An investor has highlighted the continuing appeal of well-located secondary retail assets after completing the purchase of a fully-let parade of shops in Grays, Essex.
The acquisition, which includes tenants such as a barbers and an opticians, reflects growing interest in service-led retail properties that continue to benefit from established local demand despite wider challenges facing the high street.
The mixed-use purchase was supported by YBS Commercial Mortgages, which structured and completed funding across two connected transactions in less than seven weeks from application, enabling the buyers to secure the property within a competitive bidding environment.
With tenants already in place, investor Yoel Rosenthal said the property offered both a stable income stream and an opportunity to support a local high street at a time when investors are increasingly assessing the long-term prospects of community-focused retail locations.
Retail property has faced a number of headwinds in recent years, including changing consumer behaviour, the growth of online shopping and the continued popularity of out-of-town retail parks. However, some investors believe secondary retail assets serving local communities continue to present opportunities where pricing and tenant demand remain attractive.
Rosenthal said: “Despite wider market turbulence, the underlying fundamentals for secondary retail serving strong local areas remain compelling. While it is important they do their research and choose widely, if investors focused on income and long-term sustainability, these assets continue to offer rewards.
“We’re seeing stability return to non-prime locations where retail is convenience-led and embedded within the community. Vacancy levels have steadied since 2023, footfall is proving resilient, and consumers are increasingly gravitating towards local, value-oriented shopping. That creates a strong case for well-priced secondary stock such as this.”
Rosenthal said lender support remained an important factor when pursuing investment opportunities where speed of execution can be critical.
He said: “Having a lender like YBS Commercial Mortgages, which genuinely understands how we operate and what we’re trying to achieve, makes a material difference. Their ability to move quickly and work within tight deadlines gave us the confidence to proceed, knowing the funding process would align with the realities of property transactions.”
Mark Setchell, senior relationship director at YBS Commercial Mortgages, said the transaction demonstrated the importance of acting quickly when suitable opportunities emerge.
Setchell said: “When the right properties become available in the secondary retail market, there are really good deals to be had but time is of the essence when it comes to seizing them, and our role is to respond with certainty and pace in order to help investors succeed.
“We worked closely with Yoel to understand his long-term objectives and help him secure appropriately structured funding in order to meet them. Delivering on the transaction within the required timeframe demonstrated the flexibility of our approach and the commitment of our teams to providing a smooth and efficient customer journey.”
The deal highlights continued investor appetite for income-producing retail assets in established local centres, particularly where tenant demand remains resilient and properties are fully occupied.
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