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April 09.2025

2 Minutes Read

OakNorth's £16.1m Loan: A Game Changer in UK's Student Accommodation Market

Funding the Future of Student Living in London

OakNorth's recent provision of a £16.1 million loan marks a significant investment in the future of student accommodation within London’s rapidly evolving landscape. The funding will back a joint venture between Valpre Capital and CKC Properties, aimed at transforming a prime site near Elephant and Castle into a modern 24-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) complex.

Transforming the Urban Landscape

Located just two minutes from the Elephant and Castle station, the development will include 206 studios and 38 spacious two-bedroom apartments, designed to appeal to the growing student population of over 400,000 in London. Each unit will come with panoramic views and a host of premium amenities, including a reception area, student lounge, gym, entertainment spaces, and extensive bicycle parking – aligning with the lifestyle preferences of today’s students.

Expertise Driving Investment Success

How Valpre Capital and CKC Properties plan to leverage their combined real estate experience speaks volumes about the project’s prospects. Valpre’s established reputation for delivering tailored investment solutions complements CKC’s successful track record in creating high-quality developments. As Mazen AbouChakra, managing partner of Valpre Capital, noted, their partnership with CKC is pivotal to enhancing their footprint in the UK’s PBSA market.

Market Dynamics and Future Predictions

With growing student numbers and a persistent demand for quality accommodation, the PBSA market presents a dynamic investment opportunity. Geoff Thomas, CEO of CKC Properties, emphasizes that their commitment to creating developments that cater to student needs while integrating with local communities will ensure long-term viability and satisfaction. As urban centers continue to evolve, understanding these market dynamics will be crucial for stakeholders.

Actionable Insights for Investors

Investors looking to engage in the UK property finance market should note the importance of flexibility, transparency, and expertise when choosing financing partners, as highlighted by the collaboration between OakNorth and the development teams. The emphasis on a student-focused model may also serve as a blueprint for future investments in this sector.

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10.23.2025

How Recognise Bank's £2m Loan Shows Bridging Finance Strength

Update Unlocking Sheffield's Potential: The Role of Bridging Finance The recent completion of a £2 million bridging loan by Recognise Bank for a derelict commercial site in Sheffield has turned heads in the property finance market. This case exemplifies how strategic financial solutions can breathe new life into otherwise abandoned properties, enabling the creation of valuable residential spaces. The transformation of the site into eight luxury houses highlights not just the urgent need for housing but also the intricacy involved in financing such projects. A Case of Complexity: Why This Deal Stood Out The Sheffield property, composed of old warehouses and offices, posed several risks, including asbestos contamination and potential subsidence due to historical mineral extraction. These challenges could deter many lenders, especially those lacking the nuanced expertise in property development financing. However, thanks to Ryan Dixon, managing partner at GSB Capital, Recognise Bank was able to undertake this complex deal effectively. Dixon noted, "Our client needed to find a lender who would not only make a quick decision but one that could grasp and fully understand the risks surrounding the wait for planning." His keen understanding of the project’s complications combined with a solid approach to presenting the case made it compelling enough for swift approval. The Structured Approach to Financing The financial structure of the loan consisted of two distinct stages: one for pre-planning and another for post-planning approval. This two-phase financing is designed specifically to cover the demolition and site preparation costs, essential steps before moving onto construction and development. The final agreement superseded the initial loan ask, securing £2,043,000 at a 60% loan-to-value (LTV) on a 12-month term. Importance of Executive Experience One of the critical factors that played into the success of this finance deal was the experience of the borrower. Heather Mitchell, lending manager at Recognise Bank, emphasized that the borrower’s prior projects provided confidence about their ability to manage the upcoming development. This robustness of experience in the borrower made a strong case for funding approval, mitigating perceived risks associated with site redevelopment. Bridging Loans: A Viable Solution for Property Development This case exemplifies the vital role of bridging finance in the real estate sector. Increasingly, property developers are utilizing bridging loans as a crucial tool to overcome short-term funding gaps, especially in complex projects requiring immediate capital. Consequently, the significance of fast and flexible finance options cannot be overstated, particularly in an evolving market landscape where traditional financing methods may lag. Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Property Finance The successful completion of this project in Sheffield heralds a potential trend of revitalizing under-utilized spaces in urban settings. Estate experts suggest that as demand for residential properties continues to surge in cities, bridging finance could become an instrumental means to expedite development and meet housing needs efficiently. This evolution could play a crucial role in alleviating the ongoing housing crisis in the UK while also enhancing urban environments. Conclusion: Why Knowledge is Power For property owners and investors engaged in the UK market, understanding the intricacies of bridging finance and its potential applications could unlock new opportunities. Recognising how to present cases effectively to lenders like Recognise Bank can determine the outcome of significant finance requests. By leveraging the right expertise and structured approaches, the barriers to transforming derelict properties into thriving developments can be lowered. As the Sheffield project illustrates, success in property finance is often about navigating complexities with foresight and strategy. Are you ready to explore the potential of bridging finance in your own real estate ventures?

