In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate investment, a new initiative is set to make waves across Europe. The Bench, a renowned global curator of opportunity, is launching FHS Living, an investor-led platform dedicated to connecting Europe's diverse living assets with global capital. This innovative forum, set to debut in Paris in February 2027, aims to bridge the gap between capital allocators, developers, and operators, offering a curated marketplace for the Living asset classes.
The Rise of Living Assets
Living assets have emerged as the largest real estate investment sector in Europe, with a staggering €46.9 billion invested in 2025 and an additional €50 billion planned for the next three years. Despite this significant scale, the industry has lacked a centralized platform to facilitate collaboration and partnerships. FHS Living steps in to address this gap, providing a much-needed hub for investors and stakeholders across the living spectrum.
A Curated Investment Marketplace
FHS Living operates as a carefully curated investment marketplace, bringing together global investors and Europe's living sector. The platform offers pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, a dedicated Deal Room, and structured roundtables focused on capital deployment. It also features a Leadership Stage, where industry experts will share insights and discuss key trends. One of the highlights is the investor site tours of live Paris projects, offering a unique, on-the-ground perspective.
Shaping the Future of Living
The agenda for FHS Living reflects the priorities of the market, with sessions exploring the movement of capital across living sectors, risk and return strategies, and bridging capital with opportunities across regions. The forum aims to initiate deals, foster partnerships, and define new models of living. With an impressive track record, The Bench has brought together over 3,000 C-level decision-makers and facilitated billions in business opportunities. Now, they're turning their focus to the living sector, leveraging their expertise to create a powerful platform for growth and collaboration.
A European Focus, Global Impact
While anchored in Europe, FHS Living has a global reach, attracting investors and stakeholders from around the world. The platform's inaugural edition in Paris will feature a diverse range of advisors, including Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, and Dirk Bakker, CEO Hospitality of Necron Group. With their expertise and insights, FHS Living aims to shape the future of living assets, driving innovation and defining new trends.
A New Inflection Point
As Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, notes, "Today, we are at another inflection point. Capital is being deployed across an entirely new generation of living assets, and the industry needs a forum that reflects this movement." FHS Living is that forum, providing a much-needed space for deals, partnerships, and the exploration of new living models. It's an exciting development, and I, for one, am eager to see the impact it will have on the industry.
The Bigger Picture
The launch of FHS Living is a testament to the evolving nature of real estate investment. As the world changes, so too do our living needs and preferences. This platform recognizes and responds to these shifts, offering a dynamic and collaborative space for investors and stakeholders to shape the future of living. It's an exciting initiative, and I believe it has the potential to drive significant change and innovation in the industry.
