The Update
acorngroup.co.uk/commercial commercial@acorngroup.co.uk
Acorn Director Tom Luck.
Tom Luck - Director Acorn Commercial, Investment and Development
As the team sat down to review the halfway point of 2025, it’s clear a few things are driving the market: freeholds, angles to add value, and income. Active buyers continue to favour the certainty of bricks and mortar, though they remain cautious around development and speculative opportunities.
It’s encouraging to see the government making changes to the planning system and allocating funding to housing associations. However, if they aim to deliver housing and growth during their term, they must recognise that the days of low interest rates, low build costs, and Help to Buy are behind us. A fresh look at viability and policies that genuinely support value is needed. Without a clearer path to profit, the investment simply won’t follow.
In this update, we hope you enjoy reading about a diverse mix of sales and lettings concluded in the second quarter — ranging from industrial sites, day nursery investments and HMOs, to unbroken blocks, development sites and portfolio sales.
As always, if you own or are considering selling a commercial or investment property, or a development opportunity, please get in touch. We’d be happy to advise on your options and how best to maximise value.
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Bromley BR1
5 Mixed-Use Retail Units & Office
Income-producing investments with value-add potential continue to attract strong demand, and this site was no exception. The property comprised five commercial units and a rear office building (Norton House), sold off on a long lease with 67 years remaining. Anchored by tenants such as Paddy Power and Toni & Guy, the parade generated £108,000 per annum. With one vacant unit and clear planning angles, further value could be unlocked. Our focused marketing campaign generated strong interest, with contracts exchanged just two weeks after the legal pack was issued. The buyer, an institutional investor/developer, secured the asset above guide price.
Hither Green SE13
Freehold Block of Flats
Freehold blocks of flats are always in high demand. So, when a long-standing client expressed interest in a swift, bulk sale of this newly built block—comprising six flats and two commercial units—we acted immediately. No need for boards or wide-scale marketing. Just a few wellplaced calls to the right contacts, and the deal was quickly agreed.
South Norwood SE25
B2/B8 Open Yard
At first glance, this vacant former timber yard might appear best suited for redevelopment. However, given the current high demand for open storage, our extensive marketing campaign uncovered a buyer with an urgent requirement for such space. Their interest enabled them to out compete multiple parties, including developers and paying a premium price in the process.
Lewisham SE13
Newly Built Commercial Unit
Our involvement with this property began in 2020 when we were instructed by receivers to sell a vacant car garage with consent to build c.10,000 sqft of commercial space and 17 residential flats. Following the successful sale, the new owners retained us to let the commercial units and after a high-profile marketing campaign, we secured lettings to Sainsbury’s Local on the ground floor and local gym operator Base 13 in the lower ground.
In a nutshell...
London SE1 | £44,000 Office Building
Forest Hill SE23 | £265,000 E Class Unit
Kenley CR8 | £230,000 E Class Unit
Chislehurst BR7 | £28,000 PA E Class Unit
East Dulwich SE22 | £525,000 Mixed-Use Building
Bromley BR1 | £19,000 PA E Class Unit
Kennington SE11 | £18,000 PA Office Unit
Beckenham BR3 | £595,000 Freehold Medical Building
London SE1 | £33,000 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.
Plumstead SE18
Prominent Freehold Site
In 2021, we acted for Lakedale Power Tools in the sale of their prominent Croydon site and were later instructed on their “crown jewel” Plumstead High Street property, held for nearly 30 years. The site attracted strong interest from developers and owner-occupiers. Our marketing campaign led to a successful deal, allowing the sellers to continue trading while relocating, with a delayed completion to support their transition to alternative premises.
Sevenoaks TN13
Day Nursery Investment
We consistently see strong demand for educational investment opportunities. This two storey, 5,351 sqft building, complete with a garden and parking for eight vehicles, was let on a long-term lease to Busy Bees Nurseries, and has now been sold to a private investor. If you own a similar property and are considering selling, we’d love to hear from you, please feel free to get in touch.
South Bermondsey SE15
Place of Worship
Demand outstrips supply for places of worship, so when we launched this 4,500 sqft place of worship, we expected a straightforward letting. Instead, we encountered squatters, illegal raves, and extensive damage. Still, persistence paid off—we secured a tenant needing extra space for a growing local congregation. Letting property in South London is never dull, and this one certainly kept us on our toes!
