With the UK property market evolving, today’s investors are pivoting from longer-term buy-to-let strategies toward more active, value-adding opportunities – either through planning gains, creative use, or operational enhancements to improve yield.
Helping clients uncover these value-add opportunities is where brokers earn trust and truly demonstrate their value. Here are some of the key trends emerging right now…
1. Properties with conversion & title split potential
One of the most in-demand opportunities involves acquiring properties where planning consent can unlock multiple dwellings and the title can be split into separate units. This is particularly prevalent in large, Victorian or Edwardian properties or mixed-use buildings, where investors capitalise on resale value through individual unit sales or turn underutilised space into income-producing square footage.
2. High-street commercial buildings with underutilised upper floors
As retail evolves, many high-street commercial buildings feature vacant or redundant upper floors. Investors are capitalising on these spaces by converting ancillary space into residential use under PDR, or splitting the title to either enhance value, enable separate ownership or source competitive refinancing routes.
3. Urban residential properties for supported living
Another emerging strategy involves acquiring large residential houses in urban areas with accessible transport links for use as supported living accommodation. Often with no planning approval required, investors can achieve lucrative long-term, government-backed rental income by leasing to care providers or housing associations.
4. 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.
5. Redundant barns converted into high-end rural homes
A major update to Permitted Development Rights this year has opened the door for investors to convert redundant agricultural buildings into multiple residential dwellings, without needing full planning permission. Developers are able to target higher-end resale prices in countryside locations with lifestyle appeal.
For brokers, it’s vital to align with lenders who understand these projects, can move quickly, and structure finance that supports borrowers from acquisition through to the eventual refinance or sale.
Glenhawk supports:
- 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
