SUMMARY

The following summary highlights some of the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For a more complete description of the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Essex and BRE encourage you to read carefully this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus, including the attached Annexes and the other documents to which we have referred you because this section does not provide all the information that might be important to you with respect to the merger and the other matters being considered at the applicable special meeting. See also the section entitled “Where You Can Find More Information” beginning on page 199. We have included page references to direct you to a more complete description of the topics presented in this summary.

The Companies

Essex Property Trust, Inc. (See page 47)

Essex is a Maryland corporation that has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. Essex owns all of its interests in real estate investments directly or indirectly through Essex Portfolio, L.P., which we refer to as Essex LP. Essex is the sole general partner of Essex LP and as of September 30, 2013 owns a 94.6% general partnership interest in Essex LP. Essex is engaged primarily in the ownership, operation, management, acquisition, development and redevelopment of predominantly apartment communities. As of September 30, 2013, Essex owned or held an interest in 163 apartment communities, aggregating 34,416 units, excluding Essex’s ownership in preferred interest co-investments. Additionally, as of September 30, 2013, Essex owned or had ownership interests in five commercial buildings and eleven active development projects in various stages of development. The communities are located in Southern California (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties), Northern California (the San Francisco Bay Area) and the Seattle metropolitan area.

Essex common stock is listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol “ESS.”

Essex was incorporated in the state of Maryland in 1994, and Essex LP was formed in the state of California in 1994. Essex’s principal executive offices are located at 925 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, California 94303, and its telephone number is (650) 494-3700.

Bronco Acquisition Sub, Inc. (See page 47)

Bronco Acquisition Sub, Inc., or Merger Sub, a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Essex, is a Delaware corporation formed on December 17, 2013 for the purpose of entering into the merger agreement. Upon completion of the merger, BRE will be merged with and into Merger Sub with Merger Sub surviving as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Essex. Merger Sub has not conducted any activities other than those incidental to its formation and the matters contemplated by the merger agreement.

BRE Properties, Inc. (See page 47)

BRE is a Maryland corporation that has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Code. BRE is focused on the development, acquisition and management of multifamily apartment communities primarily located in the major metropolitan markets of Southern and Northern California and Seattle, Washington. As of September 30, 2013, BRE had real estate assets with a net book value of approximately $3.6 billion, which included: 75 wholly or majority owned stabilized multifamily communities, aggregating 21,396 homes primarily located in California and Washington; one multifamily community owned through a joint venture comprised of 252 apartment homes; one land asset held for sale; and six wholly owned or majority-owned development communities (five in Northern California and one in Southern California) in various stages of planning and construction, totaling 1,888 homes. BRE has been a publicly traded company since its founding in 1970.

BRE common stock is listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol “BRE.”

BRE was incorporated in the state of Delaware in 1970, and was re-incorporated as a Maryland corporation in 1996. BRE’s principal executive offices are located at 525 Market Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, California 94105, and its telephone number is (415) 445-6530.

The Combined Company (See page 48)

References to the Combined Company are to Essex after the effective time of the merger. The Combined Company will be named “Essex Property Trust, Inc.” and will be a Maryland corporation. The Combined Company will be the leading publicly traded, multifamily REIT focused on the West Coast with a platform poised to achieve a greater level of acquisitions and value enhancing developments. The Combined Company is expected to have a pro forma equity market capitalization of approximately $10.4 billion, and a total market capitalization in excess of $15.4 billion. The Combined Company’s asset base will consist primarily of approximately 56,000 multifamily units in 239 properties. The Combined Company’s largest markets are expected to be Southern California, Northern California and metropolitan Seattle.

The business of the Combined Company will be operated through Essex LP and its subsidiaries. On a pro forma basis giving effect to the merger, the Combined Company will own an approximate 97% general partnership interest in Essex LP and, as its sole general partner, the Combined Company will have the full, exclusive and complete responsibility for and discretion in the day-to-day management and control of Essex LP.

The common stock of the Combined Company will continue to be listed on the NYSE, trading under the symbol “ESS.”

The Combined Company’s principal executive offices will be located at 925 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, California 94303, and its telephone number will be (650) 494-3700.

