Sandyford Properties: Shaping the portfolio: a steady start to the year
Shaping the portfolio: a steady start to the year
The first quarter of 2026 was a steadier period for Sandyford, reflecting a wider market in which many businesses have been waiting for clarity before committing to new space or investment decisions. Even so, we continued to make progress across asset management, portfolio reshaping and our ESG commitments, all of which support our long term strategy of building a resilient base of modern, purpose built multi let industrial estates.
Asset management
Letting activity has been more subdued than in previous quarters, particularly in recent weeks as global economic uncertainty has weighed on occupier decision making. However, lease renewals have remained strong, with 16 renewals completed during the quarter compared with five new lettings.
Where units have become vacant, this has largely been due to business failures rather than occupiers choosing to relocate – a reminder of the pressures facing SMEs in the current environment.
Alongside day-to-day management, we continue to progress our refurbishment pipeline. Plans for Salcombe Road in Alfreton are advancing well, with works scheduled to begin in the spring. This forms part of our ongoing programme to upgrade older stock and ensure our estates remain attractive, functional and future ready.
Acquisitions and disposals
Our strategy of reshaping the portfolio towards well built, purpose designed industrial stock continued through the quarter. In February we completed the sale of Mount Industrial Estate, a long standing investment that no longer aligned with our focus on modern multi let estates.
This was followed in March by the acquisition of Units 1–6 Chancel Way in Halesowen, a high quality, purpose built industrial terrace fully let to established manufacturing occupiers. The purchase reflects our continued shift into resilient, income secure assets with strong fundamentals.
A further single let disposal is currently in legals, and we remain in active discussions on a number of potential acquisitions. While the market has been slower to transact, our pipeline remains healthy and we expect activity to pick up as confidence returns.
Charity and ESG
Our commitment to community and environmental initiatives continued this quarter. Alongside donating Easter eggs to Dougie Mac, members of the Sandyford team volunteered with our charity partner, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, helping to prepare wildlife habitats at Chatterley Whitfield Heritage Country Park.
Business systems and operations
Behind the scenes, we have continued to invest in the systems and infrastructure that support our growth. Our new property and risk management system, S2, has now been installed and is due to go live next quarter. This will streamline processes across the business and enhance our ability to manage a growing portfolio efficiently.
Work has also progressed on updating EPCs and improving environmental compliance across our estates – an ongoing programme that remains a priority as regulatory expectations evolve.
You can see all of the commercial property listed by Sandyford Properties on NovaLoca here.
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