UK pension schemes are increasingly turning to investment into sectors that have the ability to improve society in general.

A new report published by Alpha Real Capital has found that over the next two years, 58 percent of UK pension schemes — which collectively manage some £143.6 billion (€171.7 billion) of assets — believe their counterparts will increase their allocation to real estate investment vehicles offering a social benefit. These primarily consist of affordable housing, healthcare and education assets.

The COVID-19 crisis has been a key driver behind the growing emphasis on social real estate, according to the report. 66 percent of the UK pension schemes surveyed believe the pandemic has increased the level of importance of social benefits on investment decision making and fund allocation going forward.

Adrian D’Enrico, head of