The GPA was created in shadow form in 2017 and formally established as an executive agency of the Cabinet Office in 2018.

[3] The GPA delivers "property and workplace solutions" to the various departments of the United Kingdom government.

It is designed to introduce a "portfolio-led approach to managing central government general purpose property as a strategic asset".

In addition to London, they have offices in Swindon, Coventry, Newport, Manchester, Leeds, and Norwich.

The GPA Board's principal function is to advise the Chief Executive and the Cabinet Office (as its sponsor department) on the strategic direction of the Agency.