UKREiiF 2026: What We Learned This Year

UKREiiF 2026 reflected the ongoing industry-wide conversations surrounding housing, sustainability, and the importance of making more effective use of existing spaces. Throughout the event, there was a noticeable shift away from broad ambitions and towards practical, deliverable solutions that are already creating positive outcomes for communities.

A recurring theme across discussions was the increasing pressure surrounding vacancy and housing affordability. There was clear recognition that vacant buildings represent an opportunity to address these challenges more proactively, with growing interest in solutions that can bring spaces back into use quickly, responsibly, and in ways that benefit both property owners and local communities. The event highlighted a strong appetite for innovative housing approaches and more creative thinking around underused spaces.

One of the key highlights for our team was seeing our CEO, Stuart Woolgar, join the Estates Gazette podcast for “Beyond the Void: Property Guardianship as a Strategic ESG Solution.” The discussion explored the role property guardianship can play in transforming vacant buildings into much-needed homes while ensuring properties remain secure, active, and well maintained. It was particularly encouraging to see guardianship recognised not only as a practical operational solution, but also as an approach that can contribute meaningfully to wider ESG objectives and social impact.

These conversations continued throughout the event at our stand, where we engaged with a wide range of industry professionals discussing the future of housing and the growing need for flexible, people-focused solutions that can deliver immediate impact.

We were also pleased to officially introduce Globie, our mascot, whose presence brought energy to the stand and helped create engaging conversations throughout the event. Globie proved to be an effective and approachable way to introduce discussions around property guardianship and community-focused solutions.

Overall, what stood out most at UKREiiF 2026 was the collaborative mindset across the industry. The event was filled with insightful discussions, meaningful connections, and forward-thinking conversations centred on creating practical solutions and delivering long-term positive change.