I talk to special guest Gary Wilson, about all aspects of project development in the construction industry. Gary shares his extensive experience in construction, project management, and sales, providing valuable insights and lessons learned from his career. We look at topics such as the challenges of managing larger developments, the importance of trust and honesty in business relationships, and the significance of meticulous planning and attention to detail in project management. Gary also...

In this episode, I interview Stephen Gallagher, a commercial property investor, who shares insights into his background in aerospace engineering and financial services, as well as his journey into property investment. He discusses his investment model with SSAS and details a successful project in Wishaw near Glasgow, where he transformed a CMO (Commercial Multiple Occupancy) property into a thriving serviced office space. Stephen elaborates on the financial aspects, including valuation,...

Join me in this exciting episode as I sit down with Miro Miroslavov from OfficeRnD, a renowned prop tech software company. Together, we uncover the fascinating evolution of their software and highlight its crucial role in tackling the unique challenges of managing flexible workspace. Miro guides us through the company's growth and their strategic approach of integrating with top-tier solutions, rather than striving to be an all-encompassing platform. We also explore the significance of...

I talk to Will Mallard about social housing in the commercial property sector. Will shares insights into the complexities of the sector, including the various categories of social housing and supported housing. He discusses how he got involved in social housing and provides examples of projects he has worked on. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of social housing, including the challenges and opportunities for investors. Will also highlights the importance of understanding...

I'm joined once again by the marvellous Dean Booty, to discuss the ins and outs of the self-storage industry. Dean shares insights into his successful self-storage business, including the expansion from three to six sites in a short period. We delve into topics such as site acquisitions, revenue management, pricing strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Dean also introduces his comprehensive online course covering all aspects of self-storage operations, offering a special...

I'm joined once more by Adam Lawrence, to focus on the impact of the recent budget on property investors. We discuss various aspects such as tax thresholds, capital gains tax, multiple dwellings relief, and the potential effects of upcoming elections on the property market. Adam shares his insights on navigating the current economic landscape and offers strategic advice for property investors.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Election Year Opportunities: Adam suggests that election years tend to offer...

I share insights into why I ventured into commercial real estate, how I found the project through networking and the process of financing the property. I delve into the specifics of the building, its initial condition, and the gradual transformation it underwent to increase its income and value, reflecting on the lessons learned from this project, emphasising the importance of networking, not solely relying on commercial agents' advice, and the impact of increasing income on property...

I answer the crucial question of determining the optimal pricing for commercial spaces. I examine the significance of differentiation in setting prices and the importance of continuous testing to find the sweet spot in the market, and share insights on observing competition, exploring unique selling points, and adapting pricing strategies to suit the specific needs of the target market.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Differentiation: Emphasise the need to differentiate your offer from the...

As a follow on from the episode from the 8th of Feb about hidden transaction costs, I talk through the costs and actions that need to be factored from the date of the transaction until the commercial property is refurbished and let out.  It is all the little things that add up and some new investors are not aware of when they calculate the project viability. I cover 3 distinct parts: Considerations when carrying out a transaction, as a buyer. Costs to account for between the purchase and...

What are the differences between traditional asset management and the unique approach taken by CMO property development. I'll discuss the importance of adding long-term value through active redevelopment and ongoing refurbishment of neglected buildings, urging you to consider the long-term implications of certain buy and hold investment strategies and highlight the importance of actively driving value creation.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Value Addition Over Asset Management: Add value through...

I am joined by Michael Crookson to delve into the world of tech solutions for commercial properties. With over 20 years of experience, Michael shares insights on managed data, voice, and cabling solutions offered by Datel Solutions. The conversation covers the evolution of telephone systems from traditional lines to cloud-based solutions, emphasising the importance of infrastructure planning and integration for seamless operations. We give practical advice on optimising connectivity,...

The real cost of looking after properties long term is so overlooked. It's a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of long-term property investment and it frustrates me to see investors who fail to properly consider the inevitable need for property refurbishment over time. Some base their numbers on the initial purchase and some refurbishment but no follow up costs for the medium to long term. KEY TAKEAWAYS Consider long-term maintenance and refurbishment costs: Investors should factor in...

