Commercial Property Investor Podcast

One of the biggest fears for residential investors moving into commercial property is the "horror story" of business rates. The idea of being liable for a significant bill regardless of whether your building is occupied or performing well is enough to put many people off the asset class entirely. In this episode, Jerry breaks down the 2026 Business Rates Revaluation to provide clarity on the current "direction of travel." We explore how rates are actually calculated, why the system often feels disconnected from reality, and what the recent changes in England, Scotland, and Wales mean for your portfolio. What you will learn: The Fundamentals: How rateable value is determined and how the "multiplier" actually works. The 2026 Revaluation: Why your bill might be changing and the specific valuation dates being used across the UK. Transitional Relief: A breakdown of the tapering systems in England, Scotland, and Wales that "soften the blow" of increases. Mitigation & Appeals: Practical steps for managing rates, from small business relief to the "Check, Challenge, Appeal" process. The New Duty to Notify: Why you must report property changes to the VOA within 60 days starting April 2026. LEARN THE BASICS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals. https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction OTHER USEFUL LINKS: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Are you stuck in a loop of podcasts, books, and webinars but still haven't made your next (or first) commercial move? In this episode, Jerry explores a recurring pattern from his recent strategy calls: investors sometimes don't lack information; they lack clarity. When you have too many options and no filter, every deal looks like an opportunity but it could actually be a big distraction. Jerry breaks down why more "learning" can actually lead to paralysis by analysis and how to shift your thinking "up the chain" to get moving again. Learn how to stop reacting to the market and start filtering it through your own specific investment criteria. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why information overload is a common trap for experienced residential investors. The "Three Types of Income" and how they dictate your commercial strategy. The fundamental question you must answer before looking at another building. How to distinguish between a "good deal" and a "good deal for you." Why "continual learning" is often used as a sophisticated way to avoid making decisions. If you'd like to discuss your own situation and the next steps for getting started in commercial property, you can book a strategy call with Jerry here: 👉 https://calendar.app.google/ERUusp5E4cpm7Zcw9 LEARN THE BASICS:  If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals. https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction OTHER USEFUL LINKS: Book Your 1-2-1 Strategy Session: https://calendar.app.google/Rx89XMZ71X6anzA96 CPI Website: https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors: https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scaling a property business requires more than just finding deals; it requires a repeatable system, a rock-solid reputation, and the ability to align your interests with high-net-worth clients. In this episode, Jerry is joined by Andy Babbayan, an investor with a truly unique background—from the British Army's bomb disposal unit to managing over 100 property projects in a single summer. Andy shares the "property consultancy" model that allowed him to scale rapidly by sourcing and developing for others, and why he is now pivoting back to the commercial market to take advantage of once-in-a-decade pricing. FOLLOW ANDY LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-babbayan-073ba111 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andy_babbayan_investor  LEARN THE BASICS If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals. https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction OTHER USEFUL LINKS CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I didn’t really know what the podcast was going to become". Six years and 364 episodes later, Jerry reflects on the journey from a nervous first recording with a single lapel mic to building a global community of commercial investors 🤯. In this special anniversary episode, we go back to the "why" behind the show. Whether you are a long-time listener or you've just discovered us, this is a reintroduction to the core principles of the Commercial Property Investor podcast: strategy, mindset, and the reality of life "on the tools" as an active investor. In this episode, you will learn: Why Jerry chose the "Investor" title over being another industry professional show. How the podcast evolved from simple "how-to" guides to deep-dives into investor judgment and perspective. Why most listeners aren't looking for more information, but rather more clarity and the right environment. The reality of building a commercial property business rather than just buying one-off buildings. How 45 minute strategy calls with listeners changed the way Jerry thinks about property education.   LEARN THE BASICS:If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals. https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction OTHER USEFUL LINKS: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many property investors have access to plenty of information about commercial property. But despite that, many still feel stuck — unsure what strategy to follow, what deal to pursue, or what the right next step should be 🤯 In this episode of the Commercial Property Investor Podcast, Jerry reflects on a recent series of strategy calls with podcast listeners and shares the most common questions and challenges investors are currently facing when moving into commercial property. We want to give a big thank you to everyone from the CPI Podcast community who took part. It was amazing to have the opportunity to meet so many of you 👋 Despite having access to plenty of information, many investors still struggle with clarity, confidence and knowing what the right next step looks like. From choosing a strategy to understanding finance and overcoming the fear of getting started, this episode explores the themes that repeatedly come up in conversations with investors at different stages of their journey. You’ll hear practical insights into how investors can think more clearly about their goals, make better decisions about deals, and