The Merger

The Merger Agreement (See page 127)

Essex, Merger Sub and BRE have entered into the merger agreement attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus, which is incorporated herein by reference. Essex and BRE encourage you to carefully read the merger agreement in its entirety because it is the principal document governing the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

The merger agreement provides that the closing of the merger will take place at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time at the offices of Goodwin Procter LLP in San Francisco, California on the second business day following the date on which the last of the conditions to closing of the merger have been satisfied or waived, provided that if a certain third party consent is not obtained by such date, Essex has the right to extend the closing to a date that is not later than two business days after the receipt of such consent, but in no event later than June 16, 2014.

The Merger (See page 61)

Subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, at the effective time of the merger, BRE will merge with and into Merger Sub, with Merger Sub surviving the merger as a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Essex. References to the “Combined Company” are to Essex after the effective time of the merger. The shares of common stock of the Combined Company will continue to be listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol “ESS.”

Upon completion of the merger, we estimate that continuing Essex stockholders will own approximately 62% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Combined Company, and former BRE stockholders will own approximately 38% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Combined Company.

The Merger Consideration (See page 128)

In the merger, each issued and outstanding share of BRE common stock will be converted automatically into the right to receive 0.2971 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, which we refer to as the stock consideration, of Essex plus $12.33 in cash, without interest, which we refer to as the cash consideration, each subject to adjustment as described in the merger agreement. The cash consideration will be reduced to the extent the Asset Sale is completed in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement and the Special Distribution is authorized and declared to be paid to the BRE stockholders of record as of the close of business on the business day immediately prior to the effective time of the merger as a result of the Asset Sale, as described under “The Merger Agreement—Financing Relating to the Merger—Asset Sale and Special Distribution” beginning on page 145. We refer to the stock consideration and the cash consideration collectively as the merger consideration. BRE stockholders will not receive any fractional shares of Essex common stock in the merger but instead will be paid cash (without interest) in lieu of any fractional share interest to which they would otherwise be entitled. The exchange ratio and the cash consideration will not be adjusted for changes in the market value of Essex common stock or BRE common stock. Because of this, the implied value of the merger consideration to be received by BRE stockholders in the merger will fluctuate between now and the completion of the merger. Based on the closing price of Essex common stock on the NYSE of $147.70 on December 18, 2013, the last trading date before the announcement of the proposed merger, the merger consideration (based on the value of $43.88 in Essex common stock plus the $12.33 in cash per share) represented approximately $56.21 for each share of BRE common stock. Based on the closing price of Essex common stock on the NYSE of $154.64 on January 23, 2014, the latest practicable date before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the merger consideration (based on the value of $45.94 in Essex common stock plus the $12.33 in cash per share) represented approximately $58.27 for each share of BRE common stock.

You are urged to obtain current market prices of shares of Essex common stock and BRE common stock. You are cautioned that the trading price of the common stock of the Combined Company after the merger may be affected by factors different from those currently affecting the trading prices of Essex common stock and BRE common stock, and therefore, the historical trading prices of Essex and BRE may not be indicative of the trading price of the Combined Company. See the risks related to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement described under the section “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Merger” beginning on page 35.

Voting Agreements (See page 147)

Concurrently with the execution of the merger agreement, BRE entered into separate voting agreements with Michael J. Schall, Essex’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Essex Board, and George M. Marcus, the Chairman of the Essex Board, and Essex entered into separate voting agreements with Constance B. Moore, BRE’s President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the BRE Board, and Irving F. Lyons, III, the Chairman of the BRE Board. As of January 16, 2014, the Essex officers and directors that are a party to a voting agreement with BRE collectively owned approximately 0.91% of the outstanding shares of Essex common stock, and the BRE officers and directors that are a party to a voting agreement with Essex collectively owned approximately 0.62% of the outstanding shares of BRE common stock.

