Who this desk is for
This desk is for PBSA developers and development JVs who want a planned exit aligned to their programme — from planning through construction to practical completion. It works best when there is a clear stage, city, and viability story. Speculative packs with no cost plan, or non-PBSA residential stock, are not a fit yet.
| Fit | Not a fit (yet) |
|---|---|
| 50+ bed PBSA with a clear stage and city | No planning story and no viability narrative |
| Willing to share cost plan / programme honestly | Renders-only packs with no QS or cost basis |
| Open to FF, forward commit, or PC sale | Non-PBSA residential stock |
Exit playbook by stage
Who buys, and what evidence they need, changes as a scheme matures. A planning-stage conversation is different from a forward fund discussion or a sale at practical completion. Use the stage you are actually in — not the stage you hope to present — when shaping the exit narrative.
| Stage | Typical buyer conversation | Evidence that matters |
|---|---|---|
| Planning / pre-app | Buyer underwrites planning and residual land value | Policy support, pre-app notes, massing, catchment |
| Consented / pre-construction | Forward fund or forward commit conversations open | Consent, cost plan, programme to September intake |
| Under construction | FF step-in / PC sale prep; monitor QS reports | Drawdown history, variations, snagging plan |
| Practical completion | Stabilisation or sale to income buyers | PC certs, operator appointment, letting status |
| Stabilised / occupied | Income capitalisation exit (same desk as sell) | Rent roll, occupancy, NOI — use sell get-started |
If you need capital during the build rather than a sale at PC, read forward funding before defaulting to a practical-completion exit story.
What to bring to the first call
An early call is most useful when we can see stage, planning status, and programme risk clearly. You do not need a polished brochure — honest cost and timeline inputs matter more. Helpful starting points:
- City / site, target beds, and current stage
- Planning status (pre-app, submitted, consented)
- Indicative cost plan and programme to academic-year intake
- Preferred exit (FF, forward commit, PC sale, hold-to-stab)
- Any operator or letting strategy already lined up
When you are close to marketing, sense-check pricing with a free indicative valuation.
How the exit programme works
The programme is timed to your development stage so buyer conversations match the risk and evidence you can actually support. Typical steps:
- Stage review — scheme summary, current stage, and realistic exit options (forward fund, forward commit, PC sale, or hold).
- Buyer match — introductions to FF, commit, or income buyers as appropriate for that stage.
- Pack & process — confidential outreach timed to your programme, not a last-minute scramble at PC.
- Complete — negotiate and close when the window fits your delivery and capital needs.
Recently Sold PBSA Schemes
Recent PBSA transactions for exit pricing context. Useful as comps when planning a development sale — not live development stock.
| Property | Location | Beds | Sale Price | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nottingham City Centre PBSA | Nottingham | 195 | £19.2M | Nov 2025 |
| Bristol Harbourside PBSA | Bristol | 220 | £22.5M | Sep 2025 |
| Edinburgh University PBSA | Edinburgh | 165 | £17.8M | Jul 2025 |
| Manchester City Centre PBSA | Manchester | 180 | £18.5M | May 2025 |
| Leeds University PBSA | Leeds | 240 | £24M | Mar 2025 |
Nottingham City Centre PBSA
Nottingham
- Beds
- 195
- Price
- £19.2M
- Date
- Nov 2025
Bristol Harbourside PBSA
Bristol
- Beds
- 220
- Price
- £22.5M
- Date
- Sep 2025
Edinburgh University PBSA
Edinburgh
- Beds
- 165
- Price
- £17.8M
- Date
- Jul 2025
Manchester City Centre PBSA
Manchester
- Beds
- 180
- Price
- £18.5M
- Date
- May 2025
Leeds University PBSA
Leeds
- Beds
- 240
- Price
- £24M
- Date
- Mar 2025
Already stabilised?
Once a scheme is occupied and producing income, buyers underwrite it as a stabilised asset rather than a development exit. In that case, use the sell get-started desk— same team, different underwriting story and buyer conversation.
FAQs
When should I engage the exit desk?
As early as you have a credible massing, bed mix, and cost plan — ideally before practical completion. Early engagement lets buyers underwrite programme risk and can support forward funding or forward commit conversations.
What is the minimum scheme size?
Typically 50+ beds. Smaller high-quality schemes in prime university catchments can still fit if planning, cost, and operator story are clear.
Forward fund vs sell at PC — how do you advise?
Forward funding shifts construction risk and can lock an institutional exit earlier; selling at PC keeps more development upside with more completion risk. We help you choose based on balance sheet, programme confidence, and buyer appetite — see the forward funding guide for structures.
What are fees?
Success-based commission on completion only. No upfront listing or marketing fees. Rates are quoted after we review stage, location, and pack readiness.
Is information kept confidential?
Yes. Scheme details go only to qualified buyers you approve. Off-market processes are available when you do not want a public listing.
When are we not a fit?
Sites with no planning story and no viability narrative, speculative renders without a cost plan, or non-PBSA residential stock. Start with the development guide if you are still shaping the scheme.