This time I'm joined by my CPI co-conspirator Megan Brown. We talk through the lessons we have learned from operating shared coworking spaces over the last 5 years and share some of the customer facing stories that have stuck with us. We discuss the membership models we offer and how we have responded to customer demand. Our offer has evolved over time as we have learnt what works and what hasn’t worked for us. If you are starting out on a coworking journey then this episode should give you...

I discuss the importance of optimising space in commercial properties, specifically focusing on the layout and placement of toilets. I look at the value of windows in office spaces and suggest considering the relocation of toilets to free up window space, as rooms with windows can be rented out at higher rates. I also highlight the practical considerations involved in moving toilets, such as plumbing and drainage, and share my experiences and strategies for successfully reconfiguring spaces...

This time, I talk about the importance of market research and due diligence when entering a new market location. I'll share six vital numbers that investors should know, including local area square foot rates, competitor occupancy levels, operating costs, build-out costs, market capital costs, and cap rates. I also provide methods for gathering this information, such as online searches, talking to agents, reviewing competition, checking out developments, and networking.  KEY TAKEAWAYS It...

I talk about the various costs involved in buying a commercial building, highlighting the importance of considering VAT, land and buildings tax, lawyer fees, title searches, finance fees, and accountant projections. I also look at the need for surveys, feasibility studies, and insurance, and tell you why you need to be aware of ongoing costs such as utilities, fibre installation, and business rates.  KEY TAKEAWAYS VAT (Value Added Tax) is a significant cost to consider when buying a...

I explore the importance of trusting your gut as a savvy investor, emphasising the need to pay attention to signals and cues from potential clients, particularly in terms of communication and decision-making.  I highlight the significance of clear vision and business acumen in successful deals, urging you to trust your instincts when something doesn't feel right. I also discuss the importance of mutual respect in professional relationships and the value of saying no when necessary.  KEY...

This time, I address a common question: what is the best commercial property investment strategy for beginners? I share my own experiences in the world of commercial property investing, dispelling any glamorous notions and highlighting the practical challenges i've faced. I also discuss the importance of taking action and getting started, even if it means starting with a simple buy-to-let property or a small-scale mixed-use development, and encourage you to tailor your initial investments to...

I'm joined by Paul Million to discuss the importance of mindset in achieving a higher level of success. We delve into the challenges and tips for maintaining a positive mindset, even in the face of distractions and setbacks, touching on personal experiences, childhood traumas, and the power of belief coding. As we discuss, there's a need to be kind to oneself and to embrace self-acceptance. We also explore the concept of setting goals and finding a balance between ambition and...

This week, I'm exploring the topic of identifying signs that a customer may be considering moving on to a different property partner. Drawing parallels to personal relationships, I talk about the importance of recognising subtle clues that indicate a client's potential unfaithfulness. From changes in behavior and communication patterns to secretive property searches and hesitations during lease or license negotiations, I'll provide you with a playful guide to interpreting these signs.  KEY...

Let's address the question on every investor's mind: Is 2024 a good year to dive into commercial real estate? Turns out, the answer to this question is highly personal and depends on each investor's circumstances. I'll share my observations of the market, noting that while there were some challenges towards the end of last year, the new year has brought positive signs with increased inquiries and viewings.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The dynamics of the commercial property market are shifting,...

This time, I talk about the challenges and opportunities facing high streets in the UK, sharing my own experiences as a commercial property investor and operator, as well as insights from working with other investors in the industry. I'll talk you through various factors affecting high streets, such as business rates, parking, transport, planning, and the changing retail landscape, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to revitalising town centres, including a mix of uses,...

This time, I'm talking to John McCauley, the founder of Grit Studios, a unique niche in the commercial property market. John shares his journey of merging his passion for art with his property expertise, creating a thriving community of artists in Stockport and Manchester. He discusses the challenges and successes of building a brand and community, the importance of finding the right buildings and locations, and the potential for scaling the Grit Studios model.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Building a...

In response to a recent question in the Commercial Property Investor Facebook Group I asked Anthony Boyce join me to discuss our experiences of redeveloping listed buildings including the processes and challenges we have had to deal with over a combined number of projects  We look at the importance of allowing extra time for the planning process and highlight the need to invest in thorough documentation and research into the history of the building. We also discuss the financial benefits and...