The Moorfield Group is one of the United Kingdom’s most established and respected real estate investment management firms, with a history stretching back nearly three decades. Over that time, it has carved a reputation for identifying emerging property sectors, pioneering new investment themes, and managing billions of pounds of assets for institutional investors around the world.
While many people outside the property and investment world might not have heard of “Moorfield,” its influence spreads across residential, logistics, storage, living and alternative real estate sectors — often quietly shaping parts of the UK property market that impact everyday life. This article takes an in‑depth look at The Moorfield Group, what it does, why it matters, and the unique qualities that set it apart.
Who Is The Moorfield Group?
The Moorfield Group is a UK‑focused private real estate fund manager founded in 1996. Since that time, it has played a major role in building institutional real estate investment as an asset class in the UK, particularly outside traditional sectors like offices and retail.
Originally a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Moorfield transitioned to a privately owned company following a management‑led buy‑out in its early years. Since then, the firm has continued to expand its investment reach and sophistication, becoming a go‑to partner for global institutional capital seeking exposure to UK property.
Today, Moorfield’s portfolio includes billions of pounds worth of property assets, and its investments span a wide range of sectors, including living sectors (like single‑family homes, student housing and co‑living), storage and logistics, self‑storage, and more.
Core Purpose and Mission
At its heart, The Moorfield Group mission is to generate attractive risk‑adjusted returns for investors by identifying structural imbalances in supply and demand within the UK property market and positioning capital where long‑term value can be created.
Rather than simply buying assets, the company conducts rigorous research and in‑depth analysis to understand the forces shaping demand for real estate — from demographic change to urbanisation trends — and then deploys capital in sectors where it believes supply is insufficient.
Moorfield’s strategy reflects a belief that providing what occupiers want — whether affordable homes, high‑quality co‑living, or flexible storage space — results in high occupancy, sustainable rental growth, and long‑term value.
What Makes Moorfield Different?
Unlike many traditional property investors who focus on “mainstream” assets like office blocks or shopping centres, Moorfield has developed a reputation for being:
1. A Pioneer in Emerging Sectors
Moorfield was early to identify growth opportunities in alternative real estate categories, such as:
- Purpose‑Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) — starting in 1997
- Build‑to‑Rent (BTR) homes — first invested in 2012
- Retirement living communities — starting in 2008
- Self‑storage and industrial open storage — added more recently
- Single‑Family Rental Homes (SFH) and co‑living spaces — from 2021 onward
This thematic focus has allowed Moorfield to invest ahead of broader market trends and create value that traditional property investors may have overlooked.
2. A Hub & Spoke Investment Model
Moorfield uses a unique “Hub & Spoke” structure for its funds, where:
- The “Hub” (typically a diversified value‑add fund) provides a core engine of capital;
- The “Spokes” are sector‑specific investment vehicles that target particular themes like residential for rent or storage assets.
This model allows Moorfield to allocate capital efficiently while scaling expertise in targeted areas and attracting broader institutional participation.
3. Responsible Investment at Its Core
Moorfield emphasises sustainability and responsible real estate investment. The firm is committed to achieving net zero carbon operations by 2030, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into every stage of its investment process.
This approach includes improving energy performance of properties, engaging with communities, and delivering assets that foster better living outcomes for tenants — beyond pure financial return.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | The Moorfield Group |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Industry | Real Estate Investment Management |
| Key Sectors | Residential, Student Housing, Co-living, Storage, Logistics, Retirement Living |
| CEO / Leaders | Marc Gilbard (Executive Chairman & Co-CEO), Charles Ferguson-Davie (Co-CEO & CIO) |
| Net Worth / Assets | Multi-billion GBP assets under management |
| ESG Focus | Yes, net-zero carbon operations target |
| Target Investors | Global institutional investors |
| Website | moorfield.com |
Significant Investments and Impact
The range of Moorfield’s investments reveals both its breadth and its strategic depth.
