In this episode of Reinventing Real Estate, Jenna Harris and Jamie Harris are joined by Dominic Butler and Neil MacLeod, Founding Partners of Halcyon - one of the most exciting names in London’s Co-living scene. From their beginnings as lawyers at Nabarro, to helping shape the early days of The Collective, and now leading an award-winning development company with over 800 Co-living units delivered and 1,400 more in the pipeline, Dom and Neil share their journey, philosophy and blueprint for the next evolution of urban living.We explore:- The evolution of Co-living - how the sector has matured from concept to institutional-grade asset class and where it’s headed next - Halcyon’s development philosophy - pairing design-led, community-focused schemes with commercial discipline- Sui Generis vs. C1 - examining the rise of C1 in Co-living delivery and the benefits and challenges of both planning routes- Design intelligence - why a perfectly planned 18 sqm unit outperforms a larger, less efficient one- Operational excellence - lessons from Folk and how energy management, data and retention define performance- Investor Insights - strong demand, exceptional retention and the road to yield convergence with BTR- Partnership and purpose - why Halcyon only builds with aligned capital and aims to leave a lasting legacy in LondonIf you’re an investor, developer, or forward-thinker exploring the living sectors, this episode offers a masterclass in how to build Co-living that’s smart, scalable and sustainable.Follow, subscribe and join the conversation as we continue to reinvent real estate.Stay up to date: 👉 Subscribe now to stay updated on upcoming episodes!👉 For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrisassociates/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisassociates/👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube.

What happens when an acclaimed CEO within the hospitality industry takes the helm of a £1bn student accommodation platform?

Welcome back to Reinventing Real Estate, the podcast where industry visionaries reveal what’s shaping the future of property development and investment. 

In this episode, we speak with Duncan Garrood, CEO of Empiric Student Property -  the FTSE 250 owners of Hello Student. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Duncan offers a masterclass in operational transformation, customer-first strategy and cultural agility. Duncan’s bringing a new mindset to UK real estate: build for people, obsess over service and brand like your business depends on it - because it does.In this episode, Duncan unpacks:

• Lessons from global B2C markets and how they apply to real estate and student living 
• The danger of “one size fits all” in housing. 
• The real opportunity with postgraduates and how Empiric is responding 
• The brand effect: how Hello Student is winning trust and referrals
• Why service, not square footage, defines the future of residential
• How to lead in moments of change and growth

If you’re a developer, investor, operator - or an aspiring CEO -  this is one for the notebook.Hosted by Jenna and Jamie Harris, this is a conversation full of insight, candour and big ideas for anyone serious about the future of real estate. 

Stay up to date:   Subscribe now to stay updated on upcoming episodes! 

For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrisassociates/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisassociates/ 

Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reinventing-real-estate/id1707988579

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@HarrisAssociatesLondon

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This episode was pre-recorded in November 2024. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Welcome back to Reinventing Real Estate, the podcast where industry visionaries reveal what’s shaping the future of property development and investment. In this episode, Jenna and Jamie Harris sit down with Richard Simpson, CEO of Olympian Homes.

From his early career in the British Army to leading some of the UK’s most respected real estate firms, Richard shares powerful lessons on resilience, transparency and the importance of followership.

He reflects on his time at Unite and Watkin Jones, unpacking Olympian’s growth strategy and offers a compelling vision for the future of the Living sector. We explore the evolution of PBSA, the growing importance of tenant experience and the seismic opportunity in co-living. Richard also issues a rallying call to capital markets: back innovation earlier and don’t underestimate the power of repositioning legacy stock for long-term value.

This episode is essential listening for capital investors, developers and next-generation leaders looking to build resilient teams, back the right trends and think differently about UK real estate. 

Topics covered:

• Leadership lessons from the military
• Transitioning into property and growing Olympian Homes
• How to energise teams in challenging markets
• The evolution and future of PBSA and co-living
• Why the “squeezed middle” of real estate is most at risk
• Strategic insights for long-term real estate investing
  

Stay up to date:  

Subscribe now to stay updated on upcoming episodes! For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrisassociates/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisassociates

Listen on Apple Podcasts or watch on YouTube:

• Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reinventing-real-estate/id1707988579
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@HarrisAssociatesLondon

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This episode was pre-recorded in October 2024. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Welcome back to Reinventing Real Estate, the podcast where industry visionaries reveal what’s shaping the future of property development and investment. 

