PFA Member Profile - Linda Rudd, Chief Executive Officer, Realside Property

Linda Rudd is Chief Executive Officer at Realside Property, an investment and funds management group with offices in Sydney and Perth. Linda has extensive experience across multiple sectors in asset and investment management, and previously held senior positions with Knight Frank Australia and CBRE. Linda is a qualified surveyor and a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). 

Q: What are some current property market trends you are seeing in office and industrial property?

We continue to see a clear divergence between high-quality assets and secondary stock. In the office sector, well-located buildings with strong amenity, sustainability credentials and attractive tenant experiences are outperforming, while older assets continue to face challenges around leasing and capital expenditure requirements. We think this also represents an opportunity for the right assets that can benefit from our approach to repositioning. 

We see the opportunity to elevate selective secondary opportunities to offer better quality: given the limited supply, pipeline demand will trickle over into assets that are well located, and can meet a price point, provided it meets the quality measure. 

Industrial remains one of the most compelling sectors, underpinned by limited land supply, growing infrastructure investment and ongoing demand from logistics, manufacturing and trade-related businesses. While capital growth has moderated from the extraordinary levels experienced post-COVID, rental growth remains strong in many markets, particularly where supply constraints exist. 

Q: Realside invests across the country, with a significant presence in Perth, WA. What is special about the Perth property market? 

Perth has a number of characteristics that make it particularly attractive. The city is benefiting from strong population growth, a high performing economy, significant government and private sector investment, and a resources sector that continues to generate employment and economic activity. We have active office, retail and industrial funds with Perth exposure. 

What we find especially compelling is that Perth often presents opportunities to acquire assets at a lower entry point than the eastern states while still benefiting from strong rental growth prospects. 

In industrial property, land supply constraints have created very supportive fundamentals. We have a competitive advantage via the Realside Ovest partnership in which the Perth-based Realside Ovest team deliver all asset and development management to the Realside industrial funds. Our portfolio started with one fund and has now grown to three with a total value of over $600m. 

Q: What do you see as the next phase of growth for Realside? 

The next phase of growth is about continuing to expand our institutional-quality platform while staying true to the entrepreneurial mindset that has driven us from day one. 

We see significant opportunities to grow our funds management business, broaden our capital relationships, and continue to partner with investors seeking exposure to high-quality real assets. At the same time, we’re focused on attracting great people and ensuring that as we grow, we maintain the culture and agility that have been key to our success. 

Q: What drives you professionally? 

I’m naturally a very driven person, and what sits behind that is a genuine passion for both property and business. 

I’ve always enjoyed bringing together people, capital and property to create an outcome. But, equally, I’ve always loved building businesses. Some people are driven by the transaction itself, and while I certainly enjoy the deals, what really excites me is the strategy, execution, and creating a platform that can grow and scale over time. 

Building Realside from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the business evolve from an idea into a platform with more than $1 billion in assets under management, strong institutional relationships and a talented team has been one of the highlights of my career. For me, it’s the combination of long-term strategic thinking, disciplined execution and working alongside great people that continues to drive me every day. 

Q: Looking back on your career to date, is there anything you would have done differently?

Plenty! But that’s all part of the learning process. 

I sometimes say that I wish I had joined Mark and started Realside earlier than we did. Having said that, I’ve learned that the right opportunities tend to present themselves at the right time. The experiences, relationships and lessons gained throughout my career have all contributed to where we are today.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Realside, as well as the experiences that came before it and the opportunities that still lie ahead. 

Q: How has PFA membership been of value to you? 

The greatest value of PFA membership has been the support by PFA for fund managers like Realside, the quality of the relationships and connections within the industry.

Property is ultimately a people business, and the opportunity to learn from peers, share experiences and discuss emerging industry issues with highly regarded professionals is invaluable. It also provides an important platform for collaboration and helping to lobby, lift standards and generally try and better the industry. 

Q: Do you have a favourite holiday destination? 

I love travel and probably don’t do enough of it! My favourite destination is usually wherever I can spend time with family and friends, whether that's somewhere hot or somewhere cold.

If I had to pick one destination, it would probably be Mexico. I think it’s incredibly underrated. The food scene in Mexico City is outstanding, the culture is vibrant, the history is fascinating and the beaches are spectacular. 

We’ve travelled there several times and always had a fantastic experience. While it might not be everyone’s first choice of holiday destination, it’s certainly one of ours.

Q: What advice would you have for someone embarking on a career in property funds management? 

Be curious and never stop learning. 

Property funds management sits at the intersection of property, finance, capital markets and people, so developing broad commercial knowledge is incredibly important. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek out mentors and take opportunities that stretch you.

Most importantly, focus on building strong relationships and maintaining your reputation. Technical skills will get you in the door, but trust, integrity and reliability are what sustain a long and successful career in this industry.