Bernard Gordon

CASE STUDIES UNIQUE TRANSACTIONS SALE & LEASEBACK, SURREY, KT3 We were approached by a charity needing to release equity quickly and explored options to sell their building and rent alternative premises. After discussions, we learned they operated a day centre for adults with special needs, and moving was not ideal. We proposed a sale of the freehold with a leaseback agreement, allowing the charity to unlock capital for other projects while retaining continued use of the building for 10 years. We approached a suitable client and successfully agreed terms within seven days of the initial enquiry. The charity is delighted to continue using their existing facilities, while the purchasers are pleased with their new investment. ST PETER IN CHAINS SCHOOL, N8 On behalf of the Diocese of Westminster, we brought this former school to market. Speed was critical, as the building was vacant, and we needed to satisfy the Charity Commission. Knowing a nearby SEN school was looking to expand, we approached them with a proposal for a quick deal above market value. The school agreed, taking a new 25-year lease, and is currently undertaking extensive refurbishment, with plans to open in 2026. SOUTH HERTS & EDGWARE MASORTI SYNAGOGUE, EDGWARE, HA8 After a prolonged and unsuccessful sale process, the synagogue instructed us to market their property to find a buyer for the freehold interest. They were moving to new premises and needed to release funds to commence construction of their new home. The ideal outcome was to agree a deal with a purchaser while delaying completion, allowing the synagogue to remain on site. Before taking the property to market, we approached a select group of clients we anticipated would be interested and successfully secured an investor. The purchaser exchanged contracts immediately, released the deposit to the vendor, and agreed to delay completion for up to 18 months, enabling the synagogue to remain in situ. Upon the synagogue’s eventual departure, the building is expected to be repurposed within the education sector. INVESTMENT SALE, MAIDSTONE, ME14 Our clients owned a former multi-let office building and sought advice after tenancies struggled to pick up post-pandemic. We recommended marketing to the SEN school sector and successfully secured a tenant with a subject-to-planning lease in 2024. Later, the landlords instructed us to sell the freehold as an investment opportunity. We sourced an investment fund that purchased the freehold earlier this year. With the SEN school investment market still emerging, we anticipate this is the first of many such investment sales in the coming years.