Property advisor responds to growing demand for space and public-private collaboration in national security
Cushman & Wakefield has established a dedicated Defence & Strategy Advisory Team to support public and private stakeholders in addressing the expanding real estate needs of the Ministry of Defence. The renewed focus on national security is driving significant demand for space - covering work, training, housing, exercises, production, and storage. Defence is set to grow substantially (+32% in personnel by 2030), with major investments planned (€21.4 billion in 2024, including €826.8 million for real estate), and expansion across more than 31 locations.
“Defence is evolving from a relatively closed niche into a sector with spatial, economic, and societal impact,” says Annelou de Groot, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield Netherlands. “We’re seeing a clear shift towards collaboration with the private sector and knowledge institutions. This public-private cooperation requires both real estate expertise and strategic insight—precisely where we can add value through data-driven advice and deep understanding of public decision-making.”
The new team brings together expertise in strategic advisory, valuations, sustainability, and area and building development, supporting governments and investors in identifying, structuring, and capitalising on this transformation.
Comprehensive Services
The multidisciplinary Defence Real Estate & Strategy team consists of six specialists and is led by Frank van der Sluys, Head of Strategic Advisory and Client Development at Cushman & Wakefield Netherlands. The team operates at the intersection of real estate, defence, sustainability, and area development, offering services tailored to the unique dynamics of this challenge:
- Quality Benchmarking: Assessing the suitability of existing real estate for new functions
- Feasibility Studies: Scenario planning based on financial and spatial parameters
- Strategic Accommodation Advice: Support with site selection, programme layout, and optimisation
- Technical Advisory: Guidance on sustainability upgrades, renovations, and new construction
- Valuation & Appraisal: Independent, market-aligned valuations tailored to public frameworks
- Expropriation Advisory: Valuations, damage assessments, and process guidance
Cushman & Wakefield is already active at several potential defence sites and closely monitors policy developments in this area, including the recent Defence Innovation Strategy and the DefPort platform, which brings together government, the high-tech sector, and financial institutions.
