Nuveen Real Estate has launched its third UK debt strategy and secured an initial £140m (€164m) in capital commitments for the strategy.

The manager said the first close was backed by a number of UK and international investors as well as commitment from Nuveen’s parent, TIAA, via a general account managed by Nuveen.

Nuveen said the new strategy, which seeks to raise £500m in total, is currently in the process of completing its first two loans.

Christian Janssen, the head of commercial real estate debt, Europe, at Nuveen Real Estate, said the successful first close of the latest UK debt strategy shows the continued investor appetite for commercial real estate debt particularly through a firm like Nuveen.

“We are pleased to have some existing investors re-upping their commitments. At this time, debt investment is at a sweet spot in the market, as it can offer an attractive level of income with a measure of downside protection against short-term volatility, which is particularly prevalent as the UK comes out of the pandemic and establishes its post-Brexit geo-economic position.

“The debt team’s global expertise, track record and reputation help us source and manage attractive opportunities for our investors.”

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