While there’s still a strong case to be made for real estate as an important asset class, many institutional investors are grappling with concerns about property’s proper place in their portfolios, more than two years after the onset of the global financial crisis. Many investors are rethinking their strategies, more aware of the implications of their size, capabilities and short- and long-term goals. To invest smarter, they are seeking greater understanding of and control over various aspects of their real estate holdings, and are determined to implement lessons learned and avoid a highly unpleasant repeat of history. Now is also likely the perfect time to take advantage of opportunities that may not come around again.

There was nowhere to hide in the global financial crisis, no matter the asset class or part of the world in which you were invested. Property, supposed to be so versatile and stable a performer in a portfolio, proved anything but as markets droppe