Pursuant to the terms of the voting agreements, each of the stockholders parties to the voting agreements has agreed, subject to the terms and conditions contained in each voting agreement, to among other things, vote all of his or her shares of Essex common stock or BRE common stock, as applicable, whether currently owned or acquired at any time prior to the termination of the applicable voting agreement, in favor of the issuance of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger or in favor of the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as applicable. In addition, the voting agreements with BRE stockholders provide that such persons will vote their BRE common stock against any alternative proposal, and both the voting agreements with Essex stockholders and the voting agreements with BRE stockholders provide that such

persons will vote their shares of Essex common stock or BRE common stock, as applicable, against any action which would reasonably be expected to adversely affect or interfere with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Each of the stockholders parties to the voting agreements has also agreed to comply with certain restrictions on the transfer of his or her shares subject to the terms of the applicable voting agreement. Each of the voting agreements terminates upon the earlier to occur of (1) the effective time of the merger; and (2) the termination of the merger agreement pursuant to its terms.

The foregoing summary of the voting agreements is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of each of the voting agreements. Copies of the forms of voting agreement are attached as Annex B and Annex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference. For more information see “Voting Agreements” beginning on page 147.

Financing Related to the Merger (See page 144)

The merger is not conditioned upon Essex having received any financing at or prior to the effective time of the merger. However, in connection with the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, Essex has entered into a commitment letter with Citigroup Global Markets Inc., UBS AG Stamford Branch and UBS Securities LLC, whose banking affiliates we collectively refer to as the lenders, pursuant to which the lenders have committed to provide a senior unsecured bridge loan facility of up to $1 billion, which we refer to as the bridge loan facility, subject to the conditions set forth in the commitment letter. If drawn upon, the proceeds of the bridge loan facility may be used to (i) pay a portion of the cash consideration in the merger, (ii) pay various fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger, and/or (iii) repay certain indebtedness of BRE and its subsidiaries. The bridge loan facility is structured as a 364-day unsecured term loan facility available in a single draw on the closing date of the merger. Essex, Essex LP and Merger Sub have the right to use alternative financing in connection with the consummation of the merger and are under no obligation to draw upon the financing commitment from the lenders. Essex is currently exploring the availability of alternative financing including through existing unsecured credit facilities, asset sales, joint ventures or other financing arrangements.

The commitment letter expires on the earliest of (i) the consummation of the bridge loan facility and (ii) April 18, 2014, provided that if either Essex or BRE has not obtained the approval of Essex stockholders or BRE stockholders, as the case may be, contemplated by the merger agreement by April 18, 2014, the commitment letter will expire on May 18, 2014.

For more information regarding the financing related to the merger, see “The Merger Agreement—Financing Related to the Merger” beginning on page 144.

Asset Sale and Special Distribution (See page 145)

Pursuant to the merger agreement, Essex may make an irrevocable election by written notice to BRE no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Time on the business day that is at least 15 business days prior to the BRE special meeting, to require BRE to sell, and for Essex or one or more persons designated by Essex to purchase, on the business day prior to the effective time of the merger, certain to-be-identified assets of BRE and/or its subsidiaries with a net equity value of up to $1 billion, as specified by Essex in the election notice, in the Asset Sale. Essex currently anticipates delivering such notice and that the disposition assets will be contributed to a joint venture to be formed between BRE and one or more third parties. Essex will acquire the remaining interests in such joint venture in the merger. Pursuant to the merger agreement, and assuming the Asset Sale occurs, the net proceeds received by BRE from the third-party venture partner(s), or a portion thereof, will be paid as a dividend to BRE stockholders of record as of the close of business on the business day preceding the effective

time of the merger as the Special Distribution. The amount of the Special Distribution is intended to be at least equal to BRE’s earnings and profits generated from the Asset Sale. Any amounts distributed as the Special Distribution will reduce the cash consideration by the per share amount of such Special Distribution. In any event, BRE stockholders will receive $12.33 in cash, without interest, in connection with the merger, whether as a result of the payment of the Special Distribution or payment of cash consideration in the merger, or a combination thereof.

For more information regarding the Asset Sale and the Special Distribution, see “The Merger Agreement—Financing Relating to the Merger—Asset Sale and Special Distribution” beginning on page 145.

Recommendation of the Essex Board (See page 74)

The Essex Board has unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are advisable, fair to, and in the best interests of Essex and its stockholders, (ii) approved and adopted the merger agreement, the merger and the other transactions contemplated thereby, and (iii) authorized and approved the issuance of shares of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger. The Essex Board unanimously recommends that Essex stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger and FOR the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Essex common stock in the merger.

