Commercial Property Investor Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into our overall business performance for the past year, ending October. We'll discuss key figures like revenue growth, occupancy rates, and energy costs, while also exploring the challenges and successes we faced. Hear about our strategic moves, including refinancing, debt reduction, and preparations for future acquisitions. We'll also share valuable insights into ou...

Following on from last week's discussion on financing vacant commercial property, we're here to debunk another common myth in the property investment world: "A good deal will always find the money." While a strong deal is undoubtedly attractive, it's not a guaranteed ticket to funding. In this episode, we explore the importance of proactive relationship-building and strategic planning to bring the...

I often hear people say, " You can’t finance a vacant building." Well, I’m here to challenge that notion... In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of commercial property finance, specifically focusing on the feasibility of financing vacant property. We’ll explore the common misconceptions and uncover alternative strategies to overcome these challenges. Key Takeaways: The Myth Debunked:...

In this episode of The Commercial Property Investor Podcast , Jerry reflects on the highlights and successes of the year, offering a counterbalance to last week’s discussion on challenges. From financial milestones to business growth, network achievements, and future prospects, this episode is all about celebrating the wins—big and small—that shaped 2024. Episode Highlights: Financial & Revenu...

In this episode, Jerry gives a candid, reflective look at the struggles and resilience required in commercial property investment during turbulent times No one said this was easy, but it is worth it. Jerry talks through Common Challenges - Complex financing and refinancing - Finding quality customers - Unresponsive professionals - Unreliable contractors - Equipment breakdowns - Perceived ease of s...

  In this episode, Jerry interviews Richie, a former Army officer who transitioned into the world of property investment and has achieved financial independence. Richie shares his journey, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he used to build a profitable property business, including a niche offer in Self Storage. They discuss the importance of balancing family life with business, the value...

In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic for commercial property investors: recession-proofing your portfolio. With an economic downturn always on the horizon, it’s essential to be prepared. Jerry shares practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help investors navigate and even thrive during challenging economic periods. From past recessions to the COVID era, we explore key lessons lea...

In this episode, Jerry interviews Lee O'Donoghue, a Residential property investor with a fast evolving approach to commercial real estate. Lee shares insights on financing, managing commercial multi-let buildings, and the hands-on approach he and his wife take to adding value to properties. The discussion dives into the strategies Lee has used to grow his portfolio, the lifestyle he has crafted ar...

In this episode of The Commercial Property Investor Podcast , we dive into one of the most rewarding aspects of commercial property investment: off-market deals. These are the hidden gems that haven't been publicly advertised, often leading to more lucrative opportunities with less competition. But how do you find them? Today, I explore various strategies for sourcing these deals, reaching out to...

In this episode we explore one of the most fundamental questions every aspiring commercial property investor needs to ask themselves: "Why do you want to buy a commercial property?" We emphasize the importance of understanding your personal reasons for getting into the commercial property market. From cash flow and time freedom to building long-term wealth, this episode covers the variety of motiv...

This week, we’re going deep with Andy Graham as he shares his journey from HMOs to commercial-to-residential developments! 🏗️ We unpack: Andy's journey from physio to property developer 👨‍⚕️➡️🏠 His approach converting commercial properties into residential developments The power of partnerships in scaling up 🤝 Real-life projects from Sheffield to Kent Some numbers that might surprise you: Andy'...

This week, we're sharing a bittersweet story from our portfolio. When a long-standing tenant - a business we'd known and worked with for years - unfortunately went into liquidation, we found ourselves with a property back in our hands 5 years earlier than planned. We talk through: The ripple effects when a tenant goes bust Navigating the unexpected (and the mountain of stuff left behind 😅) How ma...

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 v...

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 c...

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-crunchi...

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 🥸🔍 Th...

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...

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...

"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...

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 💸 T...

"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...

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 sh...

This week, we’re shaking things and diving into some of your questions. In this light-hearted episode, Megan and I take on your customer enquiries sharing our thoughts and experiences along the way. We cover: 🛋️ Furniture: "Do you provide furniture for CMO customers?"   💸 Deposits: "Do you take deposits and is there a scheme I need to use?" 📝 Contracts: "Why do you prefer licenses over leases?"...

Imagine possessing a superpower that allows you to see what others can't - a power that could revolutionise your approach to investing in commercial properties. But in this realm, your power isn't about extraordinary abilities like flying or shooting lasers.  It's about getting your hands dirty with market research... So, what do I mean by that? When you first start out, you may be on the lookout...

Once upon a time, back in 2004 , while Google was busy revolutionising email storage and Mark Zuckerberg was blissfully unaware of the social media titan he was creating, I stumbled into my very first commercial property deal. Fast forward 20 years, and while I’m no Facebook expert 😅 I do have a pretty good grasp on commercial property investing. So, I thought, what better way to celebrate the pa...