Yew Tree Farm, Cambridge
Yew Tree Farm was acquired as a multi-unit freehold with approved planning, presenting an opportunity to combine refurbishment, rental optimisation, and title splitting. The strategy focused on unlocking equity while retaining long-term income.
Investment Thesis
Strong and resilient rental demand driven by Cambridge’s employment and education base
Immediate value creation through refurbishment and title restructuring
Clear refinance route enabling capital recycling into subsequent acquisitions
Key Facts
Purchase Price: £685,000
Refurbishment Cost: £65,000
Total Project Cost: £750,000
Gross Development Value: £1.2m
Value-Add Strategy
Targeted refurbishment to modernise accommodation and improve tenant quality
Title splitting to enhance individual unit values
Rental optimisation post-refurbishment
Risk Management
Planning risk mitigated through existing approvals
Refurbishment costs controlled via defined scope of works
Conservative GDV assumptions to protect refinance viability
The asset was refinanced at a conservative LTV following refurbishment and title splitting. This released capital was redeployed into further multi-unit acquisitions while maintaining ownership and income.
Ongoing Performance
Net Rental Income: £2,000 per month
Strategy: Long-term hold with optional future disposals
“The clarity we gained changed everything. Our teams finally had direction, and execution became smooth and predictable again.”
Emma Li
COO, Lightbox Software
Acquisitions