Recommendation of the BRE Board (See page 76)

The BRE Board has unanimously (i) determined and declared that the merger, the merger agreement and the other transactions contemplated by the merger are advisable and in the best interests of BRE and its stockholders and (ii) approved the merger agreement and authorized the performance by BRE thereunder. The BRE Board unanimously recommends that BRE stockholders vote FOR the proposal to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, FOR the advisory (non-binding) proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of BRE in connection with the merger, and FOR the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Summary of Risk Factors Related to the Merger (See page 35)

You should consider carefully all of the risk factors together with all of the other information included in this joint proxy statement/prospectus before deciding how to vote. The risks related to the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement are described under the section “Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to the Merger” beginning on page 35.

The Essex Special Meeting (See page 49)

The special meeting of the stockholders of Essex will be held at [—] on [—], 2014, commencing at [—], local time.

At the Essex special meeting, the stockholders of Essex will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:

Approval of the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.

Approval of the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of shares of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger requires the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.

At the close of business on the record date, directors and executive officers of Essex and their affiliates were entitled to vote [—] shares of Essex common stock, or approximately [—]% of the shares of Essex common stock issued and outstanding on that date. Messrs. Schall and Marcus have entered into voting agreements that obligate them to vote FOR the issuance of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger. Additionally, Essex currently expects that the other Essex directors and executive officers will vote their shares of Essex common stock in favor of the proposal to approve the issuance of Essex common stock to BRE stockholders in the merger as well as the other proposal to be considered at the Essex special meeting, although none of them is contractually obligated to do so.

Your vote as an Essex stockholder is very important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the Essex special meeting in person.

The BRE Special Meeting (See page 53)

The special meeting of the stockholders of BRE will be held at [—] on [—], 2014, commencing at [—], local time.

At the BRE special meeting, BRE stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following matters:

Approval of the proposal to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of BRE common stock entitled to vote on such proposal.

Approval of the advisory (non-binding) proposal to approve certain compensation that may be paid or become payable to the named executive officers of BRE in connection with the merger requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.

Approval of the proposal to approve one or more adjournments of the special meeting to another date, time or place, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies in favor of the proposal to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement requires the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast on such proposal.

At the close of business on the record date, directors and executive officers of BRE and their affiliates were entitled to vote [—] shares of BRE common stock, or approximately [—]% of the shares of BRE common stock issued and outstanding on that date. Ms. Moore and Mr. Lyons have entered into voting agreements that obligate them to vote FOR the BRE proposal to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. Additionally, BRE currently expects that the other BRE directors and executive officers will vote their shares of BRE common stock in favor of the BRE merger proposal as well as the other proposals to be considered at the BRE special meeting, although none of them is contractually obligated to do so.

Your vote as a BRE stockholder is very important. Accordingly, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card whether or not you plan to attend the BRE special meeting in person.

Opinions of Financial Advisors

Opinion of Essex’s Financial Advisor (See page 80)

On December 18, 2013, at a meeting of the Essex Board held to evaluate the proposed merger, UBS Securities LLC, which we refer to as UBS, delivered to the Essex Board an oral opinion, which opinion was confirmed by delivery of a written opinion, dated December 18, 2013, to the effect that, as of that date and based on and subject to various assumptions made, matters considered and limitations described in its opinion, the consideration to be paid by Essex in the merger was fair, from a financial point of view, to Essex.

The full text of UBS’ opinion describes the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken by UBS. UBS’ opinion is attached as Annex D to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Essex stockholders are encouraged to read UBS’ opinion carefully in its entirety. UBS’ opinion was provided for the benefit of the Essex Board (in its capacity as such) in connection with, and for the purpose of, its evaluation of the merger consideration to be paid by Essex in the merger, and does not address any other aspect of the merger or any related transaction. UBS’

opinion does not address the relative merits of the merger or any related transaction as compared to other business strategies or transactions that might be available to Essex or Essex’s underlying business decision to effect the merger or any related transaction. UBS’ opinion does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder as to how such stockholder should vote or act with respect to the merger or any related transaction.

See “The Merger—Opinion of Essex’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 80.

