Commercial Property Investor Podcast

Ever wondered how to grow your property empire when your pockets aren't endlessly deep? You're not alone! This week, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of scaling a commercial property business, with a special focus on the financial strategies that make it possible. Here's what we're unpacking in this episode: Our journey from residential to commercial properties 🏠➡️🏢 Leveraging growth through value-adding renovations Working with private lenders 🤝💰 Navigating the changing landscape of bank expectations and LTVs Key Takeaways that helped us (and might help you too): Getting Creative with Starter Money 💡 The Art of Patience ⏳ Building Relationships with Financial Partners  Finding the Right Mentor for You as an Investor🔎 Shifting Focus to Building Income 💸 Remember, scaling in commercial property likely won’t be a smooth ride. There may be bumps along the way and unexpected detours, but the view at the end is always worth it! Have you been through a similar journey, or was your experience completely different? Either way we’d love to hear from you -  the wins, the challenges 🤦 and anything in between! And as always, just keep swimming 🏊‍♂️ (even if it feels like you're swimming upstream).     JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, I sit down with Jose McClure from Unit Management, a family-run 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 flex space provider with nearly 60 years of history.  Founded by Jose's father, the company has steadily expanded over the years and now operates 22 buildings across 20 locations. After 20 years in residential property, Jose joined the family business four years ago. He now shares what it’s like to step into a company with deep roots and navigate the fast-changing world of flex space. In this episode, Jose dives into: The challenge of proving yourself in a family business How Unit Management unintentionally became flex space pioneers Why some buildings buzz with life and others just don’t ⚡🤷  He also sheds light on the not-so-glamorous side: The constant headache of business rates 💸 The complexity of pricing flexible space The "organised chaos" that is commercial property management 🤯 Whether you're curious about the flex space industry or the shift from residential to commercial property, Jose’s story gives a candid peek behind the curtain. Tune in for a lively chat about family, business, property, and the unpredictable world of flexible workspace! 🎧✨     JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property (and avoid some of these heating headaches), why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: Jose's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-manuel-mcclure-uml/ Unit Management Website: https://www.unitmanagement.co.uk/ CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on a nail-biting two-year journey that tested my resolve, creativity, and sanity... Yep, it's the one you've been waiting for; our refinance. We dive into: Our journey refinancing millions of £££s in loans 💸 My financial wish list vs. reality check ✅ The CFADS conundrum and why it sent us searching for new lenders 🔍 But it's not all number-crunching! We also share: Surviving the emotional rollercoaster of endless loan extensions 🎢 Maintaining (or not maintaining) sanity under pressure 🧠 The hidden toll on family life and creativity 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Nuggets of wisdom for fellow property investors navigating choppy financial waters. This journey was by far one of the most challenging experiences of my business career to date. But we got what we wanted in the end, learned invaluable lessons along the way and now we're passing that knowledge on to you. We hope this story resonates with you, whether you're facing similar challenges or just curious about the realities of property investment. If any part of this episode strikes a chord, we'd love to hear from you. After all, we're all in this to grow, learn, and succeed. 🚀💪 JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Megan and I dive into a candid conversation about the key lessons we've learned over the past 18 months while managing our commercial property portfolio. And trust me, there’s been a lot to navigate. Here’s what we discuss: Developing a healthy scepticism towards promises made by professionals (contractors, lawyers, accountants) and the importance of thorough due diligence 🥸🔍 The benefits of focus - knowing when to put projects "on ice" to concentrate on top priorities, rather than trying to juggle too much Recognising when to bring in outside help, even if it feels challenging, in order to overcome personal roadblocks more efficiently. Understanding the nuances of balancing a desire for premium service/experience with financial realities and maintaining healthy margins. As they say, every day is a school day… and that couldn’t be more true here 😅. We hope you enjoy this honest conversation! Our goal with these episodes is to share the real-world challenges and insights we encounter day to day, believing that our transparency can help others on their own paths. So if there’s a topic you’d like us to explore - whether it’s property, business strategy, or personal growth - let us know. We'd love to hear from you.   JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I'm tackling a question I get asked all the time: Who actually rents commercial space these days? 