PRE Q1 ROUNDUP

PRE Q1 2026 Roundup: Connecting People, Projects & Opportunities

Reliable insight, strong connections, and tangible delivery are the foundations of successful development and leisure expansion projects. In Q1 2026, PRE has focused on building those foundations, combining market intelligence, project delivery and networking to create results for clients and partners.

1. Market Predictions Roundtable Breakfast

We kicked off 2026 with the Market Predictions Roundtable Breakfast, bringing together leading professionals to discuss trends and forecasts for the UK real estate market. Topics included investor selectivity, changing occupier demand, ESG considerations, planning challenges and early Q1 market trends.

Events like this allow landowners and operators to gain clarity, align strategies with emerging opportunities and make informed decisions early in the year.

 

2. Delivering Results at Castle House

PRE successfully delivered a refurbishment project at Castle House, repositioning 2,583 sq ft of office space for high quality, single let occupancy.

Our work included licensed asbestos remediation, installation of raised access flooring, industrial spec upgrades, full internal redecoration and a condenser free pipe HVAC system. Despite complex works, the project was delivered on time and on budget, demonstrating PRE’s ability to combine  management, proactive communication and practical execution.

 

3. Networking and Industry Collaboration

In Q1, PRE strengthened industry relationships through targeted events:

Coutts Real Estate Drinks:  

An evening bringing together investors, developers, and professionals from across the real estate sector for discussion and connection. It was an excellent opportunity to share insights and perspectives on the current market.

PRE Networking Series – Battersea Power Station: 

Over 40 guests joined this event, combining sport with networking. Padel provided a relaxed environment where attendees could build relationships and share insights naturally. The event reinforced the series as a key platform for long term industry engagement.

 

MIPIM in London Evening: 

Bringing the spirit of MIPIM to London, this event combined drinks, dinner, and discussion with property professionals. Topics included investor sentiment, development pipelines, planning challenges and emerging Q1 market trends.

4. Team and Talent Highlights

Q1 has also been a moment to celebrate our people and culture:

International Women’s Day:

Spotlight on Ana, our CAD Technician, recognising her contribution and dedication to delivering high quality work.

Jason’s SME Award: 

Our Director Jason Antill FRICS was awarded the SME Employer Award at the University of the Built Environment’s Apprenticeship Awards, recognising PRE’s commitment to early careers and professional development.

Robert Brown Graduation:

Congratulations to Rob Brown on completing his Building Surveying degree with Upper Second Class Honours, now progressing towards his APC with PRE’s continued support.

Welcoming Rob Keen MRICS:

Rob joined PRE this quarter, bringing expertise in building surveying and project management, contributing to our projects and client engagements demonstrating a huge benefit to our team.

5. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Maintaining knowledge across planning, environmental and heritage constraints remains a core part of PRE’s approach. Q1 included a series of CPD sessions covering:

• The plan led English planning system
• Material changes of use and planning permission
• Permitted Development Rights and Article 4 Directions
• Listed Building Consent considerations

These sessions ensure the PRE team remains ahead of regulatory requirements and can manage risk proactively throughout project delivery.

6. Padel Expansion: Turning Trend into Scale

The padel market continues to move from awareness to adoption and now into strategic scaling. PRE has supported operators expanding into new regions, helped landowners unlock underutilised assets and connected partners entering the sector.

Q1 demonstrates that padel is not just a sport, it’s a growing platform for collaboration and opportunity. Our role is to streamline the process, connecting land, operators, and delivery to reduce friction and accelerate projects.

Key Trends from Q1

Across all Q1 activity, several patterns are clear:

• Speed matters; high quality opportunities move quickly
• Partnerships drive success; collaboration unlocks growth
• Quality over quantity; selective, well aligned projects deliver the best results

Landowners and operators who embrace these trends are positioned to succeed in a competitive and evolving market.

Key Takeaway

Q1 has reinforced that insight, execution and relationships are equally important. PRE combines market intelligence, project delivery and networking to create opportunities and reduce uncertainty for clients and partners.

By focusing on clarity, action and results, PRE ensures every opportunity is not only identified but successfully realised.