Broker Opportunities in the UK Commercial Property Market

The UK commercial property market is in a period of change, and with change comes opportunity.

For brokers, helping clients navigate shifting demand patterns and regulatory landscapes isn’t just about securing finance; it’s about uncovering hidden value in overlooked or evolving asset classes.

One of the clearest opportunities lies in portfolio diversification. Landlords are increasingly looking beyond traditional buy-to-let models and considering commercial or semi-commercial properties that can offer multiple income streams. A shop with residential flats above, for example, can provide a blend of long-term commercial lease income alongside shorter AST agreements. In some cases, the residential element can be reconfigured into a house of multiple occupation (HMO), maximising yields while spreading risk.

The value doesn’t have to be in the building as it stands today. Change-of-use strategies, such as securing planning permission to convert commercial space into residential, can transform the income profile of an asset. Even where full conversion isn’t the goal, landlords can reposition properties to meet local demand, such as splitting larger retail units into smaller, more affordable spaces for independent occupiers.

Location trends are also shifting in ways that open up new possibilities. Secondary and tertiary high streets, which may once have been overlooked in favour of large retail parks or out-of-town superstores, are enjoying renewed relevance. As hybrid working patterns take root and consumers favour local shopping, demand is rising for well-located ground-floor retail with residential above. This provides a dual benefit for investors: stable commercial tenants serving their community and high-demand residential units in walkable locations.

The office sector is another area where change is creating broker opportunities. While the pandemic prompted a wave of office-to-residential conversions, we’re now seeing a partial return of demand for high-quality office space as firms encourage teams back into the workplace. This creates a nuanced landscape - in some cases, conversion to residential will still be the optimal route; in others, refurbishing and modernising office stock can deliver strong rental growth.

For brokers, the key is to guide clients through these options with a focus on unlocking untapped potential. That means understanding both the asset’s current income profile and its future possibilities. Financing needs will often extend beyond a straightforward purchase - refurbishment costs, planning applications, and phased redevelopments all require flexible, responsive funding solutions.

At Glenhawk, we’ve seen first-hand how strategic property repositioning can deliver exceptional returns for landlords and developers. Our role is to provide the speed and certainty of funding that allows brokers’ clients to seize opportunities as they arise. Whether that’s acquiring a mixed-use property in an emerging location, converting upper floors into HMOs, or breathing new life into an under-loved high street building.

The UK commercial property market is evolving fast.

For borrowers willing to look beyond the obvious, there’s enormous value waiting to be uncovered. The challenge - and the reward - lies in spotting it first.