10.23.2025

Withdrawing a Property Listing: A Game-Changer for Selling Success

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10.23.2025

How Taking Your Property Off the Market Can Elevate Future Sales

Update Understanding the Market Dynamics: Timing Matters In the ever-evolving UK property market, timing can significantly influence sale prospects. Recent insights from TwentyEA reveal that taking a property off the market may not only be strategic but may profoundly enhance future sales potential. With over half of all residential properties selling within the initial five weeks of listing, it's clear that early momentum is critical. The data suggests that if a property fails to secure a buyer swiftly, withdrawing it for a designated period can outshine the ongoing listing as an option. The Case for Withdrawal: Analyzing the Data The research data illuminates some compelling statistics: approximately 550,000 homes were withdrawn from the market in 2024, with around 90,000 relisted after at least three months. These numbers illustrate a noteworthy trend—a 42% sale likelihood for properties relisted, whether at a reduced or unchanged price. Such findings highlight a prevalent misconception in real estate: that continuous listings are always better. In fact, as Katy Billany from TwentyEA points out, once a property lingers unsold, the chances of a successful sale diminish significantly. The Importance of Market Trends The landscape of property sales is influenced not only by pricing strategies but also by prevailing market conditions and timing. Billany asserts that strategic pricing should account for current market dynamics instead of just past pricing strategies. It's crucial for sellers to recognize that a stale listing may hinder their chances more than a temporary withdrawal. Those looking to list should consider the results from earlier years, as properties face a lengthy process—an average of 123 days from listing to exchange—even before finalizing the sale, which averages 200 days by completion. Effective Strategies for Property Owners For homeowners and investors, understanding that a break from listing can rejuvenate interest is vital. After allowing time for market conditions to shift, properties can return with fresh appeal. Sellers must engage their agents by asserting strategies that leverage this newfound momentum, whether through improved property presentation or savvy marketing techniques. Such a calibrated approach isn't just about numbers; it's about fostering a story that connects potential buyers to the property. What the Future Holds: Insights and Predictions Looking ahead, we can predict that the trend of drawing on strategic withdrawal from listings will likely gain traction among savvy property owners. As the UK market adjusts further, we may see a shift towards campaigns designed to decrease prolonged listings in favor of cyclical engagements that allow sellers to refresh their strategies. As Billany suggests, "Sellers should evaluate their timeline and act decisively to withdraw if their properties remain stagnant." Such actions could pave the way for a revitalized property market. Your Next Steps: Get Ahead in the Market If you own property or intend to invest in the UK real estate sector, reviewing your listing strategies with this newfound knowledge is essential. Engage with legal professionals to get tailored advice and navigate the complexities of your specific market area. By understanding how time off the market can enhance your future selling opportunities, you will position yourself to make informed decisions. Explore options for engaging your property differently, and don’t hesitate to act strategically in this dynamic market. Consider the potential benefits of a break from the market, and align your strategies accordingly. With a clear vision and practical insights, you can greatly improve your chances of a successful property sale in the future.

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OakNorth's £16.1m Loan: A Game Changer in UK's Student Accommodation Market

Funding the Future of Student Living in London

Transforming the Urban Landscape

Expertise Driving Investment Success

Market Dynamics and Future Predictions

Actionable Insights for Investors

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