avoid the trap of waiting for the “perfect” opportunity. In this episode you’ll learn: • Why clarity about your investment goals matters more than choosing a strategy• The common reason many investors feel stuck before doing their first commercial deal• Why your first deal doesn’t need to be the “perfect” one• How commercial property links income and value growth• Why finance often feels more complicated than it actually is• The importance of being around other active commercial property investors If you'd like to discuss your own situation and the next steps for getting started in commercial property, you can book a strategy call with Jerry here: 👉 https://calendar.app.google/ERUusp5E4cpm7Zcw9   LEARN THE BASICS:If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals. https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction OTHER USEFUL LINKS: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heads of Terms is one of those phrases you’ll hear constantly in commercial property deals. Agents mention it. Solicitors refer to it. Investors talk about it. But what does it actually mean? In this episode, Jerry breaks down what Heads of Terms are, where they sit in the deal process, and why they’re such an important step before solicitors get involved. Whether you're buying a commercial property or negotiating a lease, understanding this stage can save time, money, and unnecessary complications. Jerry explains what typically goes into Heads of Terms, how they differ for purchases vs leases, and why they act as the bridge between early negotiation and the legal process.   LEARN THE BASICS:If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals. 👉 https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction-glasgow-workshop/   OTHER USEFUL LINKS: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ground is shifting in the commercial property world—not through one dramatic event, but through a series of subtle, steady undercurrents. In this episode, Jerry explores why the "Winner Takes All" dynamic isn't about the biggest institutions dominating the market, but about the investors who are agile enough to notice the moving sands. From evolving work patterns and demographic shifts to tightening environmental standards and business rate pressures, Jerry breaks down why "doing nothing" has become an expensive strategy. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is it that two people can start with the same education, the same capital, and the same goals, yet twelve months later, one has a growing portfolio while the other is still "refining their criteria"? It turns out the difference isn't about intelligence or money—it's about the transition from the vague to the specific. In this episode, Jerry explores how "perfectly logical" preparation can often mask a fear of commitment, leading investors to spend years in a state of perpetual optimization without ever facing the friction of a real deal. By trading the infinite flexibility of a hypothetical project for the messy, rigid "edges" of a specific address and an actual lease, you move out of your head and into the game. He dives into why the most successful portfolios aren't built on flawless first steps, but on the willingness to tolerate an imperfect beginning and the compounding power of simply getting specific a little bit earlier than everyone else. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I only have £50,000—what can I actually do with that?" This week, Jerry dives deep into a listener question from James, who asked for a realistic strategy for those who don't have a million-pound portfolio. For many, £50k represents years of restraint and saving, but it often carries a heavy weight of expectation that can lead to "analysis paralysis." In this episode, we challenge the idea that £50k is a limitation. Instead, we explore how it serves as a powerful platform for entry, moving you from a conceptual observer to an operational investor. Jerry breaks down why the quality of the deal matters more than the size of your savings account and how to transition from "static savings" to "dynamic capital." LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following our deep dive into industry data, we’re shifting gears from the "what" to the "how." In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on over two decades of hands-on experience to explore what happens when the pandemic-induced "demand shock" fades and storage starts behaving like a normal business again. If you’ve noticed that occupancy feels more "fragile," or that inquiries require a bit more effort than they did two years ago, you aren't alone. We are moving from a market that smoothed over weak decisions to one that demands excellence in the fundamentals. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we step away from the extremes and take a cold, hard look at what is actually happening in the self-storage sector as we move through 2026. Following a fantastic start to the year and our recent Commercial Property fundamentals course, I’ve been reflecting on why some investors "get motoring" while others stay stuck in inertia. Often, that inertia comes from conflicting stories about the market. That's why this week we’re diving deep into the data—moving past personal opinion to analyze the UK Self Storage Association (UKSSA) 2024 Annual Report, FEDESSA’s European findings, and the latest 2025 outlooks from heavyweights like CBRE, Savills, and Janus International. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The office is dead" makes for a great headline, but for the active investor, the reality is far more exciting. In Part 2 of our office series, we look at why the current "mismatch" between old buildings and new demand is creating the biggest investment opportunities in a generation. We break down the "active investor's game," explaining why solving specific building problems is more profitable than trying to predict macro market moves. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The headlines say the office is finished, but the reality on the ground tells a much more nuanced story. In the first of a two-part deep dive into the office sector, we move past the polarized "work-from-home vs. office" debate to look at how our relationship with space has fundamentally shifted. