Investment & Development
Strategic advice from acquisition and development strategy through to execution and disposal.
- Investment acquisition
- Development appraisal
- Asset repositioning
- Due diligence
- Commercial negotiation
STRATEGIC REAL ESTATE ADVISOR
Independent guidance on investment, development, planning and complex transactions.
With more than 35 years' experience across the UK real estate market, Simon Heilpern MRICS provides independent strategic advice to investors, developers, landowners, institutions and private clients.
ABOUT SIMON
Experience. Commercial judgement. Independent advice.
Simon Heilpern is a Chartered Surveyor and Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), having qualified in 1987.
He has more than 35 years' experience across investment, development and property advisory work in London and throughout the UK.
Simon previously held senior leadership positions at Levy Real Estate, where he led the Investment & Development team, and Salamanca Group, where he was Head of Property.
His experience encompasses investment acquisitions and disposals, development strategy and viability, planning strategy and planning gain, asset management and repositioning, real estate finance, development funding, joint ventures and complex property transactions.
ADVISORY SERVICES
Senior-level advice across the property lifecycle.
Planning & Asset Strategy
Commercially driven planning advice designed to identify and realise latent value.
- Planning strategy
- Planning gain
- Planning uplift
- Brownfield regeneration
- Change of use
Real Estate Finance
Financial and commercial advice supporting investment and development decisions.
- Investment appraisal
- Development viability
- Financial modelling
- Funding structures
- Joint ventures
Complex Property Transactions
Independent strategic advice where complexity, confidentiality and multiple commercial considerations require experienced judgement.
- Major investments
- Strategic land
- Operational real estate
- Specialist sectors
- Confidential assignments
SELECTED EXPERIENCE
Creating and realising value across complex property situations.
616-acre Brownfield Site
Whilst Head of Property at Salamanca Group, a Local Development Order (LDO) was secured which substantially increased the developable area of a 616-acre brownfield site.
The developable area increased from approximately 222 acres and 2 million sq ft to 405 acres and 11.5 million sq ft, together with provision for approximately 750 residential units. The strategy culminated in the sale of a 400-acre parcel to an owner-occupier.
Office Building — Planning Uplift
Advised on the sale of an approximately 20,000 sq ft office building. Working with industry partners, planning consent was subsequently secured for a 65-bed care home, generating a corresponding 250% uplift in value.
Industrial Investment — Feltham
Provided investment management advice involving the existing tenant, dilapidations and vacant possession. The property was relet on a 20-year term to a good-quality tenant, generating a 32% increase in value.
73% Equity Return
Managed the acquisition, refurbishment, letting and subsequent sale of an industrial investment, generating a 73% equity return within eight months, equivalent to a 109.5% annualised return.
520-bed Student Development
Advised on the development and sale of a completed 520-bed student accommodation scheme.
200,000 sq ft Outlet Designer Village
Advised on the development of a 200,000 sq ft outlet designer village, including development and investment considerations.
400-acre Development Site
Whilst Head of Property at Salamanca Group, a 400-acre site was acquired and planning consent was subsequently secured for approximately 600 lodges.
£12 million London Sale
Orchestrated the sale of a premium London house. Despite an initial guide price of £10 million, the property achieved a £12 million sale price.
£1 Billion+ GDV Venue
Advised on the development of a venue with more than £1 billion Gross Development Value, including detailed earnings analysis, financial modelling and preparation of the investment case required to secure institutional board approval.
SERVICED OFFICES
The Office Quay, Admirals Way, London E14
Principal
Established a 313-desk serviced office operation under a management agreement prior to the sale of the building in July 2018.
CENTRAL LONDON — NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS
£155mGrand Buildings, Trafalgar Square
Acquisition · June 2005
Acquisition · June 2005
£74mFoyle Portfolio
Sale of 10 buildings · September 2012
Sale of 10 buildings · September 2012
£97.5mGreat Minster, Horseferry Road
Acquisition · September 2013
Acquisition · September 2013
£137mGreat Minster, Horseferry Road
Sale · June 2015
Sale · June 2015
CURRENT AREAS OF ACTIVITY
Strategic advice, delivered discreetly.
Simon currently advises across strategic investment portfolios, brownfield regeneration, mixed-use development, retirement living, student accommodation, serviced residential, commercial and industrial property, leisure projects and planning-led asset repositioning.
Much of this work is commercially sensitive. Simon therefore operates with a high degree of discretion, with client confidentiality and the protection of commercially sensitive information fundamental to his approach.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Levy Real Estate
Led the Investment & Development team for nine years.
Salamanca Group
As Head of Property, responsible for significant property investment and development initiatives.
Independent Advisory
Now provides senior-level strategic property advice to investors, developers, landowners, institutions and private clients.
INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTION
Thought leadership and industry engagement.
Simon developed and authored the London Markets Analysis in association with MSCI, the Westminster Property Association and the City Property Association, presenting findings at leading property industry events including MIPIM.
He served on the Board of the Westminster Property Association from 2007 to 2016.
THE APPROACH
Identify. Strategise. Execute. Realise.
01
Opportunity
What is the asset capable of becoming?
02
Strategy
What is the most commercially effective route to unlocking its potential?
03
Execution
What planning, funding, development, management or transaction strategy is required?
04
Value
How can the resulting value be maximised and ultimately realised?
CONTACT
Discuss your next property opportunity.
Available for strategic advisory appointments, investment analysis, development consultancy and complex real estate assignments.
Initial discussions are confidential and without obligation.
Email Simon