The ninth edition of Getting to Know Who’s NEXT features Ashley Perry, Acquisitions Director (Multifamily) at Apache Capital and ULI UK Residential Council Chair.

Ashley is responsible for implementing investment strategies for Build to Rent platforms, bringing forward new investment opportunities and driving the growth of the business and has over 13 years of experience in real estate investment across UK, Ireland, Spain and Canada.  In addition to leading new business for the Apache multifamily platforms, Ashley holds leadership positions at the Association for Rental Living (ARL) as Chair of the Investor & Lender Forum, whilst also chairing the Urban Land Institute (ULI) UK Residential Council.

In the following Q&A, Ashley shares how ULI has impacted his professional focus, insights into the evolving pathways of entry to the Real Estate industry, and reflects on the importance and personal fulfilment of socially impactful projects.

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?

AP: I joined ULI Young Leaders in 2014 after a client recommendation when I was working in consultancy in Canada and moved back to the UK. My first event was the launch of the ULI UK Build to Rent Guide and that prompted a focus for me on all things residential and BTR. I now have the privilege of being the current ULI UK Residential Council Chair and we have convened some great Council days in Cambridge, Birmingham, Manchester and London in recent years with involvement from the public and private sectors as any good ULI event does.

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

AP: Prior to focussing on BTR, I led a pro-bono project to design and deliver a Children’s Hospice in North London which is now operational and thriving. It was a colossal team effort to get planning (in the green belt) and secure the construction funds to build the facility. It was a remarkable showcase for a wonderful cause that supports life-limited children and their families.

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

AP: Navigating the macroeconomic conditions and scaling the UK residential for rent platforms that we have created. The fundamentals of building homes has a clear social imperative and now a large cohort of investors seeking to deploy capital, it is a core asset class for the future.

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

AP: The ability for young people learning more about property and real estate earlier (through platforms like UrbanPlan), rather than landing in real estate after studies. I think that can have a hugely positive impact on quality and quantity of great people from diverse backgrounds in the varied roles in the Built Environment. From my mentoring group in the latest cohort, with some post-Covid graduates, it is clear that they are ready and prepared with new skills/tools such as AI to enhance their asset management and investment management capability. Something I couldn’t have foreseen even 5 years ago – definitely an emerging trend.

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

AP: I’ve recently enjoyed, and been absorbed by, the David Attenborough documentary Ocean as a keen snorkeller (and occasional scuba diver). Whilst the built environment keeps me busy on the day job, I’m so enthralled by the value and importance of the natural world under the sea.

Check out the past Getting to Know Who’s NEXT articles here.