Growth & investments

Creating and delivering investment streams through the built environment

Our experience, outstanding corporate governance and ability to create thriving communities is why we continue to deliver design-led student villages and maximise their potential.

As a privately-owned entrepreneurial business, we are best placed to deliver and maximise market opportunities, take calculated risks and be responsive to the market. Our agile approach has seen us secure some of our greatest deals and deliver some of our most transformational schemes.

Currently, we are most active in the provision of student accommodation. However, our in-house expertise means we are strongly positioned to take advantage of all opportunities, no matter the sector, if we believe they have strong investment potential. We have recently expanded into the growing co living market, specifically targeting innovative co living developments that cater to modern urban lifestyles.

Acquisition & asset management

We identify investment opportunities, bring together potential funders, establish the development and operational structure and manage the legal process from heads of terms to completion. Thereafter, we construct and manage the asset.

We develop and implement value enhancing strategies to optimise property performance. We monitor every element of property performance.

Financial Management

We manage funding and maintain strong relationships with our investors, including detailed institutional-level reporting for our co-invest funds and funders. We actively identify corporate finance opportunities and ensure compliance with tax regulations. Our team handles property-level accounting, budgeting and cash flow forecasting. Additionally, we prepare comprehensive reports and monitor bank financial covenants to maintain financial health.

Property Management

As one of the leading property management companies in the industry, Downing’s ongoing success is built on our ability to manage an asset to maximise value and profit. We have an experienced team with dedicated departments covering:

Facilities Management
Revenue Management
Sales and Marketing
Training and Development
Human Resources
Procurement

Our standards are high, we deliver operational excellence by structuring every property and portfolio for success. At the property level, we achieve results through professional leadership, a lean and efficient operational structure, outstanding sales and marketing initiatives, well-trained and committed employees who take pride in delivering exceptional service.

Testimonials

What our clients say

“It was a pleasure working with the Downing team on a recent transaction. Everyone in the organisation, from building managers through to the senior leadership, demonstrated creativity, professionalism and integrity. We look forward to working together again in the future.”

James Rosenfeld

Managing Director at Blackstone

“As one of the longest standing private Student developers, owner and operators in the UK, Downing has consistently demonstrated an ability to create modern, well located and expertly run communities for their customers. Their track record is undeniable and I look forward to working with them for many years to come.”

Joe Guilfoyle

Head of Savills Capital Advisors

“The move to The Capital was a huge decision for us at UKBA and therefore needed a construction company we could trust – not just with our brief on fit-out but with the security implications involved. The George Downing Construction team were easy to work with – they understood our requirements from the start, delivered on time and within our budget and made the whole process a seamless and successful one.”

Hilary Dalton

Assistant Director at UK Border Agency

“Downing worked with Leeds Met in designing, building and financing a new development for our Faculty of Arts and Society. The design made a stunning addition to the Leeds skyline and throughout the process we found Downing’s attitude both positive and refreshing.”

Peter Slee

Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University

“Well executed and deftly placed, the Broadcasting Place project positions itself as a strong contrast and yet still feels complementary to its context.”

Gordon Gill

CTBUH Awards Chair

“Downing have brought extensive commercial developer experience to the planning and design of the NUBS building. Throughout this process they have shown their willingness to appreciate and understand the needs of the HE Sector and to adapt to our specific requirements.”

Clare Rogers

Director of Estates at Newcastle University

“I would have no hesitation recommending George Downing Construction. When we expanded our office within The Port of Building, we were working to an incredibly tight timetable. Downing completed our fit-outs on time and within budget and we were able to move into our offices without any negative impact on business. Our staff and directors are delighted with the quality of the finished product.”

John Webb

Senior Director at NYK Group Europe Ltd

Case studies

Discover a collection of remarkable co living developments and projects we have undertaken across the UK within the development, project management and construction sectors.