The Commercial Property Podcast

Episode 103 — The Best Property Market in 50 Years? Daniel Hill on Buying Well, Creating Value and What's Coming Next
The Commercial Property Podcast with Suzi Carter 
Could we be looking at the BEST property investment market in 50 years?
That's the rather bold prediction from this week's guest, award-winning property entrepreneur Daniel Hill.
And when someone who's been involved in more than £100 MILLION of property deals says something like that, I think it's worth paying attention!
I'm delighted to welcome Daniel to The Commercial Property Podcast for a fascinating conversation about the opportunities he's seeing in today's UK property market, the deals he's doing and why he believes the current conditions could be particularly exciting for investors who know what they're looking for.
And here's what makes his prediction especially interesting.
It's not simply about being able to buy properties at attractive prices.
It's about what happens AFTER you've bought them.
Dan believes we're in a market where investors can find selected buying opportunities, actively create value through refurbishment, better management and improved income, and potentially have that value recognised relatively quickly by valuers and lenders.
Now, that's an interesting combination!
We also get into some of the sectors and strategies Dan is investing in, including supported housing, commercial and mixed-use property, and discuss what he's learnt from doing deals at scale.
And, of course, we couldn't get together without talking about the wider market!
We share our views on interest rates, the economy, where we think we are in the property cycle and what might be coming next — including some predictions about the 5 November interest-rate decision that, thankfully, turned out to be correct!
What We Get Into
Why Dan believes this could be the best property market in 50 years. What's different about today's conditions, and why the combination of buying opportunities and value creation has him so excited.
The deals Dan is doing RIGHT NOW. His approach to supported housing, commercial and mixed-use investments, and where he's finding opportunities.
Buying well is only half the story. How improving underperforming assets, reducing vacancies and increasing income can create value — and why the ability to demonstrate that value to valuers and lenders matters.
Where are we in the property cycle? We compare our views on the UK market, interest rates, finance and what the next few years might hold.
What makes a deal worth pursuing? The opportunities, challenges and lessons from Daniel's experience across more than £100 million of property transactions.
And what about AI? How technology could change the way we find, assess and manage property investments.
The Big Takeaway
Could this really be the best property market in 50 years?
It's a big claim, and one that's well worth exploring.
What I particularly enjoyed about this conversation is that Danl isn't simply talking about waiting for property prices to rise.
He's talking about buying intelligently, taking action and actively creating value.
And that's something I believe is fundamental to successful commercial property investing.
Of course, not every property is an opportunity, and not every problem is worth solving. But for investors who understand their market, know how to assess a deal and can recognise where value can be created, there could be some very interesting opportunities ahead.
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Daniel, and I think you will too!
Want to Find Better Commercial Property Opportunities?
Finding commercial properties isn't usually the hardest part. It's knowing which ones are actually worth pursuing!
That's why I created The Commercial Property Academy — to help investors develop the knowledge, confidence and judgement to recognise opportunities, assess deals, create value and avoid expensive mistakes.
Whether you're moving from residential into commercial, looking to invest for the first time or wanting to build a better existing portfolio, you can explore the different ways I can help at:
 www.suzicarter.com
Enjoyed This Episode?
If you enjoyed my conversation with Daniel, please follow or subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you don't miss future episodes.
And do share it with someone who's interested in where the UK property market might be heading. I'd love to hear whether you agree with Daniel's prediction!
If you have a moment, please leave a rating or review too. It really helps more investors discover the podcast.
Thanks for listening, and happy investing!
Suzi Carter
Founder, The Commercial Property Academy
Host, The Commercial Property Podcast

