Property Market Analysis

Property Market Analysis LLP (PMA) is an independent real estate research consultancy established in 1981 by Professors Richard Barras and David Cadman, who were pioneers in forecasting property markets. The firm's core focus is dedicated to applying a consistent approach to collecting and analysing property data, developing market-leading econometric forecasts, and employing analysts to deliver independent and objective insight. PMA aims to help its clients derive commercial advantage by providing consistent city-level property data, independent market-leading forecasts with objective analysis, and ongoing support. The company's 70+ analysts are committed to assisting clients in effectively executing their investment strategies by offering comprehensive research tools and objective market intelligence.

Since its founding, PMA has maintained a commitment to its research expertise. The firm began with a focus on the UK market, developing its consultancy services in 1981 and launching UK local town reports and Central London Office Forecast services in the mid-1980s. To meet the global business needs of its clients, PMA expanded its services, establishing European services in 1999, followed by Asia-Pacific and US services in 2006 and 2007, respectively. PMA is wholly owned by its eight partners, who have developed the firm’s research expertise and continue to lead its global services. Research teams representing all major countries in PMA’s coverage help to overcome language and cultural boundaries, providing access to local intelligence worldwide.

PMA's independent research approach is built upon high-quality, verified, and consistent local data. The firm's experienced analysts collect and analyse market information from secondary sources, complementing this with primary research conducted through site visits and meetings with brokers, government, data providers, and investors. PMA maintains comprehensive proprietary databases that include over half a million building-by-building investment, leasing, and development pipeline records. This extensive bottom-up research forms the foundation of the company's services and provides context for understanding how emerging cyclical and structural changes may impact markets at both local and international levels. The concentration of most staff at the London headquarters is considered a key strength, facilitating the exchange and development of ideas, identification of common economic, regulatory, and technological changes, and the provision of globally consistent investment advice to clients.

The company offers a range of services, including forecasts by scenario, comprehensive historical datasets, quarterly market monitoring, economic data, and tables of the latest investment, leasing, and pipeline information. PMA also provides regular in-house and group strategy meetings tailored to individual client requirements, led by its Partners and drawing on local market experts. The firm is known for its unlimited on-call support, which provides additional market data and analysis as part of its comprehensive subscription packages. PMA is trusted by some of the world’s largest institutional investors to provide integral property market intelligence and insight, supporting their full range of investment activities and enabling them to focus internal resources on value-added and business-critical work.

PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) is an area of focus within PMA's broader alternative sectors coverage. The firm launched its UK PBSA service in 2024, expanding its detailed UK services. Student Accommodation is included as an alternative sector within PMA's UK National Forecasts, which cover over 33 MSCI core sectors and alternatives. PMA provides city-level PRS/BTR/Multifamily and PBSA services as part of its detailed UK offerings, built on local market intelligence and comprehensive building databases dating back to the 1980s. The company also offers advisory and project management services for student housing development, collaborating with developers, universities, and investors. With over 30 years of experience in student housing development, PMA aims to guide every aspect of development with practical expertise and a focus on predictable outcomes, offering end-to-end support from initial site selection and due diligence to operational turnover.