Industry Insights

The Property Opportunities Catching Investors’ Eyes This Winter and Into 2026

Glenhawk explores property investment opportunities for 2026 and the finance options supporting investors across the market.

As the year ends and investors plan for 2026, the property market is moving further from traditional buy-to-let models. Investors are focusing instead on active, value-add opportunities through planning gains, repurposing, or operational improvements to boost yields.

For brokers, winter is a prime moment to help clients spot these opportunities and prepare for a strong start to the new year. Here are the key trends shaping investor interest heading into 2026:

1. Properties with conversion & title split potential

One of the most in-demand opportunities is acquiring properties where planning consent can unlock multiple dwellings and titles can be split into separate units. This is especially common in large Victorian or Edwardian buildings or mixed-use assets, where investors boost returns by selling individual units or converting underused space into income-producing square footage.

2. High-street commercial buildings with underutilised upper floors

As retail evolves, many high-street commercial buildings have vacant upper floors. Investors are capitalising by converting this ancillary space to residential use under PDR or splitting the title to enhance value, enable separate ownership, or secure competitive refinancing.

3. Prime & rural assets for holiday-let conversion

Holiday-let conversions remain a hot investment, particularly in prime rural locations or coastal hotspots. Investors are actively seeking properties where yield is improved through short-term lets and the asset doubles as a lifestyle investment with personal use potential.

4. Redundant barns converted into high-end rural homes

A major update to Permitted Development Rights this year now allows investors to convert redundant agricultural buildings into multiple homes without full planning permission. For those planning their 2026 pipeline, high-end barn conversions in desirable countryside locations remain a strong strategy, supported by high demand and premium resale values.

How Glenhawk can help:

  • Vacant / non-trading assets
  • Listed properties
  • Planning gain endeavours
  • Conversions, change of use, extensions, structural alterations
  • GDV lending – funds in tranches to enhance the value
  • Term lengths up to 24 months
  • Refurbishment rates from 0.74%

To find out more, contact lendingteam@glenhawk.com or call 0207 100 8787

About Glenhawk

Glenhawk provides fast, competitive short-term property finance, helping clients seize opportunities and progress their developments. Offering loans from £250,000 to £50 million, Glenhawk supports both residential and commercial property ventures.

With a leadership team deeply rooted in real estate and finance, Glenhawk understands the challenges clients face. Its straightforward and flexible approach has made it a trusted long-term partner for short-term funding solutions.

Founded in 2018 by experienced developer Guy Harrington, Glenhawk is led by Managing Director Nick Hilton, who brings extensive expertise in asset management and bridging finance, having overseen more than £1 billion in transactions since 2008. Non-Executive Directors Harry Hill, former Chairman of Rightmove further strengthens the team with their industry insight.

Glenhawk is committed to supporting investors, developers, and business owners, providing the financial solutions needed to move projects forward with confidence.

We work with businesses to:

Glenhawk works with businesses to provide tailored short-term finance solutions for their clients. By partnering with brokers, advisers, and property professionals, Glenhawk helps secure fast, flexible funding for residential, refurbishment and commercial projects. With a straightforward approach and expert support, businesses can confidently assist their clients in accessing the finance they need to seize opportunities and drive their property portfolios.

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