UK property fund governance standards launched

The Association of Real Estate Funds has launched a 2026 Fund Governance Charter to help investors identify unlisted UK property funds with sound governance.

The charter sets out key principles and standards that focus on integrity and operational best practice. The AREF Quality Mark is awarded to those committed to excellence in governance, transparency and accountability.

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Paul Richards, chief executive of the Association of Real Estate Funds, said: “The Quality Mark, awarded annually through a self-certification process, …provides investors with confidence that their chosen funds meet industry-leading standards for governance and transparency.

“By publishing the Charter Compliance Register, we make it easy for investors to identify funds that have demonstrated their dedication to sound governance. At AREF, we believe that robust governance is the foundation of investor trust and long-term success.

“I would expect governance to remain high on the agenda for investors, especially in light of recent newsflows. As such, I encourage all investors to visit the Association of Real Estate Funds website and check whether their chosen fund is a member and has earned the AREF Quality Mark. Make sure its investments are aligned with industry best practices — look for the Quality Mark as the assurance of sound governance.”