SINGAPORE (October 27, 2023) – By 2030, living sectors are expected to make up a third of direct real estate investment across the world. In preparation for this eventuality, Knight Frank, a real estate consultancy with a global presence, has appointed industry veteran Emily Relf to their newly created position of head of living sectors, APAC. Relf will be based in Singapore, from whence she will lead the expansion of Knight Frank’s living sectors capabilities in the region, and advice outbound capital into the US, UK and the EU.
Relf joined Knight Frank as a graduate in London in 2011 and has spent her career with the company in the British, Australian, and Asia Pacific offices throughout her career. With more than a decade of expertise in the sector, she is well poised to grow the company’s living sector offering in the Asia-Pacific region. She will also be responsible for strengthening Knight Frank’s partnership with Berkadia, a commercial real estate leader and Knight Frank partner based in the US, and focus on executing significant capital market initiatives there.
She will also work closely with Knight Frank’s team in Australia, to grow a local partner network while working on Australia’s critical rental market concept Built-To-Rent (BTR), and other new opportunities.
Neil Brookes, speaking on the appointment, said: “The living sectors market will be a key pillar of our future growth. Emily’s deep understanding will be invaluable as we embark on this exciting stage of our expansion. Knight Frank is uniquely placed to be global living experts, bolstered by our international heritage in the luxury residential market and our strong residential business.”
About the appointment, Emily Relf said: “I am excited to take on this role at such a pivotal time for living sectors. Knight Frank’s global connectivity offers a comprehensive perspective on the changing landscape of global living. As we witness significant demographic shifts and evolving lifestyles, coupled with the critical need for affordable housing to keep pace with rapid urbanisation in Asia-Pacific, we are presented with promising investment opportunities within the living sectors.”
According to Knight Frank’s data, 47% of their clients see the living sector as their main focus for investment. In this light, Brookes added: “As the demand grows, we recognise the necessity of a dedicated leadership position to harness these opportunities as we ensure our market-leading position as the world’s best living sector advisory business.”