In profile: CBRE retail investments specialist Neil Proudlove

In profile: CBRE retail investments specialist Neil Proudlove
Larry SchlesingerDecember 7, 2020

Neil Proudlove says individual personalities involved can also have a significant impact on the outcome of retail property transactions.

proudloveoneAgent: Neil Proudlove

Position: Regional director - retail investments

Company: CBRE

Office location: Sydney

How long have you been in the industry?

Nearly 30 years in total, the first 10 working in the UK and the past 20 here in Australia.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

For most of my business life I have specialised in retail property - ranging from asset valuation, portfolio management, agency (selling and buying), development and asset repositioning, including significant tenant leasing deals.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold/leased/developed:

Every deal is interesting in that in retail property, they are all unique - differing parties wanting differing legal and commercial outcomes and very often, the individual personalities involved can also have a significant impact on the outcome.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

Market knowledge is important, but so is an ability and desire to listen to what others are saying to you. In commercial real estate agency you also need to have a high degree of commitment, patience and perseverance. The process is generally a measured marathon, rather than a speedy sprint! 

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

People – I entered into the real estate market not because I like ‘bricks and mortar’ but because  of the individuals and ‘characters’ that fortunately are still found everywhere in the market. It is a special sector of the business world to work in. 

Where would invest a spare $750,000?

In the education of my four children – I could think of no better investment than trying to help those I love have the best start my wife and I could give them for their future. 

Which football team do you support?

I am Welsh, so rugby union rather than ‘football’ is my real passion. However, I worked in Liverpool in the UK for three years and not only grew to love the people and their positive outlook, but also have a soft spot for Liverpool FC – a soccer club with wonderful heritage and passionate supporters.

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

Up until last week I was a Blackberry user – am now just getting used to an iPhone 5.

How do you use social media?

Poorly at present, but something I need to get ‘up to speed with’ rapidly, not only for work, but also to make sure I can be ‘friends’ with my children!

LinkedIn account: Connect with Neil here

Larry Schlesinger

Larry Schlesinger was a property writer at Property Observer

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