Connecting Academia, the Property Industry, and Society

The Property Foundation is an independent charity working to promote our Vision: A property sector rooted in our society and culture where universities and industry are connected and knowledge flows freely between them.

Welcome to

The Property Foundation

We have a clear goal based on the Foundation’s 30 year history of bringing together people working in the industry and academia.

Our Mission is to enhance the sector’s ability to address key issues and opportunities through improved access to independent academic research and the stimulation of new research while encouraging and supporting young talent into the industry.

Provide Opportunities

Provide opportunities for frequent, high-quality interaction, dialogue and knowledge transfer between academic, industry and societal leaders.

Facilitate Funding

Facilitate funding for postgraduate, post-doc and faculty level research projects that are relevant to the needs and goals of the property industry.

Attract More Youth

Attract more high school students to enrol for property degrees by raising awareness of the value of a career in property.

Provide Opportunities

Provide opportunities for frequent, high-quality interaction, dialogue and knowledge transfer between academic, industry and societal leaders.

Facilitate Funding

Facilitate funding for postgraduate, post-doc and faculty level research projects that are relevant to the needs and goals of the property industry.

Attract More Youth

Attract more high school students to enrol for property degrees by raising awareness of the value of a career in property.

What's New in Research

A new tool for evaluating biodiversity impact of large scale developments

This is a great example of the property related research coming out of our universities that property professionals should have on their radar. The RMA requires councils to at least maintain indigenous biodiversity. That's a hurdle in large scale developments. Professor Claire Freeman at Victoria University of Wellington's School of Architecture and colleagues from other expert organisations have built a tool that specifically and rapidly evaluates native biodiversity for consent applications.
Image Credit: The Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology , Victoria University Wellington

Zoning restrictions on Auckland’s flood plains

Alex Yuen of WSP has completed his PhD thesis quantifying the cost of balancing housing affordability with rising climate risk - for that read flooding. His research was supported by Associate Professor of Economics at UoA Ryan Greenaway-McGrevy
This substantial piece of research quantifies the cost of residential retreat and explores policy options that balance housing affordability with rising climate risk.

It’s not only about AI

Property professionals need to stay ahead of BOTH technological advancements and market shifts. William Cheung of University of Auckland combines academic insights with industry expertise. It offers a fresh perspective on integrating technology, ethics and multidisciplinary collaboration into everyday practice using the novel IDEA framework. The body of the article is pay-walled but summary is informative.
Image Credit: Farzad P at Unsplash

UoA Industry Buddy Day Breakfast 20 August 2025

The Property Foundation had the privilege of sponsoring the University of Auckland Business School Buddy Day program. This introduced 100+ year two property students to 15 property industry employers. Each has undertaken to bring students to their offices and sites to learn how their businesses operate and the career paths they offer. Thanks to Olga Filippova for her superb organisation of this program. Argosy, Property Limited Property For Industry Limited (PFI), Precinct, The Property Group Limited (TPG), Quotable Value Ltd, NH Valuers, PwC New Zealand, Opteon AUS & NZ, Capstone Projects NZ, Bayleys Real Estate, Absolute Value New Zealand, Gribble Churton Taylor Ltd, Fletcher Living , Fletcher Building, Seagar & Partners.

The Inaugural NZ Property Case Challenge 7 August 2025

The NZ leg of a global competition mirrors real-world, large-scale property challenges faced by graduates in finance, construction, valuation, leasing, planning, and design. Student teams from the University of Auckland, Lincoln University, and Massey University presented their case solution to panel of respected industry professionals. They go on to the Australasian finals in Sydney, competing for a place in the global finals in New York—against teams from the US, UK, Canada, and Hong Kong. This event was delivered by The Property Foundation in collaboration with PropConnex, a Sydney-based not-for-profit.

Auckland 2050 - Building the Future City 2 April 2025

This timely event is a collaboration between the Property Foundation and the School of Future Environments at AUT. Our expert panel will share their views and concerns, how processes may need to adapt, and what the future holds for the built environment and those who will build it. Hear their truly expert opinion, enjoy the discussion and share refreshments with colleagues.

See key take aways

Who We Are

Our Board of Trustees guides the implementation of our Vision and Mission. Together, they bring a balanced blend of expertise and experience in both the property industry and academia.