The fifth edition of Getting to Know Who’s NEXT features Felipe Pérez Agustín, Head of Praemia REIM Spain.

Felipe Pérez Agustín is the Head of Praemia REIM Spain, leading the firm’s investment strategy in the Spanish healthcare real estate market. With over a decade of experience, he has held key roles at Icade Santé, Savills, and Quirónsalud, specialising in asset management, capital markets, and healthcare real estate. He played a pivotal role in launching Icade Santé’s Iberian operations and establishing Savills’ healthcare real estate division. Before focusing on healthcare, he managed commercial and hotel assets, gaining broad expertise in institutional real estate investment. Felipe is also Chair of ULI NEXT Spain and a lecturer on Healthcare Investment at the MDI Master’s programme at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. He holds a degree from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and a postgraduate qualification from IE Business School. His expertise includes portfolio management, investment strategy, and ESG integration in healthcare infrastructure.

In the following Q&A, Felipe explores his passion for the commercial real estate industry and his experiences with ULI.

Q1. ULI: So many of us in real estate fall into the industry and hence commercial real estate professional organisations. How did you get involved with ULI?

I first got involved with ULI when I was invited to give a master class to its members on investment in hospitals and nursing home facilities within the real estate sector. This opportunity allowed me to engage with industry leaders, share insights on healthcare real estate investment, and contribute to discussions on the growing importance of this asset class. From that moment, I recognised the value of ULI as a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and industry innovation, which led to my deeper involvement with the organisation.

Q2. ULI: What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on over your career in real estate?

One of the most interesting projects in my real estate career has been launching Icade Santé’s operations in Spain, now Praemia REIM Care. Establishing the company’s presence in a new market was both a challenge and an incredibly rewarding experience. The process involved building brand recognition in Spain, identifying investment opportunities, setting up the asset management structure, and even initiating equity raising activities. These tasks required a deep understanding of the local healthcare real estate landscape, strong industry relationships, and a strategic vision to position the firm successfully. The opportunity to shape a market entry from the ground up has been one of the most enriching aspects of my career, and it continues to be an exciting journey.

Q3. ULI: What challenges do you face at this point in your career?

At this stage of my career, one of the key challenges is balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution, as my role increasingly focuses on long-term investment strategies, industry relationships, and team leadership. Additionally, as Praemia REIM expands beyond healthcare real estate, I am actively deepening my knowledge of new asset classes such as PBSA, renewables, and other alternative living sectors, requiring continuous learning and market analysis. I am also committed to ongoing professional development, ensuring I stay at the forefront of industry trends through constant education and knowledge-sharing. Teaching remains a key motivation for me, as it allows me to engage with future industry leaders, exchange ideas, and contribute to the evolution of real estate investment strategies.

Q4. ULI: What are you most excited about regarding the industry’s future?

I am most excited about the evolution and diversification of real estate investment, particularly the growing focus on alternative asset classes such as healthcare, PBSA, renewables, and other living sectors. The industry is shifting towards more sustainable, tech-driven, and socially impactful investments, and I find it fascinating to explore how these new asset types can shape the future of real estate. Additionally, the increasing integration of ESG principles and the demand for more resilient and adaptable investment strategies create exciting opportunities for innovation. As an educator, I am also motivated by the next generation of professionals who bring fresh perspectives and challenge traditional models, pushing the industry to evolve in new and dynamic ways.

Q5. ULI: ULI: What are you currently reading/watching? 

I like to alternate between professional reads and personal interests, balancing real estate, architecture, and art. Right now, I’m reading The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, a fascinating look at cultural differences in business, and Delirious New York by Rem Koolhaas, an inspiring take on urban development.

I also enjoy artist biographies, recently reading Mark Rothko: From the Inside Out by Christopher Rothko, which offers a deep dive into his creative vision.

For podcasts, I mix business and culture—I often listen to “The Knowledge Project” for insights into decision-making and “The Art Angle” to explore the intersection of art and business.

Check out the past Getting to know who’s NEXT articles here.