Opportunities in secondary retail are very much alive for investors who know what they’re looking for and are ready to move. While UK high streets continue to adapt to shifting consumer habits, well-positioned, service-led assets anchored in local communities are proving their value.
A recent mixed-use purchase in Grays, Essex, highlights this perfectly. An experienced private investor added a fully let parade of shops, including a barbers and an opticians, to their portfolio. The deal reflects growing confidence in convenience-led retail that serves everyday needs, alongside the appeal of stable, income-generating assets at attractive pricing.
Speed was critical. In a competitive market, well-priced secondary retail units don’t stay available for long. YBS Commercial Mortgages supported the borrower across two linked transactions, structuring and completing funding in under seven weeks from application. That pace enabled them to secure the property with confidence.
With tenants already in place, investor Yoel Rosenthal viewed the acquisition as both a resilient income play and a way to support the continued vitality of a local high street. Despite wider challenges such as online competition and the growth of out-of-town retail, demand remains strong in established neighbourhood locations.
Rosenthal commented that fundamentals for secondary retail in robust local areas remain compelling. Vacancy levels have steadied since 2023, footfall is holding up, and consumer behaviour continues to favour local, value-driven shopping. For investors focused on long-term sustainability and income, opportunities are clearly there.
He also highlighted the importance of lender support. Having a funding partner that understands the realities of property transactions and can deliver at pace makes a tangible difference.
It’s about combining certainty, flexibility and speed. By working closely with investors and brokers, structuring funding that aligns with long-term goals and delivers when timing matters most.