Episode 102 – The Budget, Interest Rates and Commercial Property: What Does It REALLY Mean for Investors?
The Budget is out, interest rates are rising, inflation remains stubborn and borrowing costs are still high. So what does all this REALLY mean for commercial property investors?
In this week's episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I'm looking beyond the headlines to explain how the latest UK Budget, government borrowing, inflation and interest rates affect commercial property values, finance, occupational demand and the opportunities available to investors.
After more than 30 years in commercial property and three property cycles, I've learned that some of the best investment opportunities emerge when markets are uncertain. But you need to understand what's happening and, crucially, how it affects the numbers on your deals.
I'm also looking at what the Budget means for the businesses occupying our buildings, including changes to business rates, employment costs, industrial investment, data centres and regeneration.
And there's an interesting lesson from previous Enterprise Zones about how government investment can create winners and losers for commercial landlords!
My view? We're still in a fantastic Window of Opportunity for knowledgeable commercial property investors. But that doesn't mean every property is a good investment.
The trick is knowing which opportunities are worth pursuing, which problems you can solve and what you should actually pay.
In This Episode
We explore why interest rates and gilt yields matter to commercial property finance and valuations, why higher borrowing costs could create opportunities with motivated vendors, and why I believe buying at the right price is more important than waiting for interest rates to fall.
I also explain how the Budget could affect tenant affordability and occupational demand, why demographics, AI and changing consumer behaviour matter to the long-term future of commercial buildings, and where investment in industrial property, data centres and regeneration could create opportunities.
We also look at government debt, inflation, business confidence and why it's so important to stress-test your investment assumptions, understand your exit options and make sure every deal fits your own objectives.
My Big Takeaway
You don't need the economy to be perfect to make a good commercial property investment.
There are still some fantastic opportunities out there, particularly where we can buy well and create value through better leases, improved income, subdivision or good asset management.
But there's a BIG difference between buying a property with a problem you can solve and buying one with structural problems that could cost you a fortune.
Knowledge is what helps you recognise the difference.
And remember, if interest rates fall and property values recover, lovely! But that should be the bonus, not your investment strategy.
Want to Find Better Commercial Property Opportunities?
Finding commercial properties for sale isn't usually the hardest part. It's knowing which ones are worth pursuing, understanding the risks and recognising where you can create value.
That's why I created The Commercial Property Academy, to help investors develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to find better opportunities, assess deals and avoid expensive mistakes.
Whether you're moving from residential into commercial property, investing for the first time or looking to improve an existing portfolio, you can explore the different ways I can help at:
www.suzicarter.com
Enjoyed This Episode?
If you've found this episode useful, please follow or subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. It's the easiest way to make sure you don't miss future episodes, where I share practical commercial property investing strategies, market insights and lessons from more than 30 years in the industry.
And if you know someone who's investing in commercial property, considering their first purchase or wondering what rising interest rates mean for their portfolio, please share this episode with them.
I'd also really appreciate a rating or review. It helps other investors discover the podcast and means a great deal to me.
Thanks for listening!
Suzi

Postscript — Bank of England Interest Rate Update (5 November 2026)
This episode was recorded before the Bank of England's latest interest rate decision.
Since recording, the Bank of England has increased Bank Rate from 3.75% to 4%, citing concerns about inflationary pressures, particularly rising energy costs. The Bank now expects inflation to reach approximately 5% by mid-2027.
For commercial property investors, this reinforces the importance of assessing deals against today's borrowing costs, stress-testing for further increases and not relying on cheaper finance to make an investment work.
The next Bank of England interest rate decision is scheduled for 17 December 2026.

Episode 101 — Would I Buy a Vacant Commercial Property Right Now?
Would I buy a vacant commercial property in today's market?
Absolutely! But only if it's the right property, in the right location, at the right price.
Some of the best commercial property opportunities come from buildings that other investors overlook. But there's a big difference between buying a property with a problem you can solve and buying one with a problem that could cost you a fortune!
Just because a property is vacant doesn't mean it's an opportunity. And just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's good value.
In this week's episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I share how I assess vacant commercial properties, what gets me interested, what makes me walk away and how I work out what I'd actually pay.
I also take you through practical worked examples to show how the numbers can change dramatically once you account for the costs and risks of buying a vacant property.
What You'll Discover
Why vacant properties can offer fantastic opportunities — and why many investors avoid them.

The first question I ask when looking at a vacant building — and why the answer can tell you so much.

How to establish whether there's genuine tenant demand — rather than relying on an agent's suggested rental figure.

How I work out what I'd actually pay — including practical worked examples and the costs investors often overlook.

The difference between problems you can solve and structural problems you should avoid.

Why I always think about the exit before buying — even when a property looks like a bargain.

