DWS launches open-end residential fund in Europe

DWS has launched a new residential open-ended real estate strategy for institutional investors.

The fund will follow a core strategy and will invest in assets in larger European metropolitan living markets with a primary focus on Germany, the Nordics, the Netherlands, Ireland and France. The fund’s secondary focus will be on emerging residential and living markets in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

“For core investors looking for income diversification, residential is a great asset sector compared to others, proving defensive at times of market stress,” said Clemens Schaefer, head of real estate, APAC/EMEA at DWS.

DWS’s European residential portfolio is substantial at more than €6 billion. The portfolio includes a mix of student, build-to-rent, healthcare and hotels in well-connected micro-locations across Europe.

“Proven resilience of the sector, along with constrained supply and healthy demand drivers underpin the attractiveness of resi