What’s the largest office properties investor from New York?

The well-known thousandinvestors research team has identified that ARES is the largest office real estate investor from New York, with more than $546B in assets under management.

What is the investment focus of ARES?

Ares Management Corporation is a leading global alternative investment manager, established in 1997. Ares has experienced significant growth, expanding its asset management portfolio to encompass approximately $546 billion across a diverse range of sectors, including credit, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure. Among the various property types, office assets represent the largest share, accounting for 42% of the portfolio by outstanding principal.

This substantial investment in office properties signifies Ares’ confidence in the long-term value and income potential of well-situated, high-quality office buildings. The portfolio encompasses assets in prominent U.S. markets, predominantly situated in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, constituting 46% of the geographic exposure. It is well-documented that these areas are characterized by robust demand drivers, which include but are not limited to corporate headquarters, professional services, and government tenants.

Alternative candidates for the AUM-based ranking of office real estate investors in New York

The most significant alternative investor is PIMCO Prime Real Estate, a preeminent global real estate investment platform that specializes in Core and Core+ office properties across Europe, the U.S., and Asia Pacific. As of March 2025, PIMCO managed €85.3 billion in assets. The firm leverages its extensive local market presence, which is facilitated by 16 offices worldwide and a team of over 460 real estate professionals, to identify and manage high-quality office assets in primary locations. The firm is committed to the creation of sustainable, resilient office portfolios. This commitment is realized through the active management and repositioning of properties to meet evolving tenant needs and market trends. Notable projects include the recent completion of Stonecutter, a prime office space in central London with a 93% pre-leasing rate, and the upcoming €35 million modernization of Frankfurt’s Skyline Plaza, aimed at enhancing tenant experience and long-term value.

Another alternative real estate investor is BentallGreenOak (BGO), a global real estate investment management firm that has gained renown for its strong focus on office properties. As of March 2025, the company had over $86 billion in assets under management. BGO leverages deep local market expertise across 12 countries and 25 cities worldwide to invest in and manage high-quality office assets, particularly in major gateway cities across North America, Europe, and Asia. The firm’s primary focus is on the implementation of proactive asset management strategies, encompassing leasing, refurbishment, and redevelopment initiatives. These strategies are employed with the objective of enhancing the economic value of office properties and optimizing tenant satisfaction. BGO’s dedication to sustainable and responsible investing distinguishes its approach, contributing to the creation of resilient, efficient office environments that address the evolving needs of contemporary businesses. This strategic emphasis positions BGO as a prominent entity within the office real estate sector, consistently generating long-term value and reliable income streams for its investors.

Both investors are part of the thousandinvestors list of the largest office real estate investors from the US.

Image source: Juan Mayobre via Unsplash (June 29, 2025)

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