Distressed funds dash to raise cash

The number of so-called distressed and opportunistic funds has grown quickly on the back of the downturn in the property markets. Some believe these investors might be jumping the gun, as truly distressed properties remain few and far between. Market observers say the amount of cash being raised could far exceed the number of opportunities.

Pierre Rolin, Stratreal

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“To me, distressed means properties where the banks have pulled the rug on someone and it’s vacant, or in development and the builder hasn’t been paid,” says Michael Cutteridge, director of DTZ’s capital markets team in London. “I don’t think we’ve gotten to that point yet. It’s more the case of buying good properties at better pricing and there being fewer people in the market.”

This is a point underscored by Nick Burnell, managing partner at Rutley Capital Management in London.

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