‘As valuers tracking the market, we are now seeing more positive activity in the cities’ core central shopping districts,’ asserts Geert Wesselink. ‘The appearance and unique features of inner-city retail properties are once again becoming important in the market and seem to be enhancing appraisal values; that is, if the properties are not excessively large.’

Luis Vila: ‘Madrid is a major economic hub in Spain, with a diverse economy that includes finance, technology, and services. Job opportunities and business activities in the city attract people seeking employment and career advancement. It contains businesses and headquarters for the total Iberian Peninsula. Tourism, with over 10 million visitors annually and 18% growth last year, is one of the main economic drivers of the city’s economy.’

Cedric Bodart: ‘In 2021, we analysed the desired Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) direction and activities based on the CSRD requirements for real estate companies like Vastned. We supplemented this with our expert knowledge and looked at what Vastned’s peers were doing in specific areas. This provided the basis for animated discussions with Vastned's Executive Committee.’

‘I am, as the saying goes, one of the Vastned veterans. I have been with the company for over 23 years,’ Jaco Euser starts the interview. ‘Some people call me ‘the company’s conscience’, and it is true that I know a lot about Vastned. But there are more colleagues with longer employment contracts, after all we are a close-knit of people. But the great thing is that we also have quite a few younger colleagues.’