On 7 December, ULI Europe CEO Lisette van Doorn spoke on a panel at the 10^th annual FT Property Summit, hosted by the Financial Times in London. The event brought together global investors, occupiers, lenders and developers to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the real estate market.

Moderated by Financial Times Property Correspondent Judith Evans, the panel focused on how London can continue to attract talent and compete with other global cities. van Doorn and fellow panellist Richard Brown of the Centre for London discussed the fallout from the Brexit vote, affordable housing, mixed-use developments, and innovation.

Van Doorn noted that while the initial feedback from the industry in response to the Brexit vote was very negative, we now know that the immediate impact on London and other UK cities was not as strong as anticipated.  However, there are still considerable concerns about London’s ability to attract talent from abroad.

During the affordable housing discussion, van Doorn mentioned that there is no “one size fits all” solution, as each country has its own specific requirements.  That said, she explained, there is value in learning from other countries, as evidenced by the ULI UK Build to Rent Guide, which was informed by study tours to Germany and the US.

According to van Doorn, Brexit will not suddenly change London’s position on the world stage. However, the city should invest in good density and attract innovative companies to remain competitive.