The company's history began in 1959 with the acquisition of Basil and Howard Samuel (cousins of Lord Samuel of Land Securities), consisting of 41 properties valued at £ 5.5 million. Currently, Portland Estates is a FTSE 250 property investment and development company owning £ 2.5 billion of real estate in central London. The developer closely monitors the real estate market and actively manages its portfolio to ensure long-term results. The company builds attractive and sought-after homes, creating places where people want to live, and helping local communities and the city to flourish. The people at Great Portland Estates believe that building strong and sustainable relationships with tenants, suppliers and partners is critical to success.