Supermarket chains like John Lewis and banks like Lloyds - both entering the private rental sector as large scale landlords - could end up destroying their reputations.
That’s the view of tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.
Heather Powell, a partner at the firm and head of property, says: “Many retail groups who have invested in property have surplus property, and are considering what they can do with these properties.
“Disposal to a developer is a simple option, but building homes on surplus sites, which will generate a reliable, future income stream, is very attractive, and could guarantee the future of the business. Many Retailers are looking at recent headlines and asking, 'Is it time to become a landlord?'”
She adds: “An increase in quality homes available for long term rental is welcome. However new landlords need to be aware of the challenges of renting homes.
“The legislation governing the rental of UK properties has become increasingly complex. New entrants to the market need to consider whether they employ an in-house team or outsource the management of their properties, and factor in the costs of this work when considering whether to become a landlord. It is not simple, and it can go wrong.”
Powell warns that if there is insufficient investment in a competent property management team, reputations could be shattered, especially if tenant unhappiness reaches the media.
“Examples of this strategy are already in the public domain. John Lewis are planning to build 10,000 rental homes in partnership with established developers on sites vacated by their stores, car parks or above Waitrose supermarkets. Lloyds Bank are reported to be about to complete on the purchase of a block of 50 flats in Peterborough that they will rent out, and it is expected that their portfolio could eventually include homes on sites vacated by branches that have now closed.”
Powell concludes: “The fight to acquire Morrisons would appear to be fuelled by ownership of the group’s large property portfolio. One of their potential buyers, Fortress, have pledged that they will not sell of the stores. This pledge does not stop redevelopment of non-performing sites – and diversification into homes for rental would appear to be one of the best options.”
Lloyds Bank says tenants will “within the next few weeks” move...
Last week the tax firm Blick Rothenberg advised John Lewis and...
The John Lewis Partnership has received the green light to transform...
A new director of property has been named by the John...
The predictions game can be tricky. Sometimes you just don’t know...
Leading UK property auctioneer Bond Wolfe has broken through the £100...
Uncertainty triggered by the new Labour Government and taxation concerns that...
B-hive Block Management Partners Celebrates Major Milestone With Over 100 Businesses...
We’re absolutely delighted to announce that, after 10 years, we’re able...
You don’t have to simply accept things as they are when...
%20-%20IMAGE%20Client%20Accounting%20%E2%80%93%20what%20are%20your%20options.jpg)
The benefits for letting agents to outsource their client accounting is...
Attention estate agents: if you're looking for a bumper Christmas bonus,...
%20(002).png)
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving property industry, it’s essential that forward-thinking...
.png)
I think we can all agree that the National Trading Standards...
.png)
In September last year, flatfair, a deposit alternative provider, released their...
Who are you and what does it say on...
Who are you and what does it say on...
Who are you and what does it say on...
Join the conversation
Jump to latest comment and add your reply
Best post ever!
Another advert, Im not sure what the story is. "Do a bad job and it could harm your reputation"?. Isnt that the case for any product or service provider up and down the land in any industry? I am sure the Board at JL who do have a reputation for providing quality products and services, and who may not themselves have the lettings expertise required, will have the acumen to bring it into the business and approach it the same way they do everything else.
I'd imagine a massive corporation building 10k units might have the funds to put a good team/contract in place. Running a completely owned site is far easier than running a single unit within a development of multiple owners. This really is the most bizarre post and advice.
Kristjan you are very naive. Renting needs to be funded by the tenant, thats where the income is. Having resources means borrowed money, which costs a lot. The overheads are substantial for a big company. I see it as lambs to the slaughter. And unfortunately another sub prime type disaster coming up. No doubt the big American banks fuelling this will bbe long gone.
Alright, calm down everyone. Property is inelastic, which basically means it takes a long time to come to market, although new PDR means John Lewis could potentially knockdown and rebuild under prior approval. It's possible, that some of the sites may become mixed-use. Having done a quick scan of Nimbus Maps, own quite a lot of property and a few farms. Usually, if a business not used to development will jump in with a developer and split the profits. Ultimately though, who cares?
Roger, almost certainly it will end in a sub prime disaster,so ultimately we will all pay.
Further Jenrcik is giving planning permission to gross overdevelopment on little sites, which will be slums very quickly. John Lewis s,acks of someone who is grasping at straws , they have managed to lose money during the pandemic whilst other compaanies, tesco, asda, have done quite well.
LLoyds bank should be lending money to experienced developers who unnderstand the risk, and arre used to managing it. In esence LLoyds are competing witth its own customers in a business they dont know. The only way out of it is either charge a lot for the rental or get government subsidie as councils and housing associations get.
Typos - Jenrick and john lewis smacks of someone who is grasping at starws (incompetent managers are buying time with a good smokescreen.)
Unfortunately JL is run by a woman with no retail experience, so you get what you pay for i.e. job cuts for 1000 workers announced yesterday.
They can do what they like except me to sell my house.
As soon as they start that I will go back and live in it as a private dwelliing.
Theodor
Nobody can do what they like. This will end up with the taxpayer paying for it. These companies have very expensive overheads.The Goverment is now trying to cut pensioners income. Further one does not get interest on ones savings, therefore subsidizing the banks. THe goverment could take your house off you with compulsory purchase.
Please login to comment