In this insightful episode of Reinventing Real Estate, Jenna and Jamie Harris sit down with James Hunt, Global Head of Real Estate at GSA, to explore how GSA is transforming student housing on a global scale. James shares his journey from the pioneering days of student housing at Unite to his current role, where he oversees one of the most ambitious expansion strategies in the sector. Discover how GSA leverages the UK’s experience to meet diverse international demands, builds consumer trust and adopts data-driven decisions to drive long-term growth.

From the evolution of student housing to the unique challenges of building in high-cost markets like Japan and Europe, James sheds light on the innovative solutions GSA is championing. He also emphasizes the importance of brand recognition, resilience during crises like COVID-19 and how partnerships with universities create positive impacts on student living experiences. 

This episode is a must-listen for capital investors, developers and real estate professionals eager to stay ahead of trends and explore innovative growth strategies in student housing.

Listen in to gain valuable insights into GSA's vision for a more adaptable, sustainable, and diversified student housing landscape, designed for the next generation of learners. 

👉  Subscribe now to stay updated on upcoming episodes! 

👉 For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrisassociates/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisassociates/

👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

• Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reinventing-real-estate/id1707988579⁠

• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@HarrisAssociatesLondon

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This episode was pre-recorded in June 2024. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Welcome back to Reinventing Real Estate, the podcast where industry visionaries reveal what’s shaping the future ofproperty development and investment.

In this episode, hosts Jenna and Jamie Harris are joined by Dan Batterton, Head of Residential at Legal & General Investment Management, who shares his 17-year journey from pioneering Build to Rent (BTR) in the UK to redefining rental living as we know it.

Dan explores the foundations of BTR, revealing how he’s crafted a housing model that prioritises lifestyle and community. He discusses the power of data-driven decisions, the art of tailoring developments to local cultures, and the importance of amenities that elevate resident experiences. As the conversation unfolds, Dan offers a compelling look at how BTR is evolving to attract younger generations seeking lifestyle-focused alternatives to traditional homeownership.

Whether you’re a developer, investor, or new to the real estate scene, this episode offers insights into how BTR is not just a housing option but an aspirational lifestyle choice. Get ready to explore how Dan and his team are building for the long haul - creating sustainable, vibrant communities that meet the needs of today’s renters.

👉  Subscribe now to stay updated on upcoming episodes!

👉 For more insights, follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

·       LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrisassociates/⁠

·       Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/harrisassociates/⁠

👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts or YouTube.

·      Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reinventing-real-estate/id1707988579⁠

·      YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HarrisAssociatesLondon⁠

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This episode was pre-recorded in May 2024. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Welcome back to the Reinventing Real Estate Podcast; the podcast that grants you access to the industry's top leaders.

In this episode, hosts Jenna and Jamie Harris sit down with Anil Khera, Founder and CEO of Node, to explore the rapidly evolving world of co-living.

With over seven years of experience within the co-living sector and a decade at Blackstone, Anil shares his journey to pioneering a global co-living movement that is reshaping the real estate landscape.

Anil offers his insights on the future of co-living, discussing the key differences between the US and European co-living markets. He shares his lessons on entrepreneurship, the importance of branding, and how Node is addressing the unique needs of urban dwellers. Anil also explores the challenges of adapting co-living models to diverse urban environments and the substantial growth of this innovative housing concept.

Get ready for an insider's look at the future of urban living and the potential for continued innovation in the co-living sector.

Whether you are a developer, investor, industry newcomer, or simply curious about the evolving face of real estate, this episode is packed with insights into the future of urban living and how co-living is not just changing where we live, but how we live.---- 👉 Remember to hit that subscribe button to stay informed about our upcoming episodes!👉 Follow for market updates here: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harrisassociates/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisassociates/👉 Tune in on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@HarrisAssociatesLondon---- This episode was pre-recorded in June 2024. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

Managing Director at Vertus, Alastair Mullens, joins host Jenna Harris, Head of Co-Living, and Alex Matthews, Head of Build To Rent (BTR) on the seventh episode of 'Reinventing Real Estate’ - the podcast brought to you by the innovative investment agency, Harris Associates.

In this illuminating discussion, Alastair delves into Canary Wharf's metamorphosis, from a business district to a thriving mixed-use destination - welcoming 67 million visitors last year, of which only 40% were office workers. Alastair details the different phases of development, including the introduction of residential offerings and the upcoming "Canary Wharf 3.0" focused on biodiversity.

He shares his top tips for managing exceptional BTR assets, speaks to the importance of customer experience, and the need for the UK market to adopt an inward-looking approach tailoring services to local preferences and subtleties. The conversation also turns to discussing the integration of AI in real estate and Vertus' approach.