Thornton Heath CR7
0.5 Acre Industrial Site
This sale showcased our ability to match the right buyer with the right opportunity. Acting for Tri Capital, we marketed a part-let, part-vacant site and quickly secured strong interest. The eventual buyer exceeded the guide by £75,000, with exchange and completion achieved within just two weeks.
Erith DA8
Licensed 15 Bed HMO
The HMO sector continues to thrive driven by strong yields and local authority support. Our recent sale on West Street highlighted this demand — a rare freehold block in Bexley comprising fifteen rooms, generating £122,000pa. Multiple offers were recieved above the guide and despite legal complexities, contracts exchanged in three weeks with completion just six weeks later.
Sevenoaks TN13
Semi-Detached Period Building
This semi-detached period building was situated on a high-end residential road in Sevenoaks, however, with one catch, it was in fact a commercial building (C2 use) and was to be sold unconditionally. We successfully sold to a local investor who saw the long-term potential this building offered. Completion took place within 4 weeks of legal packs being issued.
Dagenham RM10
Portfolio of 5 Houses
We were instructed by a long-standing housing association client to dispose of a portfolio of five vacant freehold houses in Dagenham. A sale was agreed swiftly, with contracts exchanged in just eight days — a great result!
Sydenham SE26
Two Detached Unbroken Period Buildings
Acting for a large corporate client and working to a tight deadline, we were tasked with disposing of two vacant, unbroken period buildings, one comprising six flats, the other five, to a single buyer. A challenge we relished.
A sale was swiftly agreed and completed in under four weeks from the issuance of legal packs — and, importantly, at a price well in excess of the guide.
Nunhead SE15
Consented Development Site
You’d never know that we lived in a country with an urgent need for new housing stock going by the way that our planning system operates at times. When we first agreed an option to purchase deal on this large plot with a partially derelict house in situ, we’d never have imagined that 4 years would pass before the local authority would grant planning permission. Fortunately, the buyer’s persistence paid off and we can’t wait to see the finished block of 9 new Passivhaus apartments.
London SE1
Detached Former Victorian Warehouse
Although SE1’s industrial past has largely faded, this characterful Victorian built warehouse has clearly stood the test of time. Acting for a prominent local architect, we successfully marketed and sold the now mixed-use property, with ownership passing from one well-known local business figure to another.
Acorn’s experience and knowledge of the market is outstanding. Their proactive approach, dedication and readiness to offer solutions made the entire process pain free. I would highly recommend using Acorn.
Brendan has been brilliant throughout our purchase process, going the extra mile numerous times and supporting us every step of the way. We cannot recommend him highly enough!
Instruct your agent with confidence...
Professional and supportive team headed by Mr Tom Luck who guided us through a tricky transaction selling and buying a commercial property at the same time. Very grateful for the advice received.
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
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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
“Another strong Q2 performance from our team across the lettings and capital markets. We completed 37 lettings and 10 sales, transacting 136,137 sqft across the City Fringes and East London. The 10 sales achieved over £13M in total, with 9 going to owner-occupiers—clear evidence that end users remain the most active buyers.
A special mention to the office team, who were particularly busy on the leasing front. We’re seeing a renewed push from employers to bring teams back to the office, and the demand is focused on fully fitted, plug-and-play space. But it’s not just about desks and chairs— with so much availability, especially in the 1,000–4,000 sqft range, your space needs to stand out. Make it somewhere people would love to work, not just somewhere they have to.
Summer’s here and we’re ready for Q3!”
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!
Offering expert, tailored services across London and the South East. With regional offices in Bromley, London Bridge, and North Kent, and support from the Acorn, Langford Russell, John Payne, and Stirling Ackroyd networks, their experienced team delivers comprehensive guidance from land acquisition to marketing and sales.
Westerham Heights
An exclusive development of nine luxury homes, featuring 3-bedroom bungalows and 4 & 5-bedroom detached houses. Enjoy modern living in a peaceful countryside setting. Contact them today to learn more.
Akin Kara
- New
Homes & Business Development Director Acorn & Stirling Ackroyd
Westerham Heights | Prices from £900,000
Get in touch with the New Homes team today: 020 8315 6996
acorngroup.co.uk/newhomes newhomes@acorngroup.co.uk
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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:
