We live in a global business environment, and real estate investing is no exception. Seeking to diversify their portfolios and take advantage of higher-yielding opportunities, many investors are looking to overseas real estate markets. To compete internationally and tap into the opportunities abroad, investors must have a strong grasp of current market conditions in their target geographies and build relationships necessary to succeed in the local markets.

Future leaders in real estate

KPMG recently brought together the industry’s future leaders to find out how four prestigious Canadian real estate investment firms are making their mark on the world stage. At KPMG’s fourth annual Future Leaders in Real Estate Reception in Toronto, distinguished panelists described their transactions of interest and foreign investment strategies for identifying unique opportunities globally. Led by Jonathan Newton, Head of KPMG in Canada’s Real Estate Tax Group, this unique event explored real estate investment around the globe and helped the audience gain an understanding of fluctuating international opportunities. Founding Partner of Slate Asset Management, Brady Welch, outlined Slate’s approaches to foreign investment activity as the firm continues to expand its presence internationally, acquiring grocery-anchored retail properties in both the U.S. and Germany. Colin Lynch, Vice President and Director of Global Real Estate at TD Greystone Asset Management, described a holistic view of creating a diversified real estate investment fund abroad. Through the course of the evening, as the four distinguished speakers revealed which foreign markets and asset classes attract them most, it became clear how diverse each firm’s tactics are when it comes to leading on the world stage.

Investment abroad

By delving into their years of foreign investment experience, each panelist delineated the unique obstacles perforating the global investment journey. Daniel Drimmer, President and CEO of Starlight Investments, highlighted his experience owning multi-family apartment buildings in the Southern U.S. market and the impact that investing in the residential landscape has had on his approach. Ugo Bizzarri, Senior Managing Director, CIO and Global Head of Real Estate Investment Management at Timbercreek Asset Management discussed the opportunities his firm has pursued in Dublin, Ireland. Although global investment strategies differed amongst the four panelists, one major commonality was underscored – the importance of developing personal relationships and establishing credibility when building strong representation in foreign markets.

KPMG – An industry market leader

KPMG has built one of Canada’s largest Real Estate practices, comprising of audit, tax and advisory professionals who have extensive knowledge of Real Estate investment, operations and markets. By combining our in-depth knowledge of the Canadian industry with the global reach of KPMG International’s member firms located in 150 countries, we help our clients address today’s complex accounting, tax, strategic, and operational issues, while maintaining focus on the opportunities of tomorrow. Learn more about how KPMG addresses changing market dynamics to meet our client’s needs.