Commercial Property Investor Podcast

Bryn Walker joins me to delve into the world of SSAS (Small Self-Administered Scheme) pensions and their potential for investing in commercial property. We provide a recap on what a SSAS pension is and its advantages over other types of pensions, and discuss the flexibility and tax benefits of contributing to a SSAS pension, as well as the ability to transfer old pensions into a SSAS.  KEY TAKEAWAYS A SSAS (Small Self-Administered Scheme) is a type of UK pension investment product that offers more flexibility and investment options compared to personal pensions. SSAS pensions were originally designed for owner-managing directors to invest in commercial property, providing security and potential growth for their businesses. SSAS pensions can be set up with zero funds, as long as there is a plan and a sponsoring company to contribute to the pension. Commercial property investments within a SSAS can generate income and provide opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures outside of the pension. The minimum amount to start investing in commercial property through a SAS can be relatively low, with examples including lockup garages, small shops, and even repurposed public conveniences. The key is to have a vision, be creative, and find value in different types of properties. BEST MOMENTS "Don't let anybody tell you that you haven't got enough money. It's about your vision and it's about your drive and it's about your ability to find a bargain and turn it into something that will make you a profit." "The idea of being able to use an old employer's pension to essentially start and create a business for somebody now to run in their late 30s, their 40s, before pensionable age to start up another business, to become entrepreneurial again, using funds that they actually thought were locked away potentially until their 60s. These are really exciting developments." "It's not for me to tell somebody what amount of asset purchase they can find value in. If they can see value that using a pension gets them closer to their goal and we can help, then a conversation is free." "SSAS pensions certainly are coming out of the stuffy regime of pensions and actually being a tool for entrepreneurs to utilise to help grow their own businesses, which is a really exciting time for us and long may it continue." JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'd take the opportunity to share my love for older buildings and how they can be recreated to provide very inspiring workspaces. I talk about the controversy surrounding the Marks and Spencer building on Oxford Street in London, which was slated for demolition to make way for a new glass tower. There are arguments for and against preserving older buildings, but the super important issue from an investment point of view is the finite supply of historical spaces and the growing demand for quirky, grounded, and emotionally resonant environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS Older buildings have a unique charm and sense of history that cannot be replicated in new constructions. They  a sense of wonder and curiosity about their past uses and alterations. Older buildings offer a finite supply of space, unlike new constructions that can be replicated. This scarcity can make them highly desirable, especially in areas where there is a growing trend for historical and quirky spaces. Enhancing and bringing value to older buildings is crucial for their sustainability. They need to generate income to cover maintenance and reinvestment costs over the years. While not every older building is worth preserving, once a building is demolished, it is gone forever. It is important to carefully consider the environmental impact and potential for reinvention before deciding to demolish and rebuild. BEST MOMENTS "They don't build them like that anymore." "The resource is finite." "You can't build an old building, but you can always build another glass tower." "You can't build properties with history and life. It only comes from reinventing and enhancing the past." "A big glass tower may take time to procure, but you can always build another. You just can't build another 200 year old warehouse." JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I interview Mike Lawson, an experienced property investor based in Dubai. Mike shares his insights on scaling a property portfolio and the benefits of focusing on specific areas. He discusses his family's involvement in the buy-to-let market and their strategy of consolidating properties in two postcodes or Zipcodes. Mike also talks about his foray into commercial property and the advantages of investing in local businesses. He highlights the challenges of managing a portfolio from abroad and the importance of having a reliable team on the ground.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Focusing on a specific area can make it easier to scale a property portfolio. By investing in a concentrated location, more deals come to you rather than having to chase them, creating momentum and making it easier to grow. Investing in commercial properties can provide a more passive strategy compared to residential properties. Commercial properties often come with longer-term leases and fully repairing and insuring agreements, reducing the stress and hassle for the investor. The residential market is currently facing challenges, with changing legislation, tax changes, and increasing regulations. This can make it difficult for small landlords to navigate and may lead to more institutional investors entering the market. Expat finance can be challenging, but it is still possible to obtain mortgages as an expat. While there are fewer lenders available, working with a good broker can help navigate the process and secure financing. BEST MOMENTS "The great thing about scaling a property portfolio is the more you invest it, the easier and quicker it gets to grow." "You've got more deals that are coming to you rather than you having to chase deals." "It's like a snowball effect. It becomes much easier to scale." "I think the resi market is a horrible place right now." "I think a lot of people are just looking here, there and everywhere to get whatever deal they can." JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're diving into a less-than-odd comparison: What is the difference between WeWork and Premier League football clubs? Actually on some levels, not a lot. Think WeWork's all about tech? Think again. I'll unravel its serviced office reality, and talk about some of the financial challenges it faces – from wild valuations to debt struggles. But it's not all doom and gloom. We'll explore how WeWork's moves affect everyone from clients to staff to landlords, shining a light on the human side of business. Despite the uncertainties, let's give credit where it's due. WeWork has shaken up the flexible workspace scene big time. So, while their story's a rollercoaster, remember, it's our own focus on growth and success that matters most. KEY TAKEAWAYS