Sharm Estates

01/03/2026

Last week’s housing headline really landed for me.

John Lewis Partnership has reportedly scrapped its build-to-rent expansion, stepping back from plans that would have delivered hundreds (and potentially thousands) of new rental homes — with reports pointing to higher interest rates, inflation, and viability challenges as key drivers. https://lnkd.in/eVFmQtKu

Why this matters (beyond the headline):

When a nationally trusted brand with strong sites, strong partners, and strong demand can’t make the numbers work, it’s a signal that the structural pressures in UK housing are still biting hard — especially in London and the South East.

And we’re seeing the knock-on effect elsewhere too: schemes that previously included affordable homes are increasingly being renegotiated or watered down, which risks pushing the most vulnerable even further from stable housing.

How this impacts what I’m building (SafeHaven Connect / Sharm Estates)

My mission is simple: Homes that Transform Lives — by partnering with landlords, local authorities, housing associations, and care providers to increase the supply of good quality homes for people who need support.

This news reinforces three things:
1. We can’t rely on “big pipeline” developments alone to meet urgent housing need.
2. Existing homes + conversion strategies (smart refurb, compliance-led upgrades, supported living readiness) become even more critical.
3. There is a growing gap — and therefore a growing opportunity — for values-led property owners and investors to step in with solutions that are both commercially sound and socially impactful.

If you’re a landlord with a property becoming available (or sitting empty), or a provider / commissioner looking to secure longer-term housing supply, let’s talk. The challenge is real — but so is the solution when the right partners collaborate.

What’s one thing you think would unlock more housing supply in London right now — funding, planning, or partnerships?

05/01/2026

03/11/2025

Eploring New Opportunities in Thornton Heath (CR7)

Over the past few months, we’ve been working on something close to our hearts — the Thornton Heath supported-living conversion project in Croydon.

The goal is simple but powerful:
to transform a standard family home into a safe, high-quality environment for individuals who need stability, support and dignity — while creating a sustainable long-term housing model that works for both care providers and landlords.

We’re currently exploring partnership options to help bring this project to life — and we’d really value the perspectives of others in the property, social-impact, and supported-housing space.

If you’re experienced in development finance, supported-living, or local-authority partnerships,
👉 We’d love to connect, share ideas, and learn from your experience.

Together we can continue to create Homes that Transform Lives.

03/11/2025

Eploring New Opportunities in Thornton Heath (CR7)

Over the past few months, I’ve been working on something close to my heart — the Thornton Heath supported-living conversion project in Croydon.

The goal is simple but powerful:
to transform a standard family home into a safe, high-quality environment for individuals who need stability, support and dignity — while creating a sustainable long-term housing model that works for both care providers and landlords.

I’m currently exploring partnership options to help bring this project to life — and I’d really value the perspectives of others in the property, social-impact, and supported-housing space.

If you’re experienced in development finance, supported-living, or local-authority partnerships,
👉 I’d love to connect, share ideas, and learn from your experience.

Together we can continue to create Homes that Transform Lives.

26/10/2025

Lunch-Hour Lessons in Purpose-Driven Housing!!!

Sometimes the best inspiration strikes outside the boardroom.
This week, I spent my lunch hour visiting a recently developed HMO with — a property that’s been providing homes for vulnerable residents in Croydon for over a decade.

It was more than just a site visit. It was a reminder of why we do this work.
Hearing how landlords, care providers and local authorities have been quietly creating supported homes long before it became a headline topic was humbling. Their experience and long-term commitment continue to shape how we at Sharm Estates and SafeHaven Connect approach our own projects — blending property investment with genuine social impact.

Croydon’s recent announcement of 800 new homes unlocked through a partnership with Greystar is proof that collaboration works. When councils, developers and social-impact partners align around shared goals, the results can be transformative.

This visit gave me renewed vision — a glimpse of what’s possible when we combine practical delivery with purpose-driven design. I’m excited to keep building relationships, sharing insights, and taking more day trips like this one to learn, connect and grow.

Because housing isn’t just about buildings — it’s about belonging.

