We expect most real estate markets to continue to recover in 2015 and beyond, and we are generally positive on the outlook for the growth of returns from our assets under management. In 2014, we saw the benefits of our continued investment in the past few years and we will reap the benefits of our investments in high-quality real estate assets in 2015. We have a very solid secured pipeline of new properties of around € 700 million, which will lead to more participants in the funds and growth of the portfolios.
Of course, there is a flip side to this. More and more investors are discovering that real estate is an attractive asset class, with solid potential for long-term investments. This is likely to make the market far more competitive and more expensive, certainly for top-notch assets in the prime segment of our core regions. On the other hand, many investors are looking for an investment manager with expertise and a solid track record in the real estate industry.
This is why we are seeing a lot of interest from investors in our open funds. We expect to see this interest increase in the future and to see more investors participating in these funds, which puts us in a very strong market position. We have the funds, the commitment and the market know-how to continue to expand our secured pipeline in 2015 and beyond to meet this growing demand from investors.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 16 March 2015
Bouwinvest Real Estate Investment Management B.V.
Dick van Hal, Chairman and Statutory Director
Arno van Geet, Managing Director Finance
Allard van Spaandonk, Managing Director Dutch Investments
Stephen Tross, Managing Director International Investments