CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM) is in the process of continuing the expansion of its pan-European residential real estate strategy, which is being implemented on behalf of CBRE Europe Residential Partners (ERP). So far, capital commitments amounting to EUR 866 million have been acquired as part of this strategy. The fund's volume will exceed the one billion euro mark upon full investment of the most recently raised capital.
The ERP fund focuses on providing affordable, high-quality, and sustainable rental housing for middle-income households. The investment focus is on urban and structurally undersupplied markets within Europe. The existing portfolio currently comprises 16 properties with a total of approximately 2,400 residential units, distributed across eight European metropolitan regions and five countries.
In 2025, the pan-European residential fund recorded positive performance. This was due to the robust fundamentals of the European housing markets, a disciplined acquisition approach, and active asset management. High occupancy rates confirm the continuously strong demand for rental housing in sought-after locations. Investor interest in the fund strategy remains high, as evidenced by continuous capital inflows and a pipeline of potential acquisition opportunities in the European target markets.
Latest Acquisition in Copenhagen
As part of the ongoing portfolio expansion, a newly built residential complex in Ishoj, within the greater Copenhagen area, was acquired for the fund. This complex comprises 132 flats, divided into four buildings. The acquisition aligns with the fund's strategy to offer high-quality, affordable, and sustainable rental housing for middle-income households in Europe's metropolitan regions. The design of the complex placed particular emphasis on architectural quality, functional layouts, and the use of durable materials. This aims at the long-term value development of the properties and tenant retention. All residential units feature balconies or terraces, ample natural light, and modern amenities.
Marius Schöner, Head of EMEA Residential Operator Division at CBRE Investment Management, commented that a pan-European residential real estate strategy offers German investors an opportunity to supplement their domestic allocations with a broader spectrum of income and value creation potential across Europe. He highlighted that while Germany remains a core market, expansion into other European cities allows investors to benefit from differing supply and demand dynamics, rental growth profiles, and market cycles. The approach is based on investing in high-quality housing in various European markets to achieve stable and resilient returns. Schöner emphasised that geographical diversification reduces concentration risks while capitalising on opportunities arising from different property cycles. The fund's continued growth reflects strong investor demand for this diversified and flexible approach in the residential real estate sector.
Hilke Nijmeijer, Senior Portfolio Manager Europe Residential Partners at CBRE Investment Management, added that the persistently low housing supply and high demand for affordable rental housing in Copenhagen and the greater Copenhagen area ensure stable occupancy rates and rental growth. Suburbs with good connectivity are gaining attractiveness as a result. Nijmeijer sees the almost fully let residential property in Copenhagen as very well-positioned to generate stable and inflation-linked returns. This is supported by favourable demographic developments, a limited new-build supply, and a balanced housing mix tailored to the needs of middle-income households. She views the acquisition as a high-quality investment that aligns with the fund's strategy, namely providing access to affordable and sustainable housing in European markets with the highest supply shortages.
