The commercial real estate industry in Europe plays a vital role in the region's economy, involving various asset types including office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. Companies ranging from investment firms to property management services are active participants, each contributing unique skills to meet the flourishing demand for strategic investments. Recent shifts towards sustainability have added layers to the market, as many investors prioritize environmentally responsible projects. With technology shaping operations and transactions, the industry's growth projections remain robust, setting the stage for innovative developments in the upcoming years.


Our list features a blend of 12 prominent investors variously categorized as private equity firms, corporates, and venture capital entities. Headquartered across key European hubs like London, Munich, and Frankfurt, these firms have established themselves with employee sizes ranging from small teams to thousands. Notably, their investment activity in 2024 reflects diverse strategies, with firms shifting focus to sustainability and technology. Together, they accounted for numerous transactions, collectively impacting the commercial real estate sector.


Top 12 Commercial Real Estate Investors in Europe


1. Partners Group

  • Website: partnersgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Baar, Zug, Switzerland
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: partners-group

Partners Group Holding AG is an investment management firm based in Baar, Zug, Switzerland, specializing in private equity, private infrastructure, private real estate, and private debt. With over USD 149 billion in assets under management, Partners Group offers a range of investment solutions to institutional investors, private banks, and individual investors, helping them access private markets and navigate investment complexities. The firm has been involved in notable commercial real estate transactions, including the acquisition of Bellevue Connection, a 227,811-square-foot mixed-use property in downtown Bellevue, and a total of 4 million square feet of office space in the US, with a total acquisition value exceeding USD 1 billion. Their strategic investments in companies like Citivale, which focuses on logistics and light industrial assets, further highlight their active engagement in the commercial real estate sector. Partners Group is recognized for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, making it a significant player in the commercial real estate investment landscape.


2. Savills

  • Website: savills.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1855
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: savills

Savills plc is a leading real estate services company based in London, England, with a history dating back to 1855. The firm offers a comprehensive range of property-related services, including asset management, consultancy, and investment advice, catering to individual buyers, investors, and businesses. In recent years, Savills has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the commercial real estate market. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Savills Studley, a US commercial real estate services firm, for $260 million, which aimed to enhance their service offerings in the US. Additionally, they acquired Montagu Evans' UK property management business to strengthen their operations in the public sector. Other significant acquisitions include T3 Advisors, focusing on real estate solutions for technology and pharmaceutical sectors, and Broadgate Estates, which expanded their property management services. These transactions highlight Savills' active role in the commercial real estate sector and their commitment to growth and service enhancement.


3. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services. EIB focuses on supporting sustainable projects across various sectors, catering to both public and private organizations. In recent years, EIB has been involved in several notable transactions within the commercial real estate sector. For instance, it signed a €150 million financing agreement with Vesteda to enhance the sustainability of existing homes and acquire new affordable residential complexes. Additionally, EIB participated in debt financing for Prologis, a leading logistics real estate company, which raised significant funds to support its operations. These activities highlight EIB's engagement in the commercial real estate market, particularly in promoting sustainability and affordability in housing.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among their notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Triplemint, a New York City-based real estate brokerage that raised $1.65 million in seed funding in 2015, and Home61, a real estate technology company that raised $1 million in seed funding in 2016. These investments highlight Kima Ventures' engagement in the commercial real estate sector, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative companies within this industry.


5. Deutsche Bank

  • Website: db.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 1870
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 32
  • LinkedIn: deutsche-bank

Deutsche Bank AG, founded in 1870 and headquartered in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, is a leading investment bank and financial services provider. It offers a wide range of solutions including investment banking, corporate banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. The bank serves corporate and institutional clients, helping them manage their financial assets and liquidity effectively through its digital platform, Autobahn. Notably, Deutsche Bank has made significant strides in the commercial real estate sector, exemplified by its acquisition of RREEF in 2002 for $440 million, which marked a strategic expansion into real estate investment management. Furthermore, Deutsche Bank has participated in various debt financing transactions for real estate companies, such as Clikalia and Azora, raising substantial amounts to support their operations. These activities highlight Deutsche Bank's active involvement in the commercial real estate market, making it a relevant investor in this space.


6. Lomond

  • Website: lomond.group
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: lomond-capital

Lomond is a corporate investor based in London, England, founded in 2010. As a property management and real estate agency, Lomond offers a range of services including lettings, sales, and investment management. The company has been on an aggressive growth trajectory, having completed numerous acquisitions to enhance its property management portfolio. Notable transactions include the acquisition of DJ Alexander, which solidified Lomond's position as the largest lettings and estate agent in Scotland, and the acquisition of Miles & Barr, which expanded their presence in the Kent region. Additionally, the acquisition of Charters Estate Agents, a ten-branch agency in Hampshire and Surrey, and ERE Lettings, which added nearly 600 properties to their portfolio, further illustrate Lomond's active role in the commercial real estate market. With over 37,000 properties under management, valued at approximately £8 billion, Lomond is well-positioned in the commercial real estate sector.