The Big Takeaway
I don't buy vacant commercial property simply because it's cheap. I buy when I can see a clear route to creating value, understand the risks and can buy at a price that makes sense.
And there's one final question I always ask: Does this investment actually fit my strategy and what I'm trying to achieve?
Want to Find Better Commercial Property Opportunities?
Finding commercial properties isn't usually the hardest part. It's knowing which ones are worth pursuing!
That's why I created The Commercial Property Academy — to help investors build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to recognise opportunities, assess deals and avoid expensive mistakes.
Whether you're moving from residential into commercial, investing for the first time or looking to improve an existing portfolio, you can explore the different ways I can help at:
 www.suzicarter.com
Enjoyed This Episode?
If you've found it useful, please follow or subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast so you don't miss future episodes.
And if you know someone considering buying a vacant commercial property, please share this episode with them. It might save them from an expensive mistake!
I'd also really appreciate a rating or review — it helps more investors discover the podcast.
Thanks for listening!
Suzi Carter 
Founder, The Commercial Property Academy
Host, The Commercial Property Podcast

100 Episodes Later… It's My Turn in the Hot Seat! 30 Years of Commercial Property Unfiltered
The Commercial Property Podcast | Episode 100 | Suzi Carter MRICS
100 episodes! Who'd have thought it?!
Well, this one's a little different.
After 99 episodes of asking the questions, I'm finally the one in the hot seat!
And we're not holding back.
We're talking about the deals, the mistakes, the lessons learnt the hard way, the highs and lows of investing, and what more than 30 years and three property cycles have taught me about commercial property.
But we're also talking about something much more personal.
Why did I start investing in the first place? What was I really trying to achieve? And how did a career in commercial property turn into a mission to help other people change their lives?
Because here's the thing. I didn't start investing because I wanted to own lots of buildings.
I wanted a different life.
I had a successful corporate career, a young family and a pretty clear picture of what I wanted my future to look like. More freedom. More choices. More time to do the things that mattered to me.
Commercial property became the vehicle to help me get there.
It certainly wasn't all plain sailing!
I've seen markets boom and bust, made investments I'm proud of, learnt some expensive lessons and discovered that some of the best opportunities are the ones other people overlook.
And now, having worked with hundreds of investors through The Commercial Property Academy, I've seen just how much can change when someone moves from feeling uncertain about commercial property to knowing what they're looking for, spotting opportunities and having the confidence to act.
That's the part of my work I love most.
So for this special 100th episode, we're going behind the scenes of my own journey, exploring what I've learnt about investing, business and life — and why I believe commercial property can be such a powerful way to create a different future.
Whether you're a residential investor considering commercial, a successful professional or business owner wanting more choice in life, or an existing commercial investor looking to build a better portfolio, I hope there's something in this conversation that makes you think.
And perhaps encourages you to take that next step.
What We Get Into
Why I really started investing in property
The story behind my move from corporate life to building my own commercial property portfolio, the dream board that helped me get clear on what I wanted, and why having a compelling reason to invest matters more than simply wanting to make money.
30 years, three property cycles and some expensive lessons
What I've learnt from investing through changing markets, why experience changes the way you see risk and opportunity, and why the deals that look most attractive aren't always the ones worth buying.
Finding the opportunities other investors miss
Why I look for properties with problems I can solve, how relationships and off-market opportunities can make a difference, and why understanding the occupational market is often more valuable than chasing the next apparently cheap deal.
Buying well, creating value and thinking about the exit
Why the purchase price matters, how I assess opportunities to add value, and the question I always want answered before buying: Who is going to buy this property from me afterwards?
Why capable people sometimes struggle to get started
I've worked with successful business owners, professionals and experienced residential investors who are more than capable of investing in commercial property — but still find themselves stuck. We explore what's holding them back and how knowledge, a clear strategy and the right support can change that.
The power of asking 'Who?' instead of 'How?'
One of the most useful shifts in business and investing: recognising that you don't need to know how to do everything yourself. You need to know how to find the right people, ask better questions and build a team around you.
Why I created The Commercial Property Academy
How my own motivation evolved into a mission to change lives through commercial property investing — and why seeing other people grow in confidence, make their first investments and create more choices for themselves and their families means so much to me.
How I see today's commercial property market
What three property cycles have taught me about market sentiment, uncertainty and opportunity — and why I believe the key is finding structurally sound markets where there are problems we can solve, rather than relying on the market to rise.
My Biggest Message After 30 Years
If there's one thing I hope comes across in this episode, it's this:
Commercial property is not the end goal. It's what commercial property can make possible.
For some people, that's replacing their income.
For others, it's building wealth, leaving a corporate career, spending more time with family, or simply having the freedom to make different choices.
There's no single version of success.
But there are better and worse ways of investing, and getting the right knowledge, strategy and support can make an enormous difference.
That's what I've spent the last 30 years learning — and what I now love helping other people do.
A Special Gift to Celebrate 100 Episodes
To mark this milestone, I've created a free guide:
My 10 Most Important Commercial Property Lessons
These are ten of the most important lessons I've learnt from over 30 years in commercial property and three property cycles.
Not just theory. Practical insights from buying, managing and creating value in commercial property — including lessons learnt when things didn't go quite to plan!
Inside, I share some of the principles that have shaped how I invest, assess opportunities, manage risk and make decisions.
Download your free guide here: https://hub.commercialpropertyacademy.co.uk/podcast
Want to Build Your Own Commercial Property Portfolio?
If this episode has got you thinking about what commercial property could make possible for you, I'd love to help.
Perhaps you're already a successful residential investor and want to diversify. Perhaps you've built a successful career or business but want your money to start working harder for you. Or perhaps you're already investing in commercial property and want to become a more confident, knowledgeable investor.
Whatever your starting point, the important thing is developing a strategy that fits your objectives, understanding what makes a good investment and knowing how to find and assess opportunities.
That's exactly what we help people do through The Commercial Property Academy.
You can explore the training, community and mentoring available at:
 www.suzicarter.com
And if you're not sure where to start, get in touch and tell us a little about what you're hoping to achieve.
Finally, Thank You!
100 episodes is a milestone I'm enormously proud of, but it wouldn't mean nearly as much without you listening.
Thank you for the messages, the questions, the feedback and for being part of this journey.
Here's to the next 100 episodes, more great conversations and, most importantly, helping more people see what's possible through commercial property.
 If you've enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe, leave a review and share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it.

