QuadReal, the property arm of one of Canada’s largest pension investors, is preparing to channel £2.5 billion into loans for British housing, data centres and industrial assets over the next few years. The decision highlights how international capital is stepping in to support sectors where traditional lenders have been more cautious. The group has already built a significant presence in Britain through equity holdings in rental housing and student accommodation. It now plans to expand into debt finance, with the UK potentially becoming one of its biggest global markets. A shortage of new homes continues to weigh heavily on the housing market. Recent figures show the number of new build-to-rent projects starting construction fell during the first half of the year, raising concerns that supply is slipping even further behind demand. Analysts note that additional sources of financing could be crucial for schemes that might otherwise struggle to secure backing. QuadReal’s lending will be aimed at rental housing, student residences and managed apartment blocks, all sectors where need is high and where institutional investors see steady returns. The Canadian fund is also eyeing digital infrastructure. Britain’s demand for data storage and processing power has surged with the growth of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, but funding for these facilities has not always kept pace. By stepping into this space, QuadReal expects to support projects that banks have been hesitant to underwrite. Forecasts from industry bodies suggest that logistics and industrial property will also remain resilient, adding another reason to focus on these areas. Industry surveys confirm that property lending in Britain is recovering, although a large volume of debt will come up for refinancing between now and 2027. The Bank of England has said the system remains stable but continues to flag refinancing as a potential pressure point. That backdrop makes the arrival of long-term pension-backed lenders particularly significant, as they can provide flexible funding where conventional banks are more limited. Risks remain for overseas investors. Delays in the planning system continue to frustrate developers, and the value of sterling can affect returns once converted back to Canadian dollars. Even in lending, defaults and swings in property values cannot be ruled out if the wider economy falters. Recent data from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors shows tenant demand holding steady rather than growing, underlining a cautious outlook. QuadReal’s planned lending programme reflects a broader shift in global property finance. Large institutions are increasingly acting not only as landlords but also as financiers. By focusing on Britain’s housing shortage and the race to expand digital infrastructure, the Canadian group is positioning itself as a central player in markets that are both commercially attractive and socially pressing.