A real tour de force, Alastair doesn't just share his insights; he offers a captivating glimpse into his personal journey. He recounts the challenges he faced and the path he took to build Vertus into the successful brand it is today.

Packed with actionable tips, this episode is a must listen for anyone seeking to understand more about one of the fastest-growing asset classes in real estate.

Eager for more innovative property insights? Follow us on LinkedIn here!

This episode was pre-recorded in April 2024. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. 

We've reached the final episode of season one of the ‘Reinventing Real Estate’ podcast by Harris Associates! This week hosts Jenna Harris and Alex Matthews had the privilege of speaking with Michael Old, Head of Corporate Finance at Moda.

With over 30 years of diverse experience spanning real estate, banking, and investment, Michael brought a wealth of perspective to the conversation. He shared game-changing insights on injecting fresh thinking into real estate, the soft skills crucial for leadership, the potential of multi-use developments, and getting back to investment fundamentals.

The Power of Diverse Perspectives

Michael emphasised the need to draw from diverse experiences, inside and outside of work, to stimulate creativity and prevent "formulaic" thinking. Travel, sports, and other pursuits outside the office context can bring new inspiration.

Leading with Interpersonal Intelligence

 Effective leadership and management are founded on emotional skills - listening, understanding people's strengths, and enabling them to excel. It's about bringing out the best in people, not just telling them what to do.

Multi-Use Developments – Is This the Future?

Combining different residential models, such as Build-to-Rent and PBSA into single developments creates efficiencies whilst also fostering diverse, multi-generational communities. 

Back to Basics on Real Estate Fundamentals

Michael critiqued overreliance on financial modelling, arguing the foundations of real estate have to come first - location, purpose, demand, and ability to operate successfully long-term. You cannot solely rely on IRR to quantify the success of an asset.

Eager for more innovative property insights? Follow us on Linkedin here!

This episode was pre-recorded in September 2023. Consequently, certain discussions regarding market conditions and interest rates may no longer reflect current circumstances. We appreciate your understanding.

We're back with a brand-new episode of our 'Reinventing Real Estate' podcast! This week, Adam Brockley, Founding Partner and Global CDO of Scape and Morro joined our hosts Jenna Harris and Jamie Harris for a powerhouse discussion on persistence through adversity, building lasting brands, and valuable lessons learned from founding one of the world's largest PBSA companies. 🎙️

As one of the pioneering founders and innovators behind the wildly successful Scape, Adam shares exclusive insights for listeners to takeaway throughout the episode. 🔥

Four pivotal themes emerged from Adam's wisdom:

Resilience in Uncertain Times

Learn what drives Adam's determination even in the face of extreme adversity, a trait that was crucial in Scape's formative days during the 2008 global financial crisis.

Control Through Independence

Adam explains the motivations behind taking Scape private after being public, and the benefits of private ownership for alignment, control, and focus.

Marketing with Integrity

Discover how Adam is able to balance Scape's compelling marketing whilst also delivering on their promises, and why integrity is essential for fostering trust and durable success.

Defining New Housing Models 

Adam provides a unique perspective on alternative housing solutions such as Co-living, why he believes in the sector and the benefits of being the first-mover in an emerging market.

The Key Takeaway:

How persistence, independence, integrity, and entrepreneurial thinking are pivotal for unlocking new frontiers in real estate.💥

Keep an eye out in the episode for our signature "Two Truths, One Lie" segments, where Adam identifies the true statements about branding's impact on memorability and the importance of employee training in hospitality. Enjoy!

We're back with episode four of 'Reinventing Real Estate', the podcast that brings you insights from industry-leading experts!

This week, we interview Russell Petrie, Head of Student at EQT Exeter, on strategies that will steer you through turbulent markets. Led by our hosts Jamie Harris, Head of PBSA, and Jenna Harris, Head of co-living at Harris Associates.

Three key takeaways emerged from the episode:

1. Cultivate a resilient mindset

Having experienced the 2008 crisis early in his career, Russell developed the ability to pivot from a lender's risk-averse mentality to an equity investor's opportunity-seeking mindset. This resilience is invaluable in challenging markets.

2. Spot countercyclical potential 

Despite uncertainty, Russell sees tailwinds for strategic growth in student housing, as pent-up demand meets constrained supply.

3. The interplay of AI and human relationships in business

Russell discussed EQT Exeter's balance of leveraging AI while relying on vital human connections for transactions. He identified that winners will harness both.

Want Russell's full insights, listen to the full episode for more!