Transaction reflects evolution of the QuadReal and Realstar partnership
QuadReal Property Group (“QuadReal”), a global real estate investment, development and operating company announced today that it has fully acquired the UNCLE brand in the UK and Europe as well as Realstar’s UK&I residential operating platform, which will be re-named.
The transaction consolidates the operating company under QuadReal. Ryan Prince will remain as CEO for the next 12 months. Following this transition period, he will move to the role of non-executive Chairman. The current team will remain to expand the business.
Established partnership
QuadReal and Realstar launched their first joint venture in 2017, expanded the relationship through asset acquisitions and, in 2021, QuadReal purchased a minority interest in the Realstar UK operating company.
Today, the platform manages nearly 6,000 residential units across London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Dublin. A substantial portion of this portfolio operates under the UNCLE brand, which is known for its award-winning design, amenity spaces, and innovative resident services that offer unprecedented flexibility. UNCLE is consistently rated the UK’s top rental brand on platforms such as Trustpilot.
QuadReal will continue to expand its UK and European BTR and student housing portfolio and will leverage the well-established UNCLE brand in these markets.
This transaction does not affect Realstar’s other UK-owned assets outside the joint venture, nor does it have any impact on Realstar’s Canadian or other international activities. Following the transaction, Realstar will continue to pursue new investment opportunities in the UK and Ireland.
Global residential portfolio
Globally, QuadReal has significant experience in the residential sector. Its portfolio includes over 65,000 residential units and 28,000 student beds, predominantly in North America and Australia. In the UK, QuadReal has over 8,500 residential units and 4,500 student beds across 29 communities.
Jonathan Dubois-Phillips, President, International Real Estate at QuadReal said: “This furthers QuadReal’s global residential strategy and positions us well for future growth in both the built-to-rent and student housing markets. We have a solid residential foundation in the UK because of our partnership with Realstar, and QuadReal will continue to deliver value through operational excellence and solid portfolio and asset management.”
Ryan Prince, Vice Chairman of Realstar and founder of UNCLE, said: “I am incredibly proud of the businesses we have built, the brands we founded, and the people I have worked alongside since launching Realstar’s UK operations nearly 25 years ago. Since the establishment of our UK business, we have worked across sectors from GP surgeries to hotels, BTR, student accommodation and co- living. QuadReal’s investment, particularly over the past five years has turbo-charged our growth, and the business is now in its strongest position yet. I look forward working alongside QuadReal on the UK BTR and student fronts while at the same time seeking out new opportunities for Realstar to grow in the UK and Europe.”
