Don't want to sell — but want to unlock your property's full potential?
A Joint Venture is for owners who don't want to sell at a discount but also don't want to fund and manage a major refurb alone. We partner — contributing capital, project management, and trade expertise — and split the outcome at the end.
How a JV differs from an assisted sale.
An assisted sale is structured for someone who definitely wants to sell — we refurb, sell at market, and the property changes hands at the end. A JV is for someone who'd prefer not to sell but wants to add value: maybe refinance instead, retain as a rental, or sell at a much higher figure than the as-is value would have allowed.
Practically, the differences:
- Ownership — in a JV, you retain ownership throughout (or share it via a partnership/SPV). In an assisted sale, ownership transfers at the end.
- Exit — JV exits can be refinance, retain, or sale. Assisted sale always ends in a sale.
- Risk profile — JV partners share more risk and reward. Assisted sale puts most risk on us.
- Complexity — JV requires more legal structuring (partnership agreement, SPV, or contractual JV). Assisted sale is contractually simpler.
When a JV fits.
1. Multi-unit conversions
You own a large townhouse, a building with planning potential, or a property where conversion to flats or HMO would materially add value. Refurb costs run to £100k+. You'd rather partner than fund alone.
2. Strategic-value properties
Property in a prime regeneration area where holding for 3–5 years post-refurb could yield significantly more than a current sale. You contribute the property, we contribute capital and expertise.
3. Owners with appetite to learn
You've thought about getting into property development but don't want to risk going alone. A JV gives you hands-on involvement and shared upside while we carry most of the operational risk.
4. Inherited properties where beneficiaries can't agree
Sometimes one beneficiary wants out (cash now) while another wants to hold (long-term value). A JV structured around the property can reconcile both — buying out one beneficiary while partnering with the other.
JV isn't right for most sellers — and that's OK.
Most people who come to our site need a clean, fast sale. For them, JV is overkill. The legal setup costs £2,000–£5,000, the timelines run to 12+ months, and the complexity creates more decisions you need to make.
A JV makes sense when:
- The uplift potential is large enough to justify the setup cost
- Both parties bring something meaningful (you: property, location, possibly capital; us: skills, capital, trade contacts)
- Both parties are willing to commit for 1–3+ years
- The trust between parties is strong enough to share decisions
If you're reading this and thinking "I'm not sure this is for me" — it probably isn't, and a cash sale, assisted sale, or brokered sale will likely serve you better.
Common questions about JVs.
How is the JV structured legally?
Usually one of: a contractual JV with a partnership agreement, a Limited Liability Partnership, or a property-specific SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle Ltd company). Choice depends on tax efficiency, lender requirements, and exit plans. Both sides take independent legal advice.
What's a typical split?
Highly variable. Common starting point: you contribute property (valued at as-is), we contribute capital and management (valued at refurb spend plus management charge), profits split after costs. Splits range 50/50 to 70/30 depending on contributions and risk.
How long does a JV typically run?
12–36 months for a refurb-and-exit. Longer for refurb-and-hold. Termination conditions and exit triggers are baked into the agreement upfront.
What if we fall out partway through?
Dispute resolution and buyout mechanisms are part of the agreement — a "shotgun clause" (either side can offer to buy out the other at a price they'd also accept being bought out at) is common.
Are JV profits taxed differently?
Yes — depends on the structure. SPV profits are corporation tax. Partnership profits flow through to partners. Your accountant will advise.
Why don't more cash buyers offer JV?
Because it's complex, takes longer, and most sellers just want out cleanly. JV needs both sides to be genuinely aligned on outcome and timeline — that's rare.
Think your property has untapped potential?
Send us details and we'll be straight about whether a JV makes sense — and what other routes might suit you better.