The Update
acorngroup.co.uk/commercial commercial@acorngroup.co.uk
Acorn Director Tom Luck.
Tom Luck - Director Acorn Commercial, Investment & Development
Normally, our fourth-quarter update is prepared at the end of the year. However, I’m writing this in the third week of November, well ahead of the budget announcement. Whilst it’s always good to be organised, the real driver behind this timing is the volume of transactions already completed since September. It’s been an exceptionally busy few months for the team!
It’s become increasingly apparent that property is becoming a more complex asset to own and manage, and with the Renters’ Rights Act due to come into force on 1 May 2026, many passive or nonprofessional landlords are understandably reviewing their options. If you own a portfolio, a block of flats, or a shop with uppers and are considering a sale, we would be delighted to hear from you. We have a comprehensive database of buyers actively seeking opportunities of this kind.
You’ll note over the following pages that we’ve completed a wide variety of transactions this quarter, including Housing Association portfolios, freehold parades, vacant commercial and industrial units, builders’ merchants businesses and GP practices to name a few. We therefore trust this edition proves an interesting read.
We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break. Merry Christmas, and we wish you all the very best for 2026.
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Chelsea SW10
Mixed-Use Freehold
Following a comprehensive marketing campaign, we swiftly agreed the sale of this mixed-use building in the heart of Chelsea for £2,800,000. The ground floor and basement were let to a printing business, with two residential flats above let to private tenants. The property, held within a company, was sold with the benefit of its existing tenants and income to a local investor who acquired the company. A smooth and mutually beneficial outcome for all parties.
Bromley BR1
Detached Commercial Building
Acorn were instructed to market and sell this former c.4,463sqft pub in Farwig Lane with the benefit of a lease and income from The Co-operative Group. The lease only had 3 ½ years remaining, with Co-op no longer in occupation having relocated to an alternative property in the area. The new buyers plan to operate their business from the property once the lease has expired.
Sidcup DA14
Former Bank
We’ve handled the sale of several former bank buildings in recent years, including the former HSBC on Sidcup High Street. This property, previously occupied by Lloyds Bank, was initially marketed to let, however, strong freehold interest allowed us to negotiate a prompt, premium sale to a neighbouring owner seeking to expand their business. We wish them every success in their new premises.
Coulsdon CR5
Freehold Parade & Consented Development Site
The sale of this unbroken freehold parade, comprising six shops, three flats, and a consented development site, was a game of two halves. Marketing generated strong interest and multiple offers, but the conveyancing proved challenging, with endless enquiries from the lender’s solicitors. Persistence paid off, and we secured a narrow “away win” as the final enquiries were resolved and the deal crossed the line.
Sidcup DA15
Freehold Investment
We were instructed to market this property on behalf of our client who had owned the property for over 20 years. The property comprised a ground floor commercial unit, 2-bedroom flat and a 7 bed HMO on the first and second floors. The sale wasn’t without its complications and required a good deal of problem solving to get over the line, however, contracts have now exchanged with completion to follow in the new year.
Chilham CT4
Industrial Warehouse
This c.11,000 sqft industrial warehouse in rural Kent sat slightly outside our core area, but our client sought to benefit from our expertise, extensive database and wide-reaching marketing platform. Strong interest followed, resulting in a successful sale to the ideal purchaser—a wholesale distribution business. We wish the new proprietor every success in their new home.
Bromley BR2
Doctor’s Practice
Our client purchased and extended these two semi-detached houses to run their doctor’s practice from, later letting the premises to another medical practice upon retirement. When the time came to sell, Acorn were instructed to achieve maximum value. A focused marketing campaign generated multiple competitive bids, and a sale was ultimately secured to the existing occupier - proof that the right buyer is sometimes closer than you think!
Isleworth TW7
Builders Merchants Business & Freehold B8 Site
Following the successful sale of another one of P.A. Seccombe & Sons’ builders’ merchant sites in Shirley in 2021, we were delighted to be instructed to manage the sale of their final remaining site in Isleworth (all 2.3 acres of it!), together with the trading business.
Originally founded in 1926, the family decided some 99 years after their foundation that they had well and truly served their time in the merchant business, and that in the face of the ever-growing monopolisation within the sector, it was time for somebody else to take over the reins.
As expected, our marketing generated significant interest and a host of offers at and close to our guide
price of £7m. However, as the family were keen to sell the business and the site together, it was crucial that we agreed terms with the right buyer, one able to offer the flexibility and commercial savvy required to acquire an independently owned trading business of this age. Fortunately, our marketing identified such a buyer, who had no banks or boards to satisfy and were keen to add a merchant site to complement the extensive range of services they already provide in aggregates, utilities maintenance, demolition and more.
We would like to wish the new owners of P.A. Seccombe & Son Limited every success on the site for the next 99 years!
Clapham SW4 & Brixton SW2
Two Unbroken Freehold Period Buildings
We were appointed by the owners to manage the sale of two period buildings in Clapham and Brixton, held by the family since the 1970s.
Both properties had been converted into three flats and let to individual tenants. The sales were agreed quickly, with tenants in situ, to a professional landlord seeking to expand their existing investment portfolio - a smooth and efficient transaction for the vendors!
