Led by Matt Lenzie, ex-Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland, we arrange commercial mortgages, bridging finance, and development finance for property professionals across Durham and County Durham.
Direct relationships with executives and board members of the UK's leading lenders
Former Lloyds Bank and Bank of Scotland professionals who understand lender criteria inside-out
Direct relationships with lender decision-makers for faster approvals and better terms
Proven success arranging complex commercial property finance across the UK
“UNESCO World Heritage city with cathedral and castle. Russell Group university. Premium property values.”
— CMB Market Analysis
Aykley Heads business park development; Durham city centre masterplan; riverside path improvements; Milburngate mixed-use scheme; Northern Electric site redevelopment
| Property Type | Prime / Grade A | Secondary | Market Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | £12 psf | £5 psf | £5 - £12 psf |
| Retail / Shop | £22 psf | £15 psf | £15 - £22 psf |
| Industrial | £5 psf | £4 psf | £4 - £5 psf |
Market estimates based on Q1 2026 regional benchmarking data. For accurate valuations, contact us for a detailed assessment.
Indicative gross yields. Actual returns depend on property condition, lease terms, and tenant covenant strength.
Investor appetite for Durham commercial property remains steady, with office & professional services assets attracting the most interest.
Representative transactions reflecting current market activity. Prices are guide values based on comparable evidence.
Grade A office suite, Durham City Centre
Retail premises with storage, town centre
Manufacturing unit with loading, Gilesgate
37-room boutique hotel, Durham University
75-bed residential care facility, Nevilles Cross
Retail unit with 2 flats above, Durham University
Market estimates based on Q1 2026 regional benchmarking. For accurate valuations, contact us.
Founder & Principal Broker
With a career spanning Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and a partnership in a corporate finance business, Matt brings institutional-grade expertise to every deal in Durham. Currently a board advisor to a pension administrator and trustee with £3.9bn of assets under advisory, Matt has raised over £300m of capital for property professionals across the UK.
View Full ProfileDurham presents development opportunities linked to Aykley Heads business park development. Growing demand from the Education (Durham University) sector is creating opportunities for purpose-built commercial space and conversion projects. Strong transport links enhance viability for mixed-use and residential-led schemes.
Strong appetite for heritage city properties.
Our team has deep experience arranging commercial mortgages, bridging loans, and development finance across Durham and the wider County Durham region, from commercial property purchases to development and refurbishment projects.
Durham is a UNESCO World Heritage City centred on its spectacular Norman cathedral and castle perched above the River Wear. The commercial property market benefits from strong demand across Education (Durham University), Heritage & Tourism, Professional Services sectors, creating diverse occupier interest and reducing single-sector risk. With average yields of 5.6% and 12.5% price growth over five years, Durham offers compelling returns for commercial property investors. Excellent connectivity via East Coast Main Line to London King's Cross (2hr 45) supports tenant demand and underpins long-term property values. Ongoing regeneration activity, including Aykley Heads business park development, further enhances the investment outlook and signals sustained public and private sector confidence.
Limited stock of institutional-grade commercial property in Durham means investors often need to consider value-add strategies. Planning timelines and local authority capacity can extend development schedules beyond initial expectations.
Durham's commercial property landscape has been shaped by Aykley Heads business park development. Growth in the Education (Durham University) sector has driven notable investment activity, with occupier demand supporting new development and refurbishment projects across the area.
Planning applications in Durham are managed by County Durham council, which has adopted a pro-growth stance supporting commercial and mixed-use development. Local plan policies favour brownfield regeneration and town centre investment, with a streamlined approach to permitted development rights for office-to-residential conversions.
Commercial property news for Durham will appear here once available. Check back soon for the latest market updates.
We provide commercial mortgages, bridging finance, and development finance throughout County Durham.
Commercial mortgage services available across Durham and surrounding areas. View larger map
Office rents in Durham range from approximately £5 per square foot for secondary space up to £12 per square foot for Grade A accommodation. Grade B office space, which represents the bulk of the market, typically commands around £9 per square foot. These figures are based on Q1 2026 regional market benchmarking.
Investment yields in Durham vary by property type and grade. Current indicative yields are: offices at 7.64%-8.28%, retail at 8.48%-10.16%, industrial at 6.28%-8.65%. Prime yields are typically lower, reflecting stronger covenant strength and location quality. Contact us for a detailed yield analysis for your target property type.
Durham's commercial property market includes offices, retail units, industrial premises, care homes, hotels and guest houses. We arrange finance across all commercial property types, from standard office and retail purchases to specialist assets requiring tailored lending solutions.
Care homes in Durham typically trade at around £36,400 per registered bed. A typical 42-bed home would therefore be valued between £728k and £2.2m. Care home financing is specialist in nature and we work with lenders who understand the operational and regulatory requirements of the sector.