Premico to establish Finland’s first carbon neutral residential fund

In line with Premico’s existing housing funds, the Premico Residential Funds I and II, the PCNRF will only invest in new residential built-to-rent assets. By establishing the fund, Premico aims to provide its expertise in rental apartment investment to an even wider range of investors.

Premico’s property team has identified many potential investment targets in the housing market, and it is planned that the first investment decisions for the fund will be made in early 2021. The equity target for the PCNRF is EUR 200 million, which is believed to be reached during the fund’s first year of operation. The PCNRF’s overall investment capacity will be around EUR 400 million.

“Demand for rental housing investment vehicles that generate a regular and stable income is high, because interest rates in general are currently low.” says Janne Vaula, Premico Group CEO. “Premico has broad expertise in the Finnish rental apartment market, which we will also make full use of for the new fund. Premico’s goal is to provide unique rental apartment investment products, and the PCNRF enables us to serve a more international and diverse customer base.” Vaula continues. According to Vaula, the fund has received plenty of interest in its pre-marketing stage from various potential institutional and family office investors, particularly from Asia, Central Europe as well as the Nordics. “Our new carbon neutral residential fund enables investors to target their property investments at one of the most appealing housing markets in Europe.” Vaula summarizes.

“We are very proud of the fact that the PCRNF is the first Finnish residential fund to strongly focus on green values in its property acquisition. More than 60% of a residential building’s carbon footprint results from the energy consumption during occupation, and we aim to eradicate this source of emissions completely. Careful and sustainable choices will also be made relating to the construction materials and their recyclability during the construction phase. We have been developing the concept for the fund for more than a year and have been able to recruit a very talented team of experts to ensure we reach the funds objectives.” says Samuel Tuomola, Premico Group CIO. “We believe that we are now pioneering something that will steer the direction of property investment as an industry towards a more environmentally friendly focus.” Tuomola adds.

The Advisory Board of the fund comprises Pekka Averio, CEO of Kuntarahoitus Oy in 2001–2017; Petri Suutarinen, Chair of the Green Building Council Finland and CEO of Finreim Oy; Eero Saastamoinen, former Business Director, Real Estate of VVO (Kojamo Oy) and CEO of Suomen Asumisoikeus Oy; and David Renger, CEO of Renger Invest Management Ab.