Most recent columns

Maarten van der Spek: Why smart property investors rarely engage in development

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:07:41 +0100

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Maarten van der Spek, Spek Advisory & Adjunct Professor Real Estate TIAS Business School

Does property development really deliver higher returns, or do we overestimate its potential? New research shows that property development generates only a limited incremental return, while being far riskier than simply investing in property.

Maarten van der Spek: The underestimated risk of real estate financing

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:10:01 +0200

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Maarten van der Spek, Spek Advisory & Adjunct Professor Real Estate TIAS Business School

Real estate financing can increase returns, but the risks involved, such as negative market scenarios and the impact of rising interest rates, are often underestimated in real estate investments. As a result, the leverage effect does not always work out as expected.

Maarten van der Spek: The US dreams of yesterday, Europe works on tomorrow

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 08:51:51 +0200

_{This column was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.}

By Maarten van der Spek, Spek Advisory & Adjunct Professor Real Estate TIAS Business School

Politics generally plays little role in investors' strategic allocation. However, the current geopolitical movements are structural. It is time for reallocation, particularly towards Europe.