Residential Development Consultancy
Maximising the value of development opportunities.
Our Team
Our consultancy advice is focussed on a variety of existing non-residential uses that could be transformed in to residential and student led developments. Our collaborative approach at Allsop allows us to crossover with our commercial teams to ensure that we optimise the value of assets and the most appropriate use. The breadth of our understanding of the commercial, residential investment, build to rent and student sectors, and their end investment values underpin our advice. Our consultancy offering focusses on a broad range of assets and scenarios, including:
- The re-purposing of existing commercial assets, which might comprise the part demolition, extension and air rights development for high density mixed use developments
- The redevelopment of under-utilised urban land such as retail parks and car parks that could accommodate higher density development for alternative uses
- Contaminated land and former industrial uses in city centre or fringe locations that require remediation and servicing prior to development for the optimum use
- High street and department store redevelopment opportunities including town centre land assembly initiatives
- Housing led development land that could be redeveloped for standard house builder product or bespoke Build to Rent schemes
- Assets now perceived as secondary in terms of location or quality, such as offices and student, that could be re-planned to create higher value
KEY CONTACTS
Case Studies
Water Lane, Leeds
Client - McLaren Living
We gave our client investment advice which assisted with us underwriting the land acquisition after introducing the site off market. Allsop were then part of the design team which brought forward a best in class Build to Rent scheme, which ultimately achieved planning consent.
Our instruction culminated in sourcing an investment partner on a forward funding structure through a targeted marketing campaign.
Debenhams, Staines upon Thames
Client - Canada Life
We were appointed by Canada Life to consider residential investment opportunities on this department store site in the centre of Staines upon Thames. Our advisory originally encapsulated a prospective Build to Rent scheme on the site with the store having become redundant. The work included a demographic analysis of the area to establish the viability as a rental product. Following a period of consultancy advice, the fund decided to sell the asset. Our consultancy and advisory work expanded in to an agency position for the sale of the site. The work undertaken underpinned the alternative use potential and ultimately the site was sold to a Build to Rent developer.
Lea Halls, Luton
Client - Private Individual
We originally acted for our client on the acquisition of this first generation student investment in the centre of Luton directly opposite the train station. The site offered multiple opportunities on the expiration of the leases including comprehensive redevelopment for tall buildings or the refurbishment of the existing properties. We explored the potential for a variety of residential investment exits across the blocks. A planning application was submitted, and granted on appeal, to change the use of the blocks from student to residential through refurbishment and reconfiguration of the cluster flats.
Project Spur
Client - Harworth
We gave our client in depth research and demographic advice to identify the most appropriate site locations to be included in a BTR Single Family Housing portfolio. This advice also identified the optimum unit numbers and sizes to appeal to residents and avoid absorption concerns.
Our instruction included investment and sale structuring advice as well as marketing strategy. This culminated in a targeted marketing campaign on a forward funding structure
Widewater Business Park, Uxbridge
Client - Property Fund
We worked with our client to appoint a professional team, including planning consultants and architects, to asses a variety of scenarios including conversion and extension of the existing office buildings to residential, as well as the comprehensive re-development of the site.
We provided feasibility analysis of various scenarios and informed strategy, which led to obtaining prior approval to convert the existing buildings to residential ahead of a wider marketing campaign. This resulted in a successful unconditional sale.
Other Services
Insights
Unlocking Higher Returns: Regional Residential Real Estate Investment Beyond London and the South East
For decades, London and the South East have dominated the narrative around UK property investment. International demand, stro...
New National Planning Policy Framework - which changes create new development opportunities?
The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published by the government on Monday, following the December 2025 draf...
PBSA Budgets: Why We’re No Longer Comparing ‘Apples with Apples’
Student accommodation has matured rapidly as an asset class. Institutional capital, with sophisticated operating partners, en...
Key Planning Changes to be Aware Of
National Planning Policy Updates As a further push to ‘get Britain building’ and achieve Labour’s manifesto pledge of deliver...