Pit Stops for Profit: Investing in Roadside Services in the UK
Picture by Juice on Unsplash
From petrol stations to coffee drive-thrus, roadside services have always played a key role in keeping Britain moving. But in 2025, this once-overlooked sector of the commercial property market is attracting fresh attention from investors. Shifts in travel habits, the rise of electric vehicles, and growing consumer demand for convenience are creating new opportunities along the UK’s road network.
A Changing Market Landscape
The UK roadside sector is evolving rapidly. While traditional forecourts still anchor many service sites, the shift to electric vehicles is reshaping what travellers expect. EV drivers need longer stops to recharge, which in turn boosts demand for cafés, quick-service restaurants, and retail outlets on-site.
At the same time, staycations and regional tourism continue to sustain traffic on major A-roads, while e-commerce has fuelled logistics and delivery journeys, all of which rely on roadside services. The result is a steady stream of customers and a robust investment case.
The Appeal for Investors
Roadside properties benefit from several strengths:
- High visibility and accessibility – Located on main routes, they attract consistent footfall.
- Strong occupiers – Sites are often let to national brands such as Costa, Greggs, McDonald’s, BP and Shell, providing long-term security of income.
- Resilience – Unlike some traditional retail formats, roadside services are less exposed to the pressures of online shopping.
The sector also offers a variety of investment profiles, from small single-operator forecourts to larger multi-occupier service stations with food, fuel and retail combined.
Growth in Drive-Thrus and Charging Hubs
The fastest growth is being seen in drive-thru outlets and EV charging hubs. Major coffee and fast-food operators are expanding into roadside locations to meet consumer demand for speed and convenience. Many of these occupiers favour long leases which allow them to recoup substantial equipment investment and fit outs, making them attractive to landlords.
Meanwhile, the rollout of EV charging infrastructure is driving a new wave of development. Charging hubs are increasingly designed as destinations in themselves, combining charging with food and retail to maximise dwell times.
Risks and Considerations
As with any investment, there are factors to weigh up. Planning consent for roadside development can be complex, and the shift away from petrol sales could impact older forecourt models. Competition for prime roadside sites is also increasing, with both investors and operators keen to secure strategic locations.
Looking Ahead
The roadside services sector is in transition, but that very change is what makes it such an interesting investment class in 2025. With consumer behaviour shifting towards convenience, EV adoption accelerating, and established occupiers expanding, the outlook for well-located roadside property looks strong.
Looking to invest in roadside services?
From forecourts to drive-thrus, you’ll find the latest listings and opportunities on NovaLoca.
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