The organization behind the UK's largest real estate and infrastructure forum is expanding its model internationally, with Australia selected as the host for its first overseas event in 2027.
UKREiiF launched in Leeds in 2022 and has grown rapidly into a major national gathering. By 2026, it attracted more than 17,000 delegates and facilitated over £4 billion in investment and development activity linked directly to connections made at the event.
The forum delivers significant economic returns for its host region. It generates more than £20 million annually for the Leeds and West Yorkshire economy and has created over £7 million in social value since inception.
Each year, the event showcases more than £300 billion of investable UK opportunities to investors, developers, and occupiers. The scale of impact has reinforced Leeds' determination to retain host status through 2026.
The Australian edition will mirror the UK format by connecting international and domestic investors, developers, and occupiers with regeneration opportunities. Sectors covered will include commercial, residential, transport, infrastructure, and retail, alongside emerging areas such as renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and defence.
Founding directors of the forum said Australia is entering a period of substantial growth and global industry attention. They described the goal as building a major international festival that highlights opportunities across Australian states and towns while mobilizing global capital.
For UK firms, the timing aligns with a comprehensive free trade agreement between Britain and Australia. The deal eliminated tariffs on UK goods and opened access to around £10 billion in Australian government contracts annually.
The new event offers British consultancies, contractors, and advisers a platform in a market seeking built environment expertise. It arrives as overseas investment in UK commercial property has declined sharply.
Organizers confirmed the Australian forum will retain the UK event's core principles, including festival-style programming and strong public-private participation. Commitments to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion will also carry over, with a stated aim to reflect the breadth of Australian communities and perspectives.
