Henderson to lift suspension on UK Property PAIF in mid-October

Re-opening on 14 October

Jayna Rana
clock • 2 min read

Henderson Global Investors has announced its intention to re-open the £3.4bn UK Property PAIF and its associated feeder fund from 14 October, following its most recent dealing review.

The decision means client subscriptions and redemptions for acceptance may be placed with Henderson at any time from the 21 September.

Henderson said this notice period gives the chance for investors to make informed decisions and any necessary preparations ahead of the re-opening.

The group said good progress in asset sales has enabled the re-establishment of a liquidity buffer while maintaining a high quality, diversified portfolio with a strong tenant base and asset mix.

Henderson announced the temporary suspension of all trading in its UK Property PAIF and feeder fund as at 6 July, to safeguard the interests of all investors.

Editor's view: Property fund issues must not be forgotten as suspensions lifted

Ainslie McLennan, co-manager of the funds, said: "We are pleased with the pricing attained on the assets sold in the period since 23 June, with the majority of sales exceeding 31 December valuations, and comfortable that this was achieved without compromising the diversification and performance potential of the remaining property portfolio.

"The focus remains on holding a strong portfolio of defensive, core assets with a mix of robust tenants on long leases across all sectors. The portfolio provides an attractive net historical income yield of 3.2% (4.0% estimated gross yield for eligible investors), which in the form of contractual rental income offers a steady income stream and remains attractive relative to bonds and equities.

"Around a third of the income comes from leases with either fixed uplifts or Retail Price Index (RPI) linked increases, providing an element of rental growth."

Conditions are starting to improve for the troubled property sector with Columbia Threadneedle announcing last week it is set to lift the trading suspension on its UK Property Authorised Investment Fund (PAIF) and its feeder fund, the UK Property Authorised Trust, on 26 September.

Meanwhile, M&G said last week it hopes to re-open its suspended £4.4bn Property Portfolio next month.

However, a number of property funds remain suspended following the EU referendum, with Aviva saying earlier this month it expects the suspension on its Property Trust to last for at least six to eight months.

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