The business case for diversity, equity and inclusion is stronger than ever

Leaders in the sector are embracing diversity, equity and inclusion to attract top talent that helps them better understand their customers, retain great employees and improve their decision-making to achieve outperformance.

The underlying culture of a business is a critical factor in employee engagement and performance, yet often difficult to define and evolve from within an organization.

The way we communicate has changed

Stakeholders expect more transparent reporting aligned to international best practice, and to understand what drives a business to make its decisions.

Anchoring communication in a relevant and compelling purpose ensuring the business has an authentic story and enabling leaders and employees to give their voice in the right digital channels are essential elements.

Real estate companies who understand how they stay ahead and effectively articulate that to the stakeholders who matter will be the leaders of tomorrow.