7. Pi Labs

  • Website: pilabs.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 8
  • LinkedIn: pi-labs-ltd-

Pi Labs is a venture capital firm based in London, founded in 2014, that specializes in investing in early-stage startups within the real estate technology sector. The firm supports founders by providing funding, mentorship, and access to a global network, with a focus on creating a digital and sustainable built world. Notable transactions include their investment in Office App, which raised €4.3 million to expand its data and analytics offerings in the commercial real estate market, and LandTech, which raised €49.4 million to enhance its product offerings and expand internationally. These investments highlight Pi Labs' commitment to fostering innovation in the commercial real estate industry.


8. Picus Capital

  • Website: picuscap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Munich, Bavaria, Germany
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: picus-capital

Picus Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, founded in 2015. Specializing in early-stage technology investments, Picus Capital partners with innovative startups across various sectors, including fintech and healthcare. They provide not only capital but also strategic guidance and HR support to empower entrepreneurs in building sustainable category leaders globally. Notably, Picus Capital has invested in Proprioo, a Paris-based proptech startup that raised €20 million in a funding round to expand its real estate services across France. Additionally, they participated in earlier funding rounds for Proprioo, demonstrating a commitment to the real estate technology sector. Their involvement in such transactions highlights their relevance in the commercial real estate context, particularly in supporting technology-driven solutions in the industry.


9. Connells Group


Connells Group is a leading estate agency and property services provider in the UK, founded in 1936 and based in Leighton Buzzard, England. With over 10,000 employees, the company offers a comprehensive range of services including residential sales, lettings, mortgage services, and property management. Connells Group has made several strategic acquisitions to expand its market presence, including the acquisition of Rook Matthews Sayer, which provides both residential and commercial sales and lettings services. Additionally, their acquisition of Miller Metcalfe Surveyors Ltd and the online estate agent Hatched demonstrates their commitment to diversifying their service offerings. The acquisition of Peter Alan, a Welsh agency, further solidifies their footprint in the property services market. These transactions highlight Connells Group's active role in the commercial real estate sector, making them a relevant investor in this category.


10. Paragon Business Finance PLC


Paragon Business Finance PLC is a financial services company based in Hedge End, England, that offers a variety of banking products, including savings accounts, mortgages, and loans tailored for both individual consumers and businesses. Founded in 1982, the company has established itself as a significant player in the UK financial market. In recent years, Paragon has been involved in several notable transactions within the commercial real estate sector. For instance, they provided £6.5 million in funding to The PG Group for a seafront apartment scheme, and £5.8 million to Piper Homes for the development of new homes in Birmingham. Additionally, they have engaged in debt financing for projects like Elevate Property Group and Hawthorne Meadows, showcasing their active role in supporting property development initiatives. These transactions highlight Paragon's commitment to facilitating growth in the commercial real estate market.


11. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant strides in the commercial real estate sector, exemplified by their acquisition of Apleona in 2016, which focuses on real estate services. In 2023, they acquired Radius Global Infrastructure, further solidifying their presence in the commercial real estate landscape. Additionally, their investment in Home, a rental housing platform, highlights their commitment to the real estate market. These transactions reflect EQT's strategic approach to integrating real estate into their investment portfolio, making them a key player in the commercial real estate industry.


12. Axel Springer

  • Website: axelspringer.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • Founded year: 1946
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: axel-springer-se

Axel Springer SE is a prominent media company based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 1946. It specializes in publishing news and digital media, operating a diverse portfolio of brands, including BILD and Business Insider. The company is committed to independent journalism and leveraging technology to enhance its media offerings. In addition to its core media business, Axel Springer has made significant investments in the real estate sector, particularly in digital platforms. Notable transactions include the acquisition of PropertyGate.com in 2001, which marked its entry into the real estate domain. Furthermore, Axel Springer has invested in Lamudi, a real estate platform, and acquired a minority stake in PurpleBricks, a UK-based digital real estate platform, for approximately 143.3 million EUR. These investments reflect Axel Springer's strategic interest in the fast-growing digital real estate market, showcasing its role as an active player in the commercial real estate landscape.



Commercial Real Estate Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Partners GroupBaar, Zug, Switzerland1001-5000199619
SavillsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+18555
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
Deutsche BankFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany10001+187032
LomondLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-5000201010
Pi LabsLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020148
Picus CapitalMunich, Bavaria, Germany11-50201528
Connells GroupLeighton Buzzard, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+19360
Paragon Business Finance PLCHedge End, England, United Kingdom (UK)1001-500019826
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
Axel SpringerBerlin, Berlin, Germany10001+19461


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