Residential For Rent
In 2023, Moorfield launched a UK private REIT focused on acquiring homes for rent, particularly single‑family homes and student houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs). This vehicle aims to build high‑quality residential portfolios at scale, addressing a significant gap in institutional investment in UK rental housing.
In June 2025, Moorfield expanded its single‑family home portfolio with the acquisition of 32 newly built homes in Cambridgeshire, as part of a broader initiative that now totals over 600 homes across regions such as London, Bristol and Cambridgeshire.
This strategy builds on demographic demand and addresses the shortage of quality rental homes — a pressing issue in much of the UK.
Student Accommodation
Moorfield’s Domain brand and related investment vehicles have delivered thousands of student beds across the UK, catering to university populations and long‑term rental demand.
Recent financing from Investec to support a 204‑bed PBSA development in Bristol shows continued confidence in this strategy, combining strong amenities with sustainability goals like EPC A ratings and BREEAM Excellent standards.
Living and Co‑Living
Moorfield has also pursued co‑living schemes aimed at young professionals looking for affordable, high‑quality rental accommodation. An example includes an 81‑unit co‑living scheme near Ealing Broadway in West London — a sector expected to thrive as urban rental demand grows.
Storage and Logistics
Beyond living sectors, the Group has invested in self‑storage and industrial/logistics assets, including warehouse space and urban distribution facilities — reflecting broader shifts in consumer behaviour and supply chain demands.
Leadership and Team
Unlike a celebrity profile, The Moorfield Group strength lies in institutional expertise, not individual fame, but it’s still valuable to know the team shaping its strategy.
Key Leaders
- Marc Gilbard — Executive Chairman & Co‑CEO. A long‑standing leader in the company with nearly three decades of experience.
- Charles Ferguson‑Davie — Co‑CEO & CIO (Chief Investment Officer). A seasoned investment professional shaping Moorfield’s strategic direction.
- Sadie Malim — Chief Legal & Corporate Development Officer, reflecting a modern legal and governance focus.
- Steve Hall — Chief Financial Officer, bringing financial stewardship to large‑scale real estate operations.
With a relatively small headcount of around 25 professionals, the team boasts an average tenure of 10 years and board experience averaging 26 years — a testament to consistency and deep sector expertise.
Why Moorfield Matters
The Moorfield Group is not a household name, but it plays a powerful role behind the scenes in shaping today’s UK property market. Because it manages capital for global institutional investors, its decisions influence how and where homes, storage facilities and living spaces are developed, refurbished, and operated.
Its focus on sector imbalance and demographic shift means Moorfield often enters spaces before broader markets recognise them — from retirement living and student housing to single‑family rentals and co‑living.
At a time when housing affordability, sustainability and urban demand are pressing social issues in the UK, Moorfield’s investment strategies contribute significantly to addressing real structural needs, while also creating financial returns for investors.
Conclusion
The Moorfield Group stands out as a deeply analytical, forward‑looking real estate investment manager with a nearly 30‑year track record of identifying and capitalising on structural market trends in UK real estate.
From student accommodation and living sectors to self‑storage and logistics, Moorfield’s diversified strategies, responsible investment principles, and experienced leadership make it a key player for anyone studying the UK property investment landscape.
Whether you’re an investor, real estate professional, or simply curious about how institutional capital shapes the built environment, The Moorfield Group’s story is a powerful example of vision, adaptability and impact.
FAQs
Q: What is The Moorfield Group?
A: The Moorfield Group is a UK-based real estate investment manager specializing in residential, student housing, storage, and alternative property sectors.
Q: When was The Moorfield Group founded?
A: It was founded in 1996 and has nearly three decades of experience in UK real estate investment.
Q: What types of properties does Moorfield invest in?
A: They invest in residential for rent, student accommodation, co-living, storage, logistics, and retirement living sectors.
Q: Who can invest with Moorfield?
A: Moorfield primarily works with global institutional investors, including pension funds and large investment firms.
Q: Does Moorfield focus on sustainability?
A: Yes, Moorfield integrates ESG principles and aims for net-zero carbon operations in its property investments.
