Global real estate consultancy Knight Frank strengthens its living sectors expertise with a leadership hire – appointing Emily Relf as its Head of Living Sectors, APAC. Based in Singapore, the newly created role reflects the growing investor interest in the living sectors as it evolves.
Drawing on more than a decade of sector-specific expertise, Emily is well placed to grow the company’s living sector offering in Asia-Pacific.
“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.”
Emily Relf, Head of Living Sectors, APAC, Knight Frank
Reporting to Global Head, Capital Markets Neil Brookes, Emily will lead the expansion of Knight Frank’s living sectors capabilities in Asia-Pacific and advise outbound capital from the region into the U.S, UK, and Europe.
Alongside this, she will also work closely with the firm’s team in Australia to grow a network of local partners while identifying new opportunities, particularly in the Australian Build to Rent market, which is set to become a critical part of the rental market over the next decade.
Emily will also be responsible for strengthening Knight Frank’s partnership with one of the firm’s US-based partners Berkadia.
“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. As the demand [for the living sectors] 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.”
Neil Brookes, Global Head, Capital Markets, Knight Frank
According to Knight Frank, by 2030 the living sectors will account for one-third of direct real estate investment globally.