Opinion of BRE’s Financial Advisor (See page 87)

In connection with the merger, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, which we refer to as Wells Fargo Securities, rendered an opinion, dated December 18, 2013, to the BRE Board as to the fairness, from a financial point of view and as of such date, of the merger consideration to be received pursuant to the merger agreement by holders of BRE common stock (other than Essex, Merger Sub and their respective affiliates). The full text of Wells Fargo Securities’ written opinion is attached as Annex E to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The written opinion sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed, factors considered and limitations on the review undertaken by Wells Fargo Securities in rendering its opinion. The opinion was addressed to the BRE Board (in its capacity as such) for its information and use in connection with its evaluation of the merger consideration from a financial point of view and did not address any other terms, aspects or implications of the merger or any related transactions. Wells Fargo Securities’ opinion did not address the merits of the underlying decision by BRE to enter into the merger agreement or the relative merits of the merger or any related transactions compared with other business strategies or transactions available or that have been or might be considered by BRE’s management or board of directors or in which BRE might engage. Under the terms of its engagement, Wells Fargo Securities has acted as an independent contractor, not as an agent or fiduciary. Wells Fargo Securities’ opinion does not constitute a recommendation to the BRE Board or any other person or entity in respect of the merger or any related transactions, including as to how any stockholder should vote or act in connection with the merger, any related transactions or any other matters.

See “The Merger—Opinion of BRE’s Financial Advisor” beginning on page 87.

Treatment of the BRE Preferred Stock (See page 128)

All outstanding shares of BRE’s 6.75% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, which we refer to as the BRE preferred stock, will be redeemed prior to the effective time of the merger at $25.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement and the terms of the BRE preferred stock. BRE sent notice of the redemption of the BRE preferred stock to holders of BRE preferred stock on January 21, 2014 in accordance with the terms of the BRE preferred stock. The BRE preferred stock will be redeemed on February 20, 2014.

Treatment of the BRE Equity Incentive Plans (See page 129)

At the effective time of the merger, the Combined Company will assume all outstanding options to purchase BRE common stock, whether or not exercisable, and restricted stock awards (including any associated performance-based rights) covering BRE common stock. Each option and restricted stock award so assumed by the Combined Company will continue to have the same terms and conditions (including vesting schedule) as were applicable under the BRE equity incentive plans prior to the effective time of the merger, subject to certain adjustments described in the merger agreement.

See “The Merger Agreement—Merger Consideration; Effects of the Merger—Assumption of BRE Equity Incentive Plans by the Combined Company” beginning on page 129.

Directors and Management of the Combined Company After the Merger (See page 149)

As of the effective time of the merger, the board of directors of the Combined Company will be increased to 13 members, with the ten current Essex directors, George M. Marcus, Keith R. Guericke, David W. Brady, Gary P. Martin, Issie N. Rabinovitch, Thomas E. Randlett, Michael J. Schall, Bryon A. Scordelis, Janice L. Sears and Claude Joseph Zinngrabe Jr., continuing as directors of the Combined Company. In addition, three current members of the BRE Board, Irving F. Lyons, III, Thomas E. Robinson and Thomas P. Sullivan will join the board of directors of the Combined Company, which members we refer to as the BRE designees, to serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders of the Combined Company (and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified). The BRE designees are entitled to be nominated by the board of directors of the Combined Company for reelection at the next subsequent annual meeting of stockholders of the Combined Company.

The executive officers of Essex immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will continue to serve as the executive officers of the Combined Company, with Michael J. Schall continuing to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Combined Company.

Interests of Essex’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (See page 99)

Essex has adopted a merger bonus program for key Essex personnel pursuant to which certain Essex personnel, including senior executive officers, will be eligible to receive a cash bonus if both the merger closes and the eligible executive remains employed at the applicable payment date. Pursuant to this program, Essex is authorized to pay up to $8,000,000 in aggregate cash bonuses. Employees at the senior vice president level or higher will receive 2/3rds of their bonus if they remain employed at the 12 month anniversary of the merger closing and the remaining 1/3rd at the 18 month anniversary of the merger closing. For more information regarding Essex’s merger bonus program, see “The Merger—Interests of Essex’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger” beginning on page 99.

