MORNING NEWS: Real estate hopes for clarity as election called

Good morning. Here’s your daily round-up of the latest news and views from EG and some real estate-relevant headlines from the national papers. British Property Federation chief executive Melanie Leech has said the general election called yesterday is “a golden opportunity to reset the relationship between the real estate sector and the next government”. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has called the election for 4 July, saying: “Now is the moment for Britain to choose its future, to decide whether we want to build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.” Simon McWhirter, deputy chief executive at the UK Green Building Council, described the vote as “the built environment election”: “With the linked environmental, nature and cost of living crises, this is the most important election in a generation. Our buildings are the nexus of how we can solve many of these pressing challenges.” GPE has become a net buyer in London for the first time in a decade, as chief executive Toby Courtauld says the investment market has hit its trough. Announcing results for the year to 31 March, Courtauld said that the company acquired three properties off-market for £122.9m and made two small non-core sales. With a £350m rights issue now lined up, the company is hunting for further deals. And Gerald Kaye is stepping down as chief executive of Helical this summer to be replaced by property director Matthew Bonning-Snook. Kaye will end his executive role after 30 years with the company at the annual general meeting in July but will remain as an external consultant. All the news from EG, plus a selection of headlines from the nationals: Real estate looks to ‘reset’ as Sunak calls electionGPE becomes net buyer for first time in a decadeHelical’s Kaye to step down as CEOSweet deal as Henry Boot sells York site for later livingShaftesbury “well positioned” for growth as rents riseGeneral Election will unlock activity, says REI bossWhy retail’s return is a lesson for all of real estateLeeds selects Glenbrook for resi opportunityPresent Made links with Miller Homes for 650-home Bedford schemeNottingham reveals masterplan for Broad MarshInvestor sentiment recovering, says SavillsBirmingham office take-up jumps by a thirdStephen Hubbard crowned chair of King’s Cross estateTwo-thirds of councillors on planning committees say housing crisis ‘severe’Rent reviews boost Impact HealthcarePeterborough plans 4,000 homes across 15 sitesEmpiric eyes 6% growth across student portfolioBarking’s £1.8bn Factory District scheme hits the marketCrown Estate backs turnaround of Oxford’s former Debenhams storeBridgewater founder Ray Dalio joins billionaires snapping up Singapore ‘shophouses’ (£)British Land boss says office occupancy is at pre-pandemic levels (£)Bank of England will cut interest rates in August, says Goldman Sachs (£)