The Port of Liverpool Building, external

Our history

Downing is a privately-owned family property business, founded in Liverpool in 1988 by entrepreneur George Downing.

Downing is one of the most mature developers and investors in the market with landmark developments under management and a new generation of projects coming to the market. Since our inception, more than 35 years ago, we have built a portfolio of inspirational residential accommodation and facilities, as well as commercial properties in the UK’s leading cities. By the early 90’s we had established a large portfolio of residential properties and became a pioneer of the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation sector.

Today, we have a skilled and experienced in-house team spanning development, construction, property management and operations, that allow us to deliver all elements of the investment profile. Our investment and expertise spans sourcing land opportunities, securing planning, developing the scheme and successfully operating it.

George Downing - our history
Atlas Vauxhall student local park - Downing property business

History

An overview of the portfolio we have developed since Downing was founded.

in-house expertise, property business

Sales

beds developed and sold to funds.

8,254

£1.34bn

Co-invest

beds developed.

6,194

£750m

Total

beds for all completed portfolios

14,448

£2.09bn

Our continued success is underpinned by our core values

We move at a pace

and make things happen

Always exceed

expectations

Make a difference to

deliver thriving communities

Build sustainably

for the future

Be smarter

together

Building the portfolio

Since our inception, Downing has steadily built a portfolio of inspirational residential, commercial and educational facilities across the UK.

  • 2023

    2,224

    Co-living beds

    Info:

    Developing co-living scheme in Manchester city centre. Opening September 2024

    Total value:

    £480m

  • 2019-2022

    3,138

    Student beds developed

    Cities:

    Manchester, Lambeth London, Vauxhall London, West London, Edinburgh and Coventry

    Total value:

    £650m

  • 2016-2018

    3,626

    Student beds developed

    Cities:

    Glasgow, Liverpool, Coventry, Exeter and Edinburgh

    Total value:

    £450m

  • 2001-2016

    946,028

    Sq ft of commercial space

    City:

    Liverpool

    Owned and managed by Downing

    Port of Liverpool building

    Info:

    The largest commercial landlord in Liverpool with the Port of Liverpool and The Capital featuring in our assets

  • 2013-2015

    2,550

    Student beds developed

    Cities:

    Leeds, Newcastle, West London, Vauxhall London and Cambridge

    Total value:

    £300m

  • 2012

    332

    Student beds developed

    City:

    Newcastle

    Total value:

    £25m

    Featured:

    Also included new retail space

  • 2010

    520

    Student beds developed

    City:

    Newcastle

    Total value:

    £70m

    Featured:

    Project also included developing 120,000 SQ FT of new teaching space to deliver new University of Newcastle Business School

  • 2009

    241

    Student beds developed

    City:

    Built Broadcasting Tower in Leeds which was named best tall building in the world in 2010.

    Total value:

    £50m

    Featured:

    Project also included 130,000 SQ FT of teaching space and a new Baptist church

  • 2008

    729

    Student beds developed

    City:

    Built Parkway Gate in Manchester

    Sold on completion for:

    £38m

  • Prior to 2007

    3286

    Student beds developed

    Cities:

    Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield

    Total value:

    £170m

Growth and investments.

We are a successful family-run property business that stays true to our roots and takes a hands-on approach. Our experience and strong corporate governance have allowed us to deliver exceptional student villages, residential and commercial properties. We continue to expand our portfolio and have recently entered the growing co-living market with Square Gardens in Manchester city centre. This is the largest privately funded co-living scheme in the UK outside of London.

We have an extremely strong development pipeline and we’re well equipped to capitalise on market opportunities to continue our growth. As a leading property business, we remain committed to innovation and excellence in every project we undertake.

Learn more

Downing win top honour at the ‘oscars’ of the student accommodation awards.

Downing Students was named operator of the year at the 2023 Property Week Student Accommodation Awards.