25/09/2025

You don’t have money problems, you have asset problems. Ummmm what do you think?

At Sharm Estates, we see this all the time:
• Landlords struggling to generate steady returns.
• Care providers desperate for the right homes to support vulnerable people.
• Local authorities under pressure with costly temporary accommodation.

The issue isn’t just money. It’s how assets are being used.

That’s why, through SafeHaven Connect, we:
✔️ Unlock under-utilised or vacant properties
✔️ Transform them into sustainable, long-term FRI lease opportunities
✔️ Match them with care providers and local authorities who urgently need housing

The outcome?
• Landlords enjoy hands-free, predictable income.
• Care providers gain the right homes in the right places.
• And vulnerable individuals receive safe havens where lives can be rebuilt.

It’s about realigning assets to create solutions.

👉 My question to you:
• Landlords – what’s holding you back from turning your property into a secure, impact-driven asset?
• Care providers – what’s the single biggest housing gap you’re facing right now?

Let’s start the conversation. 👇

07/08/2025

The National Housing Federation (NHF) revealed earlier this year that in 2023–24, England saw 109,029 hospital days of delayed discharge because mental health patients had no suitable supported housing to move into. This resulted in a cost of approximately £71 million to the NHS.

Key findings include:
• By September 2024, waiting for supported housing accounted for 17% of all delayed discharges, making it the single biggest cause of delays in mental health hospitals.
• Since 2021, these housing-related delays have more than tripled.
• Of the roughly half a million supported homes in England, about 32% of providers have had to close schemes in the past year due to financial pressures, contributing to a net loss of around 3,000 homes.

The report highlights the broader consequences of strained NHS capacity, with patients sometimes being sent far from home for admission. Increased homelessness risk, escalated pressure on public services, and greater financial loss to the taxpayer.

Rhys Moore (NHF) stressed that the lack of supported homes not only fails vulnerable individuals but also leads to rising costs and homelessness.

So what needs to happen?
The NHF urges the government to integrate health and housing planning in its national strategies—specifically the upcoming housing strategy and the NHS 10‑year plan. They call on Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local housing providers to coordinate more closely and ensure long-term investment in supported housing services.

🚑 Why it matters

These delays aren’t just financial figures—they represent people’s recovery journeys interrupted. Without suitable supported accommodation, individuals who are medically ready to leave hospital remain institutionalised, which can undermine recovery, increase systemic pressures, and lead to higher overall public costs.

Providing more supported housing isn’t only a social and moral priority—it’s a financial and system-wide imperative.

26/06/2025

Another brilliant evening at the Property with Purpose networking event on 23rd June hosted by Guy Allon and Jane Golding full of insight, strategy, and above all, opportunity.

This month’s panel highlighted the realities and rewards of investing with purpose. We heard from experts who are not only navigating the complex social housing landscape but helping reshape it.

Craig Beesley - Mortgage Broker for Busy and Professional clients down the numbers — and the myths — around funding.
He reminded us that in the current lending environment, it’s not just about the rate — it’s about the total cost of borrowing over 2 to 5 years and the importance of working with a broker who understands your strategy cannot be overstated.

Denzel Matsaudza talked about hidden government grants that both landlords and tenants often overlook and how to ease the financial pressure of evictions, so that with the right funding and partnerships it can help landlords and tenants thrive, not just survive.

Sarah Walker CIHCM shared how to approach councils and registered providers — with clarity and credibility. Sarah pointed out, councils must keep waiting lists and prevent homelessness. But housing associations — though vital — are restricted by lending, regulation, and risk appetite. This opens the door for private providers who are values-led, solution-driven, and ready to partner. She reminded us to use press releases to shout about the good we do to encourage others to support our cause.

So what now?
Ultimately, we need to get better at engaging with councils, social workers, and the heads of commissioning services. The demand is high. The funds are limited. But the need for fresh housing solutions has never been greater.