Other than as described above, none of Essex’s executive officers or members of the Essex Board is party to an arrangement with Essex, or participates in any Essex plan, program or arrangement that provides such executive officer or board member with financial incentives that are contingent upon consummation of the merger.

Interests of BRE’s Directors and Executive Officers in the Merger (See page 99)

In considering the recommendation of the BRE Board to approve the merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, BRE stockholders should be aware that BRE’s directors and executive officers have certain interests in the merger that may be different from, or in addition to, the interests of BRE stockholders generally, including certain contractual “change of control” payments, benefits and incentive awards in connection with the merger, as described below.

Listing of Shares of the Essex Common Stock; Delisting and Deregistration of BRE Common Stock and Preferred Stock (See page 126)

It is a condition to each company’s obligation to complete the merger that the shares of Essex common stock issuable to BRE stockholders in the merger be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. Essex has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Essex common stock to be issued to BRE stockholders in the merger to be approved for listing on the NYSE prior to the effective time of the merger, subject to official notice of issuance. After the merger is completed, the shares of BRE common stock currently listed on the NYSE will cease to be listed on the NYSE and will be deregistered under the Exchange Act. The BRE preferred stock will be redeemed on February 20, 2014.

Stockholder Appraisal Rights in the Merger (See page 129)

No dissenters’ or appraisal rights, or rights of objecting stockholders under Title 3 Subtitle 2 of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or the MGCL, will be available with respect to the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

Conditions to Completion of the Merger (See page 140)

A number of customary conditions must be satisfied or waived, where legally permissible, before the merger can be consummated. These include, among others:

Neither Essex nor BRE can give any assurance as to when or if all of the conditions to the consummation of the merger will be satisfied or waived or that the merger will occur.

For more information regarding the conditions to the consummation of the merger and a complete list of such conditions, see “The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Completion of the Merger” beginning on page 140.

Regulatory Approvals Required for the Merger (See page 103)

Essex and BRE are not aware of any material federal or state regulatory requirements that must be complied with, or regulatory approvals that must be obtained, in connection with the merger or the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.

No Solicitation and Change in Recommendation (See page 135)

Under the terms of the merger agreement, BRE is prohibited from soliciting competing bids, subject to certain limited exceptions necessary to comply with the duties of the BRE Board. Prior to receiving BRE stockholder approval of the merger, BRE may negotiate with a third party after receiving an unsolicited written proposal if the BRE Board determines in good faith that the unsolicited proposal could reasonably be likely to result in a transaction that is more favorable than the merger and the BRE Board determines that failure to negotiate would be inconsistent with its duties. Once a third party proposal is received, BRE must notify Essex within 24 hours following receipt of the proposal and keep Essex informed of the status and terms of the proposal and associated negotiations.

BRE may withdraw or modify its recommendation to BRE stockholders with respect to the merger, and enter into an agreement to consummate a competing transaction with a third party if the BRE Board determines in good faith that the competing proposal is more favorable to BRE stockholders and if BRE, in connection with terminating the merger agreement, pays a $170 million termination fee to Essex. Prior to any such termination, BRE generally must provide Essex with notice at least three business days prior to such termination and an opportunity to revise the terms of the merger agreement to make the competing proposal no longer more favorable to BRE stockholders. In very limited circumstances, the BRE Board has a right to withdraw or modify its recommendation to BRE stockholders in the absence of a competing proposal, if following an unexpected event the failure to do so would be inconsistent with the duties of the BRE Board.

For more information regarding the limitations on BRE and the BRE Board to consider other competing proposals, see “The Merger Agreement—Covenants and Agreements—No Solicitation of Transactions” beginning on page 135.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (See page 142)

The merger agreement may be terminated at any time before the effective time of the merger by the mutual consent of Essex and BRE in a written instrument, even after approval of BRE stockholders or approval of Essex stockholders.

