North West

Axxco sourced and advised an investor to acquire a property in the North West of England for £115,000 from the open market, with the purchase price and rental terms pre-agreed with a housing association. Our in-house specialist build team executed a £41,390 renovation over 4-6 weeks, resulting in a total investment of £156,390. The property now yields £17,680 annually, delivering an 11.3% net return. Secured with a 7-year lease to an FTSE 250 housing provider, with options to extend, it offers critical housing for vulnerable residents, including those with accessibility needs.

Renovation Details

Our in-house specialist build team elevated the property beyond housing association and HMO standards, prioritising safety, functionality, and inclusivity.

Key improvements included:  

• ‍Safety Upgrades: A new consumer unit with interlinked smoke and CO2 detectors was installed, alongside fire safety signage and fireboards under staircases and roof beams. Gas systems were modernised with a relocated boiler, new radiators, and certified pipework. Fire doors with frames, seals, auto-closers, and locks were fitted across the property, complemented by emergency lighting and window restrictors.  ‍
• Structural Enhancements: Walls in the entrance, lounge, and bedrooms were stripped to brick up to 1 meter, tanked, and skimmed for durability. Ceilings were overboarded and skimmed. A stud wall was removed to expand the landing, and a new stud wall was constructed in Bedroom 3. A dedicated toilet room was added with new plumbing and a wash basin.  ‍
• Comfort Improvements: The kitchen was equipped with modern units, worktops, a sink, taps, tiled splashbacks, and appliances (cooker, washer, two fridge-freezers, microwave). The bathroom was fitted with a new suite and privacy lock. Bedrooms, lounge, and hallways received fresh carpets, with lino in wet areas, plus furnishings like five wardrobes, chests, beds with PVC mattresses, a dining set, and sofas.  ‍
• Accessibility Features: Raised handrails (900mm), banisters (1100mm), and privacy film on glass ensured the property accommodates diverse resident needs.  ‍
• External Improvements: The front yard was cleared, and the rear yard was landscaped, with a lean-to demolished, walls repointed and painted, and a new gate installed. The garage door was boarded up, and overgrown trees were trimmed.  ‍
• HMO Standards: The property complies with full HMO licensing, featuring UPVC double-glazed windows, fire doors, and a dual-ringer doorbell, ensuring versatility for future use.  ‍
• Finishing Touches: Vertical and Velux blinds, architraves, skirting, a fire blanket, and damp proofing were added. A thorough professional clean prepared the property for handover.

Completed in 4-6 weeks by Axxco’s in-house team, the renovation minimised delays and accelerated rental income. The property is backed by a 7-year lease with an FTSE 250 housing provider, ensuring monthly rent payments via BACS, no void periods, and zero management fees. All maintenance, inspections, council tax, and utilities are covered, with a novation clause safeguarding the investor against provider insolvency. All work is guaranteed for 2 years and meets UK Building Regulations, with certificates issued for electrical, gas, fire alarm, emergency lighting, and building compliance.