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 motivations that drive individuals to make the leap. You’ll also hear about some of the realities and challenges, including raising finance, managing vacancies, and the commitment it takes to succeed in the long run.

Throughout the episode, we touch on key investment strategies such as simple buy-to-let, value-adding projects, and building a sustainable income stream through strategic planning. We also share how The CPI Network and programs like Get in the Swim can help you navigate the commercial property world, offering tools, education, and networking opportunities for investors at all stages.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Why: It's essential to have a clear understanding of your motivations for buying commercial property. Whether it's cash flow, capital growth, or long-term wealth building, defining your "why" will guide your strategy and decisions.

• Potential Benefits: Consistent reoccurring income, time freedom, retirement planning (e.g., SSAS Pension), capital growth, and inflation protection are just a few reasons why commercial property can be a lucrative investment.

• Challenges: Commercial property investment comes with its own set of hurdles, including property management, financing, and strategic decision-making. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a long-term commitment to building wealth.

• Choosing the Right Strategy: Whether you’re after steady cash flow, value-add opportunities, or a mix of both, the strategy you choose should align with your personal and financial goals.

• The Importance of Community: Being part of a network like The CPI Network gives you access to industry insights, support, and experience that can make your journey much smoother and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Mentions:

• The CPI Network: A community of commercial property investors for education, networking, and guidance.
• Get in the Swim Program: A monthly membership/retainer program offering education, deal analysis, and networking opportunities for those entering the commercial property space.

Resources Mentioned:

• Follow us on Instagram for visuals and updates! @jerryalexander.commercial
• Check out the Get in the Swim program.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave us a review on iTunes or Spotify, and don’t forget to subscribe for more expert insights into the world of commercial property investing!

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, 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's first development: Under 3,000 sq ft was extended into 6 units
• Current pipeline: 100+ flats in development
• Target capital uplift: Minimum 25% on projects
• Timeline reality check: 2-3 years vs quick HMO flips ⏱️

Key lessons for HMO investors eyeing commercial:

1. Planning is a whole new game (and often a "black hole" of costs 💸)
2. Other income streams can buy you breathing space - development isn't about quick cash
3. It's a volume game - individual units might yield less than HMOs
4. Main contractors are essential - small additional costs per square foot can make or break deals

Success strategies we uncovered:

• Building relationships with commercial agents
• Understanding local development context deeply
• Having contingency plans (sometimes you need to sell some to keep some)
• Working with partners who complement your skills

🎬 Fun fact: Some of Andy's developments have even been featured on Channel 4.

Some key reflections:

1. The planning system might be "fundamentally broken" - but knowing how to navigate it is crucial
2. Commercial to resi development is about long-term capital growth, not immediate income
3. Understanding your local market deeply lets you move fast when opportunities arise
4. The right partnerships can transform your ability to take on bigger projects

Whether you’re considering a shift to commercial or just curious about different strategies that are out there, this episode is filled with valuable insights. Andy’s journey from HMOs to large-scale developments demonstrates that every developer begins somewhere - often with a single property and a desire to learn!

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:

The HMO Roadmap: https://thehmoroadmap.co.uk/

CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/

Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 market understanding helped us move forward

The numbers that might surprise you:

• Original rent: £33,000 per year
• New market rent: £58,000 per year
• What this meant for the property's value... 🤔

Some key reflections:

1. The importance of adaptability in commercial property
2. Why local market knowledge matters more than ever
3. Sometimes the best plans are the ones you didn't make

Looking back, this experience reinforced that commercial property isn't just about the numbers 🔢. It's about being prepared for the unexpected, understanding your market deeply, and sometimes, making the best of situations you didn't anticipate. While the outcome was positive for us, it's a reminder that in this business, change is the only constant. Whether that change brings challenges or opportunities often depends on your preparation and perspective.

It's been a busy September with training events in Scotland and lots of great conversations at property meetups. A heartfelt thanks to all the podcast listeners who came to say hello - you make this journey so much more enjoyable! 🤝

Thanks again and as always, make sure you stay in the commercial property swim! 🏊‍♂️

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.