In addition, the merger agreement may also be terminated prior to the effective time of the merger by either BRE or Essex under the following conditions, each subject to certain exceptions:

The merger agreement may also be terminated by Essex prior to the approval of the merger by BRE stockholders, (i) if BRE has withdrawn or modified its recommendation to BRE stockholders with respect to the merger, (ii) if the BRE Board approves or recommends a competing transaction, (iii) if BRE fails to include in the joint proxy statement the recommendation of the BRE Board of the approval of the merger, (iv) if a tender offer or exchange offer for 20% or more of the outstanding shares of capital stock of BRE is commenced, and the BRE Board does not recommend against acceptance of the offer within ten business days following its commencement, (v) if BRE has materially breached its obligations under non-solicitation provisions of the merger agreement, or (vi) if BRE publicly announces its intention to do any of the above.

The merger agreement may also be terminated by BRE at any time prior to the approval of the merger by BRE stockholders, in order to enter into an alternative acquisition agreement with respect to a competing proposal that the BRE Board determines is more favorable to BRE stockholders than the merger; provided, that BRE must concurrently pay the $170 million termination fee as described under “The Merger Agreement —Termination of the Merger Agreement—Termination Fee and Expenses Payable by BRE to Essex.”

For more information regarding the rights of Essex and BRE to terminate the merger agreement, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement” beginning on page 142.

Termination Fee and Expenses (See page 143)

Generally, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger and the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring those fees and expenses. However, if the merger agreement is terminated because BRE accepts a competing proposal, BRE will be required to pay Essex a $170 million termination fee. If either party fails to obtain the approval of its stockholders, such party may be obligated to pay the other reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses actually incurred up to a maximum of $10 million.

For more information regarding the termination fee and expense reimbursement, see “The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Merger Agreement—Termination Fee and Expenses Payable by BRE to Essex” beginning on page 143 and “The Merger Agreement—Termination of the Agreement—Expenses Payable by Essex to BRE” beginning on page 144.

Litigation Relating to the Merger (See page 126)

Since the announcement of the merger agreement on December 19, 2013, three putative class action and shareholder derivative actions have been filed on behalf of alleged BRE stockholders and/or BRE itself in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Maryland, under the following captions: Sutton v. BRE Properties, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-13-008425, filed December 23, 2013; Applegate v. BRE Properties, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-14-00002, filed December 30, 2013; and Lee v. BRE Properties, Inc., et al., No. 24-C-14-00046, filed January 3, 2014.

All of these complaints name as defendants BRE, the BRE Board, Essex, and Merger Sub, and allege that the BRE Board breached its fiduciary duties to BRE’s stockholders and/or to BRE itself, and that the merger involves an unfair price, an inadequate sales process, and unreasonable deal protection devices that purportedly preclude competing offers. The complaints further allege that Essex, Merger Sub, and, in some cases, BRE aided and abetted those alleged breaches of duty. The complaints seek injunctive relief, including enjoining or rescinding the merger, and an award of other unspecified attorneys’ and other fees and costs, in addition to other relief. BRE and Essex management believe that these actions have no merit and intend to defend vigorously against them.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger (See page 103)

BRE and Essex intend that the merger of BRE with and into Merger Sub will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. The closing of the merger is conditioned on the receipt by each of Essex and BRE of an opinion from its respective counsel to the effect that the merger will qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Assuming that the merger qualifies as a reorganization, U.S. holders of shares of BRE common stock generally will only recognize gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of the cash consideration received in the merger and the cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Combined Company common stock, and will not recognize any loss in connection with the merger.

For further discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger and the ownership of common stock of the Combined Company, see “The Merger—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger” beginning on page 103.

Holders of shares of BRE common stock should consult their tax advisors to determine the tax consequences to them (including the application and effect of any state, local or non-U.S. income and other tax laws) of the merger.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Asset Sale and Special Distribution (See page 107)

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that (a) the Asset Sale be treated as a taxable sale by BRE of the assets subject to the Asset Sale, and (b) the Special Distribution be treated as a dividend distribution to holders of shares of BRE common stock to the extent of BRE’s current and accumulated earnings and profits.

Notwithstanding the intended U.S. federal income tax treatment described above, the federal income tax treatment of the Asset Sale and Special Distribution is not entirely clear. It is possible that the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, could treat all or a portion of the Special Distribution as additional cash consideration in the merger.

For further discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Asset Sale and the Special Distribution, see “The Merger—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Merger—Asset Sale and Special Distribution” beginning on page 107.

