Custodian REIT (LSE: CREI), the UK property investment company, is pleased to announce a further property purchase.

The Company has acquired the 44,844 sq ft Jubilee Close Retail Park in Weymouth, comprising three units occupied by B&Q, Halfords and Sports Direct with nearby retailers including Currys, KFC and Matalan.

The units’ have a weighted average unexpired lease term to first break or expiry of 7.8 years. Current aggregate passing rent is £803,000, reflecting a net initial yield¹ of 6.97%.

The agreed purchase price of £10.8 million was funded from the Company’s existing debt resources, resulting in net gearing² increasing to 25.5% loan to value.

Commenting on the acquisition, Richard Shepherd-Cross, Managing Director of Custodian Capital Limited (the Company’s discretionary investment manager), said:

“Despite the investment market’s aversion to the retail sector, we believe that these occupiers will continue to prosper despite challenges from on-line sales and with nearly 8 years contractual income, strong trading performances and a 7% initial yield, this property meets our investment criteria.

“We believe well located retail warehouse properties which either do not compete with on-line retailing or are complementary, through offering easy click and collect services, will remain in demand despite the current restructuring of the retail market.”

¹ Passing rent divided by valuation plus assumed purchasers’ costs.
² Gross borrowings less unrestricted cash divided by last published property portfolio valuation.