SLI to launch UK commercial property trust

Standard Life Investments is launching a UK commercial property trust into the retail market, Investment Week understands.

Currently an internally-run vehicle, the trust aims to provide capital appreciation and income over the long-term by investing directly in UK commercial property. The £187m vehicle was launched in-house in 2005 for use within the group’s fettered fund of funds. It is currently a 9.8% holding in the £205m SLI Dynamic Distribution fund. Managed by Nigel Chapman, the property fund was 84.3% invested in UK properties on 30 June. Over one year, the fund is down 22.8% against the 25.6% fall in the IPD Monthly index, at 1 July according to SLI. The fund will levy a 5% initial charge an...