MIPIM 2025 offered a packed programme of seminars, talks, discussions and networking. Since its inception in 1990 it’s grown to be the key event for the property sector to address its biggest challenges.
But what stands out is delegates’ keen interest in being part of the conversation. This is the place where serendipitous connections are made, and spontaneous meetings occur. The networking opportunities are huge, because all attendees are focused on making the most of this four-day event.
Directors, Gordon Yeaman and Stevie Leigh from our Glasgow and Manchester offices were MLA’s representatives in Cannes this year.
These are their key takeaways from this year’s MIPIM
- Measurable returns on sustainability
- Adaptive Reuse Opportunities
- AI’s impact on Real Estate
- Housing Matters
- City Competitiveness
Measurable Returns on Investment
‘Sustainability’ is not just about compliance; investors want to see the return on their investment. From energy efficient buildings with lower operational costs to the potential cost saving of retrofit to ‘green’ buildings’ enhanced asset value.
And under the ‘sustainability’ umbrella, ‘social value’ is recognised as being as important as environmental factors. Local community input is essential for major developments and trust and transparency is crucial in delivering successful projects.
ROI is a key driver of ‘environmentally friendly’ developments. The conversation at MIPIM this year was not whether to implement sustainable measures but how to measure and report on them.
Adaptive Reuse Opportunities
Offering a significant cost saving when compared to demolish and rebuild, there is a clear financial driver for reuse of buildings. As well as reducing the cost of new materials, the potential time saving aspect of the build also helps to keep costs down.
Secondly, addressing environmental concerns, embodied carbon is significantly reduced. Less virgin materials are required, and existing materials are re-used rather than recycled or sent to landfill.
Examples included innovative repurposing solutions to provide much needed housing, obsolete office blocks to hotels and the transformation of retail space.
AI's Impact on Real Estate
As expected, AI increasingly dominates discussions on the future of the industry. AI is expected to impact every aspect of the built environment including planning, design, operations and asset management. With an inevitable impact on job roles and functions, businesses need to consider skills needed and the upskilling of their current workforce.
And with increased demand for AI technology, the industry is racing to keep up with demand for infrastructure. Data centres in particular offer significant investment opportunities.
Housing Matters
A key message from MIPIM 2025: Housing really matters.
Shortage of housing is a huge issue not just in the UK, but across Europe. The challenges are affordability and sustainability but also designing for changing lifestyles and different stages of life.
Public and private partnerships play a crucial role in unlocking development. Planning regulations are often a barrier and Finland’s more relaxed planning rules were held up as a positive example.
Student accommodation, Build-to-Rent (BTR), and co-living developments currently offer attractive investment prospects.
City Competitiveness
This year the Mayors of London and Manchester announced investment pipelines worth over £20 billion.
Andy Burnham, Manchester’s Mayor presented a ten-year plan to attract investment at six growth locations across the Manchester and Greater Manchester. Bringing transport, housing, and the net-zero economy together they’re targeting investment in well-connected developments for job creation and growth.
This includes the planned development which has Manchester United stadium at its centre.
This regeneration project is targeting: –
– addition of 17,000 new homes
– Major rail improvements connecting Manchester and Liverpool
– Rail freight shift out of Trafford Park to Port Salford and Newton-le-Willows
– New potential for power and data hubs along the corridor
“Greater Manchester is the UK’s fastest-growing economy, and it’s only right that we are at the heart of Europe’s biggest investment summit making the case for our city-region. With our devolved powers, our new integrated settlement, and our unique pipeline for maximising growth, we’ve got the ingredients that make this the best place to invest – helping us to deliver the new homes and jobs that we need.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester.
Representatives from cities across Europe were at MIPIM advocating for investment in ambitious urban development programmes. They offer stability, innovation and attractive places to live and work. Showing leadership and vision, they are the cities and regions demonstrating the confidence and clarity needed to win the trust of investors.
Scotland is Missing at MIPIM
With offices in Manchester and in Scotland’s two major cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, it’s impossible not to acknowledge Scotland’s apparent absence.
Why is Scotland missing at MIPIM and should other cities and regions be following the examples of London and Manchester? Would Scotland benefit from a national strategy to attract investment at MIPIM?
We’ll be addressing this question with our friends and colleagues in the Scottish property community. If you’d like to get involved email us at contact@mlaarchitects.co.uk