15 March 2019
Midwood House in Widnes town centre was bought by Osborne House Ltd for cash around three years ago and half the office space converted into 17 apartments to test the local market for short-stay, single tenants (think workers away from home on medium to long-term contracts, looking for a cost-effective alternative to hotels).
The results were impressive. It was fully let within 2 months and, after costs and allowances, is yielding a solid annual income of £65,000.
The gated apartments, available at an attractive all-inclusive rent of £567 per month, come with secure parking and are within an easy commute of Runcorn, Liverpool and Warrington. As such, they have proven appeal to businesses looking to save on staff accommodation or private individuals working away from home.
Having proven the market, OHL are now converting the remaining space into another 17 apartments. This will double the net income to £130,000.
Since the property is already generating income with good interest cover and Loan-to-Value levels, this presents a lucrative opportunity for all those who have invested. Investor returns have been pegged in the range 6.9% – 7.5% p.a. over 36 months. Net income from the first phase is sufficient to provide interest cover of 135% – meaning there would have to be a substantial fall-off in demand before interest payments are at risk.
Once the refurb of the remainder is complete, the ratios will improve dramatically, with interest cover increasing to 250% and LTV falling from 65% to 35%.
Of course, while the ongoing construction still carries a small degree of risk, in this case that risk is mitigated by the appointment of the same contractor as successfully completed the first phase works, along with an independent monitoring surveyor who is under a duty of care to CapitalStackers’ investors. And, of course, income will continue to flow from phase one pending the new units coming on stream.
About the developer
OHL is a highly profitable, conservatively-geared company with gross assets valued at £7.4 million in April 2018. Net worth is around £6.5m. The shareholder directors have been known to the principals of CapitalStackers for over 25 years.
For HMRC compliance reasons, this deal is not eligible for pension fund investment.
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