Linkedin | 4th February 2026.
The start of 2026 amongst investment agents and market pundits may flatter to deceive as deals which were delayed by the late budget complete. We expect the market will start to warm up once the usual calendar of industry events, holidays and hospitality provides some space for sales to be launched. Those 2025 deals which were still in due diligence over the Christmas period gathered an urgency to complete. What does seem to be apparent is a level of confidence from buyers wanting to engage and agree points, knowing there is now a deeper buying pool not experienced last year.
The forward funding market is still the most effective way to find value for investors, as was identified on the release posted last summer. Investors can access real estate at a deep discount to prime yields, and significant value is added upon the development’s completion. The market’s focus is still for strong covenants with inflation proofed, long leases. Recent completions include a new M&S in Lichfield, day nurseries in Banbury and Milton Keynes let to Busy Bees and Bright Horizons respectively and a local centre anchored by Sainsburys. My thanks go to Nick Richardson and Patrick Punch for their focus on the buy side in driving Lichfield and Banbury over the line for their respective clients.