🤔💭 Turns out, it's not just start ups and freelancers 🤷 I'll walk you through the surprising variety of tenants we've had over the years - from international brands to some truly unexpected local businesses... We'll cover: Traditional office users (with some twists) Unconventional tenants you might not expect The growing health and wellbeing sector 💇💆‍♀️ How employees are becoming space consumers themselves I'll also share my thoughts on why targeting specific sectors might not always be the best strategy, and what actually brings these diverse tenants together. Ready to find out who might be knocking on your property's door next? Tune in and find out some useful insights about the ever changing landscape of commercial property tenants 🎧😊 JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I pull back the curtain on some of the red flags 🚩 I've encountered when vetting potential commercial tenants over the years. From subtle cues like eye contact, to more overt behaviours like a false sense of urgency, I outline the key signs that may indicate a tenant is not quite the right fit. But it's not all doom and gloom - I also highlight the positive indicators to look for, like transparency and professionalism . Ultimately, it's about finding that delicate balance between filling vacant spaces and protecting your investment. And believe me, I've navigated that tightrope 🤸‍♀️ more times than I can count. Key Takeaways: Common red flags to watch for when evaluating potential tenants 🚨 Positive signs that indicate a tenant may be a good fit ✅ Balancing the need to fill spaces with the importance of thorough vetting.     JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I want to get into commercial property, but I'm worried about vacancy costs." Sound familiar? 🤔 In this eye-opening episode, we're tackling one of the biggest mental blocks for aspiring commercial property investors. We're diving into: Why the fear of vacancy is so prevalent The hidden opportunities in the "invisible" commercial property market 🕵️‍♀️ Why the residential property mindset might be holding you back 🏘️ ➡️ 🏢 Two game-changing strategies to mitigate vacancy risks: The power of buying tenanted properties 🤝 Finding the customer first, then the building 🎯 Don't let the fear of vacancy freeze you out of fantastic opportunities. This episode is your guide to navigating the commercial property landscape with confidence. We'll help you shift your mindset, ask the right questions, and take those crucial first steps. Ready to see commercial property through a new lens? Tune in and discover how to turn those vacancy worries into your next big win! 🚀🏢     JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Graeme and I dive into the latest updates across the world of commercial property finance. We cover: The recent interest rate changes from the Bank of England, and what that means for your borrowing 📉 The mixed bag of fixed vs variable rate options, and how lenders are responding 🏦 The challenges of finding financing for smaller loan amounts, and where the opportunities lie 💸 The nuances of vacant possession value vs open market value, and how that impacts your options 🏪 The surprising ways some lenders are now incentivising eco-friendly properties 🌿 Plus, Graeme shares his predictions on when we might see the next interest rate adjustment - spoiler alert, it's anyone's guess! 🔮🤷 As always, we're providing an honest, insider's view on the realities of commercial property investing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with the latest intel to help you navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape. So grab a pen and paper, it's time to get up-to-date on what's happening in the world of commercial property finance.     JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I'm new to Commercial Property, how do I get started?" 🤔 It's the million-dollar question we get asked time and time again. This week, Megan and I are tackling it head-on, and spoiler alert: there's no one-size-fits-all answer! Here's what we're unpacking in this episode: Why your starting point depends on YOU (sorry, no magic formula here!) The importance of defining your long-term goals (where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?) Money talks: How your available capital shapes your options Active vs. Passive: Choosing your level of involvement We're breaking down some popular routes for newbies: Single let units 🏠 Value-add strategies The CMO approach: For those who like to roll up their sleeves. Remember, it's easy to get distracted when you see what others are doing. But the key is figuring out what YOU want, taking that first step, and building your confidence and credibility in the market.     JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever had one of those projects where everything that could go wrong, does go wrong? Well, buckle up, because we're diving into the world of commercial property heating mishaps, and let me tell you, we've had quite the learning curve over the past two decades!  In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on some recent challenges we've faced with our own property portfolio. Today's star of the show? A heating system that's quite literally been giving us the cold shoulder 🥶 Here's a sneak peek of what we're covering: The saga of two boiler rooms and ten gradually failing boiler heads Balancing professional advice with hands-on problem-solving A creative solution involving a local blacksmith The ongoing search for reliable heating expertise 🤷 What happened when we thought we'd found "the one". But it's not all doom and gloom! We're also sharing some hard-earned wisdom: Why scheduling plumbing work on Fridays is a risky move The importance of always putting customers first And the fine art of sniffing out BS 💩 in the world of commercial heating. Whether you're knee-deep in commercial property or just dipping your toes in, this episode offers both laughs and lessons. So remember, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And when your heating system fails? Well, that's what podcast material is made of🎙️.   JOIN THE NETWORK If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property (and avoid some of these heating headaches), why not consider joining the CPI Network? We're a community of active investors who collaborate, share experiences, and empower each other in our Commercial Property endeavours. Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ Property Investing, Commercial Real Estate, Heating Systems, Property Management, Maintenance Issues, Problem-Solving, Commercial Property Challenges, Landlord Experiences, Property Portfolio, Heating Engineers, Boiler Problems, Plumbing Disasters,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.