DCL: ‘Lots of activity’ in property post-lockdown

Property deals are expected to ramp up again in the immediate aftermath of the lockdown being lifted, Trevor Watson of Davis Coffer Lyons has said.

There remains a strong appetite among operators and investors to acquire freehold property once containment measures are lifted, with strong demand for investment and occupations interests, Watson said.

Some operators have already taken the decision to sell or reassign leases, while Watson said talks were underway over “significant lease restructures”, with activity ongoing and set to continue into next year.

Watson, valuations director at DCL, said in a LinkedIn update: “We are talking to a lot of investors and a lot of operators who are very keen to acquire stock after the lockdown. There is good demand from investment interests, as well as occupational premises.

“We also have a number of clients who have already taken the decision to sell or assign their existing leases, and are building a stock of instructions to come to the market immediately post lockdown and are expecting to see a lot of activity

He added: “Of course on lease side of things, there are great opportunities for significant lease restructures. Many landlords and tenants will want to revisit their relationships, in terms of rent and other lease terms.

“Already we are seeing a lot of activity on that front, and that’s set to continue for the rest of the year, and well into next year.”