Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England, recently warned investors about swathes of “significant” stranded real estate assets.

He was referring to commercial buildings, especially offices, that are at risk of becoming redundant, unwanted by occupiers and investors because they fail to meet future carbon emission regulations, while the cost and complexities of upgrading them has put off many investors. He also dispelled the notion that investors could rely on governments coming to the rescue by rolling back deadlines for buildings to meet new energy-efficiency standards.

Although, on the surface, stranded asset risk presents more investment complexity — especially for larger office buildings that are trickier to refurbish viably — it also provides an exciting opportunity for investors. In fact, now is an opportune time for those with capital and the right skill set to step in and transform well-located “brown” offices in many major European citie