Episode 35 – Don’t Be Afraid, Be Strategic: Why Government Proposals Make Niching More Important Than Ever

Host: Suzi Carter

In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, Suzi Carter unpacks the UK government's latest proposal to abolish upward-only rent reviews in commercial leases—a potential shake-up with big implications for landlords, investors, and the wider property market.

Suzi explains what this change could mean in practice, why it’s causing uncertainty, and how smart investors can turn fear into opportunity. Most importantly, she reveals why now is the time to double down on a clear, strategic niche and stay laser-focused on tenant demand.

If you're feeling uncertain about the direction of the market, this episode will give you clarity—and a plan.

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🔑 What You’ll Learn:

1. What Are Upward-Only Rent Reviews? • How they work in commercial leases • Why they’ve traditionally appealed to institutional and overseas investors

2. The Government’s Proposed Changes • What the new legislation aims to do • Possible effects on lease structures, rent certainty, and market confidence

3. Market-Wide Implications • Why the timing could destabilise an already fragile market • How overseas investment and property values might be impacted

4. What It Means for Your Investment Strategy • Why you should focus on what you can control: tenant demand and asset selection • How niching can protect and even enhance your returns

5. Lessons from the Past • What we learned from the retail downturn and COVID-driven trends • Why adapting to changing fundamentals is essential for long-term success

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💥 Key Takeaways:

• The proposed removal of upward-only rent reviews may shake investor confidence—but not if you're prepared.
• This change could lead to uncertainty, but also opens the door for more flexible, tenant-friendly lease strategies.
• In uncertain times, the strongest investors niche down, stay informed, and stay focused on tenant demand.
• Fundamentals still win: the right property, in the right place, with the right strategy.
• Every disruption creates opportunity—if you know where to look.

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📅 Want to join the next round of The Board starting September 2025? Click the link below to learn more and book a call with Suzi: 👉 Join The Board – Book a Call