Episode 99 – Buy Some Commercial Property Problems. Run a Mile From Others!
Some of the best commercial property investments have problems. But buy the wrong problem, and it could cost you a fortune.
Perhaps you've spotted a commercial property that's been sitting on the market for months. The rent is low, the building needs work or the tenant situation looks complicated.
Is that a fantastic investment opportunity that everyone else has overlooked? Or is there a very good reason nobody wants to buy it?
Knowing the difference is one of the most important skills you can develop as a commercial property investor.
In this episode of The Commercial Property Podcast, I explain why I actively look for properties with problems — but only the right sort of problems!
An under-rented building, a short lease, poor management or an opportunity to subdivide might be something we can solve, creating value in the process.
But what if the real problem isn't the building at all?
What if there's simply no tenant demand, the local economy is declining or the property is becoming obsolete?
You can often solve a problem with a building. But you probably can't solve a problem with the market in which it sits.
Drawing on over 30 years in commercial property, I'll share how I distinguish opportunities from expensive mistakes, the questions I ask before investing and why a cheap property isn't necessarily a good deal.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
The problems I love buying. How under-rented properties, short leases, vacant units and poor asset management can create opportunities to add value.

The problems I'd run a mile from. Why declining occupational demand, structural oversupply and changing market fundamentals can be much harder to overcome.

Why cheap doesn't mean good value. How to distinguish a motivated seller and an attractive price from a genuinely sound commercial property investment.

Can you actually solve the problem? Why cost, timescale, control and the ability to deliver your strategy matter.

Will the market reward you? How to research tenant demand, rental values and future saleability before spending money improving a building.

The importance of having more than one exit. Why you should consider what happens if your original plan doesn't work.

And I'll share three questions I think every investor should ask before buying a commercial property with problems:
Can I actually solve this problem?

Can I solve it at a sensible cost and within a sensible timeframe?

Will the occupational and investment markets reward me for solving it?

Because the best opportunities aren't necessarily the prettiest buildings or the cheapest properties.
They're often properties with problems we can solve, in markets where the underlying demand is fundamentally sound.
Want to Find Better Commercial Property Opportunities?
Perhaps you're an experienced residential investor who understands property but isn't yet confident about what makes a good commercial deal.
Maybe you're a successful professional or business owner with capital to invest, but you're worried about making an expensive mistake in a market you don't fully understand.
Or perhaps you're already investing in commercial property and want to become better at recognising opportunities others miss.
You don't need to buy more properties. You need to know how to buy the right ones.
That's exactly what I help investors do through The Commercial Property Academy and my commercial property mentoring programmes.
From understanding tenant demand and choosing your niche to analysing leases, identifying value-add opportunities and assessing risk, I help you develop the knowledge and judgement to make better investment decisions.
 Visit www.suzicarter.com to discover how I can help you find and assess commercial property opportunities with greater confidence.
 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Commercial Property Podcast, leave a review and share it with another investor who might be looking at a property with problems right now.