Axa sees ECB stress tests creating real estate investment chances

European Central Bank stress tests of lenders will create real estate investment opportunities this year as the region’s banks shore up their balance sheets, according to the head of Axa SA’s property unit.

“Some of the assets which could have been secure or very safe six or seven years ago, now they may be riskier,” Pierre Vaquier, CEP of Axa Real Estate Investment Managers, said.

“They may have shorter leases. They might have need for asset management. This is where we feel you will get interesting opportunities.”