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The expert said no, so it must be impossible." If you’ve ever uttered those words, this episode is for you. After 20 years in commercial property investing, Jerry has learned a vital, sometimes expensive lesson: Professional advice is not gospel—it is an interpretation. While architects, accountants, and valuers are essential to your success, they view your project through the lens of their own risk appetite, rigid "paper rules," or short-term motivations. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "expert" industry to show you why one professional’s "fact" might actually be "fiction" for your specific deal. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to 2026! Today’s episode is a little different. There are no technical deep dives into yields or lease structures. Instead, we’re taking advantage of the "clean page" that New Year’s Day provides to have an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about the reality of building a commercial property business. In this episode, Jerry reflects on a transformative 2025—a year defined not by "fireworks," but by the difficult, quiet work of laying foundations. He shares the hard decisions made to simplify the business, the major pivots in strategy, and how "decluttering" your professional life can create more value than any new acquisition. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas! Whether you are listening to this on Christmas morning escaping the kitchen chaos, out for a festive walk, or catching up during that "blurred" week between Christmas and New Year, thank you for being here. In this special holiday episode, Jerry takes a break from the heavy technical deep dives to offer a moment of reflection. 2025 has been a "flat" year for many in the UK commercial property market—a year characterized by shifting government policies, regulatory changes, and a general sense of uncertainty. However, as Jerry discusses, consistency beats intensity. Today is about celebrating the discipline of staying in the game and preparing for the opportunities that 2026 will bring. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industrial property has long been the "boring" backbone of commercial investment—and that is exactly why it works. As we wrap up our deep-dive sector updates for 2025, we’re looking at the asset class that provides the space businesses genuinely need to function, regardless of economic fashion. In this episode, we move past the "Amazon-style" mega-warehouses to focus on what matters to the private investor: small units, trade estates, and workshops. We discuss why the "frothy" period of 2021–22 has ended and why the current "normalization" phase is actually the best time for sensible investors to strike. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the tables are turned for our guest, Neil Munday, founder of the Sterling Business Podcast and a key property developer in Stirling, as Jerry catches up with him about his most ambitious project to date: the multi-faceted commercial redevelopment at 45 King Street. Neil shares the fascinating story of how he leveraged his extensive corporate background to tackle this complex, mixed-use commercial development, and the valuable—and sometimes painful—lessons he learned along the way. 🔑 Episode Highlights:  The Big Leap: How former corporate IT leader Neil Munday transitioned from a 30-year career at giants like Cisco to becoming a full-time property investor and developer. Creative Financing: A deep dive into using a SSAS pension scheme (Small Self-Administered Scheme) to fund the £2 Million redevelopment, detailing the PropCo/OpCo structure for tax-efficient asset growth. Multi-Use Mastery: Breaking down the 20,000 sq ft Stirling project: a 15-room Aparthotel, flexible workspace, events centre, and recording studio—all operating under one roof. Tech-Enabled Operations: Discover how Neil leverages his tech background to run the expansive, high-end building with a highly efficient, minimal team, focusing on superior customer experience and consistency. The Development Tax: Neil reveals the brutal cost of delays—a 9-month setback and a 25% budget overrun—and the painful lessons learned from council compliance and unexpected build costs. Future-Proofing Success: Critical takeaways, including why Neil will never use a main contractor again and his plan to "double down" on similar mixed-use projects in the growing Stirling market. To find out more about Neil and his projects - Website - https://workingflexispaces.com/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/working-flexispaces/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/workingflexispaces/  LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget the "retail is dead" narrative. It's time to talk about the quiet recovery happening in commercial property. In this two-part episode, we break down the data that shows retail as the top-performing asset class of 2025. We reveal which specific retail types are thriving (think retail parks and flexible units), and who the new tenants are (Experiential, Health & Wellness, and Value Retailers). Learn the four vital signs of a town that's ready for a turnaround, and discover why flexible and smaller is the new blueprint for landlord success. LEARN ABOUT THE FUNDAMENTALS: If you want to learn more about investing in Commercial Property, why not join us for our 2 day Introduction to the fundamentals of Commercial Property? Learn how the market works and the ways in which it differs from Residential property so you can avoid the pitfalls and learn how to create successful deals.https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/2-day-introduction Other Useful Links: CPI Website - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/ Our Sponsors - https://commercialpropertyinvestor.co.uk/podcast-sponsors/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerryalexander/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you walking past your next great commercial property deal? In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of "difficult buildings"—the quirky, awkward, specialized, or just plain hard-to-imagine properties that most investors overlook. From old public toilets (yes, toilets) and churches to industrial units, banks, and former schools, all of these often hide the best commercial investment opportunities. Learn how to apply imagination, creativity, and strategic thinking to buildings that are typically cheaper because they're seen as "problems," and transform them into valuable, versatile, and profitable commercial spaces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.