In this episode, I interview Stephen Gallagher, a commercial property investor, who shares insights into his background in aerospace engineering and financial services, as well as his journey into property investment. He discusses his investment model with SSAS and details a successful project in Wishaw near Glasgow, where he transformed a CMO (Commercial Multiple Occupancy) property into a thriving serviced office space. Stephen elaborates on the financial aspects, including valuation, rental income, and the SSAS syndication strategy used for funding. He also touches on some future projects i ..read more

Join me in this exciting episode as I sit down with Miro Miroslavov from OfficeRnD, a renowned prop tech software company. Together, we uncover the fascinating evolution of their software and highlight its crucial role in tackling the unique challenges of managing flexible workspace. Miro guides us through the company's growth and their strategic approach of integrating with top-tier solutions, rather than striving to be an all-encompassing platform. We also explore the significance of member experience, seamless data integration, and the future of AI in the industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS OfficeRnD ..read more

I talk to Will Mallard about social housing in the commercial property sector. Will shares insights into the complexities of the sector, including the various categories of social housing and supported housing. He discusses how he got involved in social housing and provides examples of projects he has worked on. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of social housing, including the challenges and opportunities for investors. Will also highlights the importance of understanding the needs of local authorities and care providers when considering social housing projects.  KEY TAK ..read more

I'm joined once again by the marvellous Dean Booty, to discuss the ins and outs of the self-storage industry. Dean shares insights into his successful self-storage business, including the expansion from three to six sites in a short period. We delve into topics such as site acquisitions, revenue management, pricing strategies, and the impact of COVID-19 on the industry. Dean also introduces his comprehensive online course covering all aspects of self-storage operations, offering a special discount for CPI-podcast listeners! KEY TAKEAWAYS The online course offered by Dean covers a comprehensiv ..read more

I'm joined once more by Adam Lawrence, to focus on the impact of the recent budget on property investors. We discuss various aspects such as tax thresholds, capital gains tax, multiple dwellings relief, and the potential effects of upcoming elections on the property market. Adam shares his insights on navigating the current economic landscape and offers strategic advice for property investors.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Election Year Opportunities: Adam suggests that election years tend to offer opportunities for property transactions, especially when the election date is announced, as transact ..read more

I share insights into why I ventured into commercial real estate, how I found the project through networking and the process of financing the property. I delve into the specifics of the building, its initial condition, and the gradual transformation it underwent to increase its income and value, reflecting on the lessons learned from this project, emphasising the importance of networking, not solely relying on commercial agents' advice, and the impact of increasing income on property value.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Networking was key in finding the first commercial project, emphasising the importa ..read more

I answer the crucial question of determining the optimal pricing for commercial spaces. I examine the significance of differentiation in setting prices and the importance of continuous testing to find the sweet spot in the market, and share insights on observing competition, exploring unique selling points, and adapting pricing strategies to suit the specific needs of the target market.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Differentiation: Emphasise the need to differentiate your offer from the competition to justify charging a higher price. Continuous Testing: Advocate for ongoing testing of di ..read more

As a follow on from the episode from the 8th of Feb about hidden transaction costs, I talk through the costs and actions that need to be factored from the date of the transaction until the commercial property is refurbished and let out.  It is all the little things that add up and some new investors are not aware of when they calculate the project viability. I cover 3 distinct parts: Considerations when carrying out a transaction, as a buyer. Costs to account for between the purchase and build-out, essentially for professionals, which may have to come out of your pocket. Ongoing costs on ..read more

What are the differences between traditional asset management and the unique approach taken by CMO property development. I'll discuss the importance of adding long-term value through active redevelopment and ongoing refurbishment of neglected buildings, urging you to consider the long-term implications of certain buy and hold investment strategies and highlight the importance of actively driving value creation.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Value Addition Over Asset Management: Add value through redevelopment and repositioning rather than just managing existing assets. Active vs. Passive Investment: Th ..read more

I am joined by Michael Crookson to delve into the world of tech solutions for commercial properties. With over 20 years of experience, Michael shares insights on managed data, voice, and cabling solutions offered by Datel Solutions. The conversation covers the evolution of telephone systems from traditional lines to cloud-based solutions, emphasising the importance of infrastructure planning and integration for seamless operations. We give practical advice on optimising connectivity, future-proofing buildings with Cat6 cabling, and the benefits of embracing AI and automation in property manage ..read more