Accounting Treatment of the Merger (See page 125)

Essex prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which we refer to as GAAP. The merger will be accounted for by applying the acquisition method. See “The Merger—Accounting Treatment.”

Comparison of Rights of Stockholders of Essex and Stockholders of BRE (See page 184)

If the merger is consummated, stockholders of BRE will become stockholders of the Combined Company. The rights of BRE stockholders are currently governed by and subject to the provisions of the MGCL, and the charter and bylaws of BRE. Upon consummation of the merger, the rights of the former BRE stockholders who receive shares of Essex common stock in the merger will be governed by the MGCL and the Essex charter and bylaws, rather than the charter and bylaws of BRE. In particular, as is typical for REITs to protect their status as a REIT, the Essex charter provides that, with limited exceptions, no person may beneficially own, or be deemed to beneficially own by virtue of the attribution provisions of the Code, more than 6.0% of the outstanding shares of Essex’s capital stock (which limit may be adjusted by the Essex Board up to 9.9%).

For a summary of certain differences between the rights of Essex stockholders and BRE stockholders, see “Comparison of Rights of stockholders of Essex and Stockholders of BRE” beginning on page 184.

Selected Historical Financial Information of Essex

The following selected historical financial information for each of the years during the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 have been derived from Essex’s audited consolidated financial statements contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2013, which has been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The selected historical financial information for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 has been derived from Essex’s audited consolidated financial statements for such years, which have not been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference.

The selected historical financial information for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and as of September 30, 2013 has been derived from Essex’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Essex’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013, which has been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The selected historical financial information as of September 30, 2012 has been derived from Essex’s unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in Essex’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012, which has not been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. In Essex’s opinion, such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim September 30, 2013 financial information. Interim results for the nine months ended and as of September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of, and are not projections for, the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

You should read this selected historical financial information together with the financial statements included in reports that are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and their accompanying notes and management’s discussion and analysis of operations and financial condition of Essex contained in such reports.

FFO is not meant to represent a comprehensive system of financial reporting and does not present, nor does it intend to present, a complete picture of Essex’s financial condition and operating performance. Essex believes that net earnings computed under GAAP remain the primary measure of performance and that FFO is only meaningful when it is used in conjunction with net earnings. Essex considers FFO and FFO excluding non-recurring items and acquisition costs, which we refer to as Core FFO, to be useful financial performance measurements of an equity REIT because, together with net income and cash flows, FFO provides investors with an additional basis to evaluate operating performance and ability of a REIT to incur and service debt and to fund acquisitions and other capital expenditures and ability to pay dividends. Further, Essex believes that its consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with GAAP, provide the most meaningful picture of its financial condition and its operating performance.

In calculating FFO, Essex follows the definition for this measure published by the National Association of REITs, a REIT trade association, which we refer to as NAREIT. Essex believes that, under the NAREIT FFO definition, the two most significant adjustments made to net income are (i) the exclusion of historical cost depreciation and (ii) the exclusion of gains and losses (including impairment

charges on depreciable real estate) from the sale of previously depreciated properties. Essex agrees that these two NAREIT adjustments are useful to investors for the following reason:

Essex believes that it has consistently applied the NAREIT definition of FFO to all periods presented. However, there is judgment involved and other REITs’ calculation of FFO may vary from the NAREIT definition for this measure, and thus their disclosure of FFO may not be comparable to Essex’s calculation.

Selected Historical Financial Information of BRE

The following selected historical financial information for each of the years during the three-year period ended December 31, 2012 and the selected balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 have been derived from BRE’s audited consolidated financial statements contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 14, 2013, which has been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference. The selected historical financial information for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 and as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 has been derived from BRE’s audited consolidated financial statements for such years, which have not been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference.

The selected historical financial information for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and as of September 30, 2013 has been derived from BRE’s unaudited consolidated financial statements contained in BRE’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013, which has been incorporated into this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference.

In BRE’s opinion, such unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the interim September 30, 2013 financial information. Interim results for the nine months ended and as of September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of, and are not projections for, the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013.

You should read this selected historical financial information together with the financial statements included in reports that are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and their accompanying notes and management’s discussion and analysis of operations and financial condition of BRE contained in such reports.