WeWork, despite positioning itself as a tech company and co-working space, is actually a serviced office company with private offices and shared spaces. WeWork had a high valuation point of $47 billion, despite not owning much property. WeWork's financial position is currently unstable, with a debt equity ratio of -82% assets to liabilities. Whilst WeWork does own some real estate it has built massive growth in locations through rent-to-rent and management agreements, which have allowed for that fast growth but at a price. The flex space industry can learn from WeWork's successes and failures, and there are plenty of opportunities for other operators to stand out and succeed in the market. BEST MOMENTS "They position themselves as a tech company and they're generally seen as a co-working company, but actually they are a serviced office company." "Is profit secondary to winning at all costs? Yep." "And does the financial model seem completely implausible from the outside? Certainly looking in, it has seemed that way." "The fundamental thing is eventually the music will stop." "The flex space industry is on a fantastic growth trajectory with plenty of ways to stand out from the crowd." JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Guest has worked with some hospitality and co-workings best known brands. I'm really excited to share my conversation with Ian Minor. I had so much I wanted to ask about Ian's experiences at NeueHouse, Ennismore and it's brand "Working From" plus his career within the hospitality sector. We discuss Brand, Vision, Lobby Culture, design and some of the inner workings of hugely successful brands. If you love the idea of Flexspace and coworking driven by hospitality then you are going to love this inside track episode. I leaned so much, Thank you Ian. KEY TAKEAWAYS The lobby culture is a dynamic multifunctional space with community at its core. When developing a co-working brand, it is important to create a destination experience that is worth the commute for members. Design is crucial in attracting and retaining members, and attention should be given to creating a visually appealing and comfortable workspace. The engagement of the community is essential in building a strong brand. This can be achieved through events, networking opportunities, and creating an emotional connection with members. Hiring the right team is crucial, and individuals with a background in hospitality, sales, and customer service can bring valuable skills to the co-working space. Cross-training and a flat hierarchy can help ensure seamless operations and a positive member experience. BEST MOMENTS "The lobby culture, best way to describe that would be a dynamic multifunctional space with community at its core." "If you're going to bring someone into a venue now, in the world of remote work that we've got, you need to make it into a destination experience, it has to be worth the commute." "Try and lead everything through your brand. Figure out what you're really trying to achieve and do and what is the message you want to put out there." "You have to get the brand story right early on. And probably the best way probably it wouldn't be to employ someone full time into that. It's probably to try and find the right kind of agency that you feel shares your values." "Your brand has to be strong. If your message isn't really clear and concise, and the brand isn't that strong, people probably won't find your front door."   GUEST BIO Ian Minor is a future of work specialist who partners with Founders, CEO’s, enterprises and start-ups to create inspiring collaborative member workspaces from concept development and design, through project management to operation. Committed to developing destination experiences. Ian’s journey in this sector started back in September 2015 with NeueHouse, whom re-imagined the future of work and at the time were five years ahead of the curve. Today, Ian is regarded as a leader in this sector, regularly invited onto podcasts to discuss how to create, develop and operate the very best of collaborative workspaces. http://linkedin.com/in/ianminor JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few weeks ago I want interviewed by Michelle Cairns for the Your Property Podcast. I am conscious that we have lots of new followers and some of you won't know much about my back story, so I'm excited to get the opportunity to share that interview with you. We discuss my personal journey into the dynamic world of commercial property, how we stumbled into commercial multi-let properties. From my background in building engineering to my initial investing in residential properties, I'll reveal how I eventually embraced commercial real estate. Always decode market demand and a building's potential before taking the investment plunge. Tune in for inspiring tales of success with my commercial multi-let properties – boasting high occupancy rates and substantial value appreciation. We talk through the nuances of commercial property investing, including repurposing and savvy property subdivision. KEY TAKEAWAYS Location is important in commercial property investing, but there are many other factors to consider, such as understanding market demand and the ability to deliver what customers want. Educating yourself is crucial before getting into commercial property investing. There are resources available, such as podcasts and YouTube videos, that can provide valuable information and insights. Subdividing larger properties to suit market demand is a trend in commercial property investing. This allows for flexibility and creativity in repurposing buildings to meet the needs of different tenants. Interest rates have a significant impact on commercial property valuations. Understanding how interest rates affect yields and lease values is important in assessing the profitability of a commercial property investment. Focusing on a specific market and understanding its dynamics is key to successful commercial property investing. By researching and analyzing local market demand, investors can identify opportunities and make informed decisions about property acquisitions and developments. BEST MOMENTS "I count myself very lucky to have fallen into CMO investing and the great cash flow it produces." "It's just really important to remember that although there's loads of noise, actually what are the fundamentals in your local market." "The opportunity for us is a subdivision and taking these properties that don't really quite work right now and working out what the market demand is." "The biggest thing that we can do or the opportunity for us is subdivision and taking these properties that don't really quite work right now and working out what the market demand is." "The real value add for us now is that big building, that's where we're going to be concentrating."   JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor podcast, host Jerry Alexander is joined by his friend Steven Clark to discuss his recent Student accommodation project in Aberdeen. Steven shares his experience of transitioning from single let resi properties to bigger deals and commercial deals and explains why he was drawn to the student accommodation market. He details the process of finding and acquiring a building in a prominent location near the university, as well as the challenges he faced with the fire system and financing. Despite the hurdles, Steven successfully completed the project and achieved a valuation that allowed him to refinance all of the original investments out. He concludes by discussing the potential for future projects in the student accommodation market and the importance of long-term investments. KEY TAKEAWAYS The podcast episode discusses a commercial property investment project in Aberdeen, focusing on student accommodation and HMO properties. The project involved purchasing a building that had been converted into seven flats, with the potential for an eighth, all under one title. The financing for the project required convincing the bank that it was a commercial building rather than a residential one, based on the income potential. The project faced challenges with the fire system, which required significant repairs and replacement of heads, resulting in additional costs. Despite the challenges, the project was successful, with a valuation of £1.06 million, allowing Steven to clear out all short-term borrowings and leave no money in the investment. The property is generating a monthly income of over £5,000. BEST MOMENTS "If you've got the experience in residential, you can scale up to commercial-sized portfolio of buildings or projects inside the residential space." On reviewing the previous commercial project discussed on another podcast episode: "I can't remember how much detail we went into the last time but we pretty much got a good result on the purchase price and the exit." "I believe in the model and I would do it again, but it would just have to be the right opportunity."   Follow Steven: https://www.instagram.com/stevenclarkproperty/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenclark007/ Scottish Property Podcast: https://scottishpropertypodcast.co.uk/ For property training with Steven Clark: https://thisisproperty.info/ JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry discusses the process of vetting potential customers for commercial properties. He emphasises the importance of conducting background checks, such as company checks, credit information and references, to ensure the reliability and stability of the client. He shares a number of observations and ways to ensure a potential client is a good fit for your offer   KEY TAKEAWAYS Prioritise clients with a long-term vision and stable business plans. This ensures a more reliable rental income and reduces customer churn. Ensure that the potential client's requirements align with your property's offerings. A well-matched business is more likely to have a successful occupancy and maintain positive relationships with other customers. Set clear expectations about the contract agreement to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts later on. A transparent agreement ensures that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities. Find out why the potential client wants to take space with you and where they are coming from. This helps determine their intentions and if there are any potential red flags. Look for clients who demonstrate good communication skills and behave professionally. Open and honest communication makes it easier to work with the client and reduces potential issues in the future. BEST MOMENTS "Recognising [red flags] early on can save you from potential headaches down the line." "A well-matched business is more likely to stay longer term and maintain a positive relationship with you and with other customers." "Finding out about their business goals and growth plans can help determine whether they're going to be suitable for a long term stay." "A transparent agreement ensures that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities, reducing the likelihood of any disputes further down the line." "If something doesn't quite sit right, then pay attention to that sixth sense." JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join me on this update episode of the Commercial Property Investor podcast, where I share the dynamic currents shaping our commercial property landscape. We explore the increasing appetite for sustainable properties and the pivotal role of energy efficiency. Uncover the ascent of therapy enterprises and the burgeoning care sector, shaped by an aging population. We talk about the ever expanding realm of container storage, the transformative journey of flexible workspaces, and the exciting emergence of hybrid office environments. Discover the intriguing development of aparthotels as an innovative alternative to traditional offers, while observing the ebb and flow of the high street retail journey. I underscore the essence of comprehending market dynamics and fostering ingenuity in property re-purposing. We also take a look at the tenacity of small businesses, underscoring the importance of this sector for private commercial property investors. JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ A big thank you 👏 to our Podcast Sponsor: Graeme Shevas from Playfair Finance - www.playfairfinance.co.uk/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picking the right commercial customers is critical for the longer term. We have been taught a few lessons over the years by customers that have not behaved so well. We learnt you are actually allowed to say no, can you believe it! In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor podcast I discuss the red flags to look out for when identifying potential problem clients, such as; insisting on paying rent in cash, negotiating the deposit excessively, displaying disrespectful behaviour, or wanting a space that is too big for their current needs. It’s important to trust your instincts and conduct due diligence when something feels off. While it may be tempting to fill vacancies quickly, it's crucial to be selective and choose clients who will contribute to the success of your investments. Stay tuned for the next episode where I will cover key considerations for finding the best commercial clients for your properties. JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property why not consider joining the CPI Network? A community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences and empower each other in their Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors -  https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ A big thank you 👏 to our Podcast Sponsor: Graeme Shevas from Playfair Finance - www.playfairfinance.co.uk/Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Strategies, CMO, Lease, Licence Agreement, Cashflow, Vacancy rates, Agents, Best Commercial property podcast, how to buy, Valuations, ROI, residential, assets, Flexspace, office space, How to get started: https://www.commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.