Housing Association Portfolios
Throughout 2025, we have handled over £20m of portfolio and unbroken freehold block sales for some of London’s largest housing associations. Leveraging our deep sector knowledge and extensive network, we have delivered successful transactions to high-end
investment buyers, both on and off-market. This expertise is now extending into the private landlord sector, helping owners streamline their portfolios by transferring properties to hasslefree purchasers. If you own a portfolio and are considering a sale, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Norbury SW16
Freehold Block
We originally sold this property in 2022 as an office with consent for conversion into five flats. Ordinarily, our New Homes team would handle sales of the completed units, but changing market conditions meant the owner needed to sell the entire block instead. We were reinstructed and successfully agreed a sale with an investor looking to expand his portfolio across the SW postcodes.
Camberwell SE5
Commercial Investment
Long-term readers of our newsletter may recognise this 6,500 sq ft commercial unit in Camberwell. We have reported its sale as a vacant unit in 2015, followed by a letting to Pure Gym in 2019 and an investment sale in 2022. Now, due to a change in the owners’ circumstances, the property has come back to market, resulting in another successful sale in 2025.
New Eltham SE9
Warehouse & Storage
Business should always create more business, especially when value is added. Over the past four years, we’ve handled seven instructions in and around Green Lane Business Park, achieving two sales and five lettings, including for the Crown. Our latest deal at Unit 2 secured a quality tenant quickly, minimising any gap between the owner’s exit and the new tenant’s occupation.
In a nutshell...
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CR2 | £537,500
BR5 | £30,000 PA Office Unit
We have used Acorn a number of times recently to sell some of our development projects and they have always delivered excellent results. They are knowledgeable and know their market very well.
Recently completed on a development site in Westerham, as always, a pleasure dealing with Acorn - professional, easy to deal with and made the transaction smooth! Highly recommend!
Instruct your agent with confidence...
Super experience selling our commercial property. Great advice and did exactly what they said they would. We achieved a really quick sale. Would definitely use them again.
Bermondsey SE16 | £28,000 PA Retail Unit
Crystal Palace SE19 | £70,000 PA Restaurant
Vauxhall SW8 | £35,000 PA Light Industrial Unit
Bromley BR2
£42,000 PA Office Building
Forest Hill SE23
£15,000 PA Retail Unit
Beckenham BR3 | £650,000 Commercial Investment
Orpington
Lewisham SE13 | £35,000 PA Flexible Commercial Unit
Croydon
Mixed-use building
Our experienced team specialise in the sale and letting of commercial properties, the sale and acquisition of land and development opportunities, and investments throughout London and the South East. Please contact a member of our team today to find out how we can assist you.
Tom Luck Director
Daniel Dennis Associate Partner
Frankie Roffo Commercial, Investment and Development Agent
Brendan Kennedy Sales & Business Development Director
Adam Miles Senior Commercial, Investment and Development Agent
Blaise Ribbons Team Assistant
Rosie Davis Office Manager, Acorn & Stirling Ackroyd
Finn Robertson Senior Commercial, Investment and Development Agent
Thembiza Amone Team Assistant
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Steven Flannighan Associate Partner
Ross Bryant Commercial, Investment and Development Agent
We are Hiring! Could this be you?
Stirling Ackroyd Commercial, Investment & Development is now part of LRG!
Ranked #1 contributor in Shoreditch and #2 in City Fringe in the Estates Gazette Rankings 2024!
Our Commercial property team has a vast understanding of selling and letting a wide range of asset types. Whether you are looking to lease a new office space in the heart of Tech City, or a restaurant in the vibrant and ever-changing streets of Shoreditch, our team are available to assist with every aspect from leasing through to investment.
Brett
Sullings - Managing Director Commercial, Investment & Development
With the year-end fast approaching, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the team’s performance, and I’m delighted to confirm that we’re on track for the most successful year in my time at the helm. This momentum is a testament to the team’s relentless drive and resilience, as well as to our clients, who have backed our advice, embraced our recommendations, and acted decisively when it mattered most.
What stands out this year is the sustained demand for best-in-class office space, particularly high-quality turnkey fitted solutions. As companies continue to encourage employees back to the office, they’re doubling down on securing exceptional workspace, and that’s where we’ve seen notable success. We’ve also enjoyed a standout year in the capital sales market, especially among owner-occupiers who recognise the opportunity and are investing now with confidence in long-term growth.
I’m excited to finish the year on a high and to share a full breakdown of what promises to be a remarkable 2025 for us.
Get in touch with the Stirling Ackroyd team today:
020 36967 0086
stirlingackroyd.com/commercial commercial@stirlingackroyd.co.uk
Our new homes team has been a trusted leader in new-build home sales for over 30 years!
With regional offices in Bromley, London Bridge and North Kent, and support from the Acorn, Langford Russell, John Payne and Stirling Ackroyd networks, our experienced team provides comprehensive, strategic guidance at every stage, from initial land acquisition through planning, marketing and final sales delivery.
The Folio, Sidcup DA14
Tucked away just off the ever-popular Sidcup High Street, The Folio is a striking new development of 32 contemporary apartments. Designed with luxury and convenience in mind, it offers a selection of one, two and three-bedroom homes. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upsizing, downsizing or seeking a smart investment, The Folio provides an ideal opportunity. Be among the first to reserve your new home!
| Prices from £325,000
Akin Kara - New Homes & Business Development Director Acorn & Stirling Ackroyd
The Folio, Sidcup DA14
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Our Commercial, Investment & Development team is part of the broader LRG network, offering property expertise across London and the South East. The group encompasses a diverse range of brands, including:
