MBA Real Estate Students Gain Global Insights on London Career Trek

In May, 2026, a group of MBA students visited London to meet with firms and learn more about real estate across the Atlantic. A mix of first-year and second-year students met with firms including Delancey, where the students toured Elephant & Castle, a new town center development that will deliver over 1,000 homes, new restaurants, shops, a university, leisure and cultural facilities across three phases, Breakthrough Properties, AustralianSuper, Tishman Speyer, H.I.G. Capital, and Grosvenor.

Students had the opportunity to learn about the unique real estate trends in the UK and Europe, the nuances that come with operating in the European market, and how these firms generate returns through unique and differing strategies. First-year MBA student Austin Fanburg (MBA’27) said of the trip:

Our London trek provided an incredible look into one of the world’s most sophisticated and complex property markets. Seeing this variety of assets—from urban life sciences and historic ‘listed’ restorations to biodiversity investments in city-center parks—really highlighted the unique depth of the London market.

A primary takeaway was just how interpersonal the market is, relying heavily on off-market deals and public-private partnerships, while running slightly off-cycle from the US. 

The experience directly complemented our coursework by exposing us to complex international regulatory and development frameworks. Ultimately, it proved that while market structures differ, fundamental economic principles remain the same, and relationships are vital as real estate evolves — no matter where you are. Beyond the academic value, navigating a tight schedule across London built a unique camaraderie among our cohort, allowing us to see each other as sophisticated professionals in a new light and function as teammates outside the classroom.

Austin Fanburg (MBA’27)

Site Spotlight: Historic Stewardship with Grosvenor

A highlight of the trip was the group’s visit with Grosvenor to discuss the firm’s historic properties in the Mayfair and Belgravia neighborhoods of London. The Grosvenor team discussed with our students the long-term financial perspective of the firm and the sense of stewardship that associates at Grosvenor feel.

The team also took our MBA students on a site visit to Grosvenor Square, which is due to open in July after an extensive revitalization and walked the students through their latest development project, South Molton, a 370,000 sq. ft. mixed-use scheme that will deliver new trophy quality office space, private and onsite affordable housing, new retail and leisure space.

Thank you to the teams at Delancey, Breakthrough, H.I.G., AustralianSuper, Tishman Speyer, and Grosvenor for their time and generosity in hosting our MBA students!