Essex House is a 7,727 sq ft mixed‑use property on a 0.09‑acre freehold plot in Birmingham's Southside district at 31‑33 Horse Fair. Part of the ground floor is let to Bank of China, while the upper floors are vacant, providing holding income and asset-management optionality.

The pre‑application exercise tested 6‑, 12‑ and 23‑storey options, with the tallest scheme designed for around 80 units and suitable for PBSA or residential use.

Shepherd Commercial marketed the site at £2.1 million and announced the completion of the sale at £1.8 million.

Strategic context

The buyer has secured an income‑producing central site below the asking price, with flexibility to retain the existing use or pursue a denser student or residential scheme. Existing income reduces carrying costs during the planning process while the vacant upper floors support near‑term asset‑management options.

A PBSA redevelopment would benefit from central transport links and Birmingham's large student population, although full planning consent remains required.

The sale reflects continuing investor appetite for compact UK redevelopment sites combining immediate income with planning upside.

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