17/06/2025

Reflections on a London Borough’s Housing Strain

As someone who is looking to invests in and manage rental properties—and who believes strongly in the power of social networks to drive positive change—I’ve been watching the growing pressures on London’s housing system with concern. Across the UK, local authorities are reporting unprecedented demand: over 3,600 households in temporary accommodation and more than 8,600 families on the waiting list for a permanent home in one South London borough alone.

Demand vs. Supply: A Widening Gap
• Each month, this council handles more than 400 new homelessness applications, yet only around 800 social homes become available annually—meaning 1 in 10 households waiting will actually move into a council property in any given year.
• For larger families, the situation is even more stark: the average wait for a two-bedroom home is eight years, nine years for three bedrooms, and still eight years for four bedrooms or more. In the past three years, only 41 four-bedroom homes have been made available versus 698 families waiting.

03/06/2025

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the very first Property with Purpose event at the Thistle London Holborn, led by Guy Allon and Jane Golding. The goal? Real talk on Social Housing and Supported Living — with space to learn, connect, and invest with purpose.

The session was opened by Guy Allon setting the scene on the current housing crisis — reminding us of the power we each hold to drive meaningful change.

Craig Besseley shared his deep knowledge on social housing lending opportunities. His passion for creating bespoke finance solutions for this sector was clear and inspiring.

Kate McKee walked us through the challenges and opportunities in temporary accommodation — including current council strategies and how to enter this space with confidence. Her insight into navigating the operational and regulatory complexities was invaluable, I loved it!

Cherie Johnson gave an unforgettable talk about her journey — I was so inspired from her leaving school and working her way up to building multiple children’s homes and receiving awards including the Southwark Civic Honour and the Jamaica Governor-General Diaspora Award.
Her message? It’s not about the accolades, it’s about purpose-driven entrepreneurship, income with impact that is a scalable model and that leaves a legacy -building through teaching life skills.

Of course, the networking was a highlight — great to catch up with my business accountability partner and connect with so many others in this growing space.

If you’re interested in aligning your property journey with purpose — whether you’re an investor, housing provider, or simply curious — let’s connect. The more we collaborate, the more lives we can change.

14/05/2025

Last week, I took one of my teenage sons along to view four investment properties. I thought I’d be teaching him about adding value. Turns out, he had lessons of his own.

House 1: Run-down, damp, and full of charm (to me, at least). My son? “Disgusting!” But he did get to try an old dial phone and asked, “How do you even call someone with this?”(see picture) ☎️

House 2: A tidy 6-bed HMO. Great condition, but just as I got excited, the agent told me he’d already accepted an offer. Still, we swapped details—he’s a kitchen fitter for the local housing association. Contacts do matter. 👏🏾

House 3: Move-in ready, huge garden—scope to build. I saw development potential. My son saw… nothing exciting. “It’s okay, I guess.” 🌳

House 4: His favourite. Homely, clever layout, walk-in shower, no spooky smells. Also the most expensive. That’s when I gave him the golden rule: We don’t buy the prettiest—we buy potential. Sometimes, the “yucky” house is the smartest choice. 🏡

Lesson learned: Property isn’t about what looks nice now. It’s about what could be. And yes, sometimes gross equals gold.

04/05/2025

Still Feeling 25… Until the Shoe Sole and iPad Said Otherwise

I like to think I look young. I feel young. In my head, I’m still that 25-year-old who could read a takeaway menu from across the room and sprint to the bus without pulling a muscle.

But last year, the optician had the nerve to suggest reading glasses. Reading glasses! I kindly pretended they were joking and moved on with my youthful delusion. My oldest son kept nudging me to get the glasses. My second son joined the campaign — telling me, repeatedly, to go to Specsavers (and maybe book a hearing test while I’m at it). Rude.

Still, I resisted.

Until this week.

My youngest son’s shoe decided to retire mid-school term — the entire sole gave up. We raced to the shoe shop, and while getting him sorted, the assistant handed me an iPad to confirm our address.

I had to stretch my arm like a yoga master just to read it.

That was my moment. Reality: 1, Denial: 0.

We walked straight to the opticians (yes, we — I needed moral support). I even tried on a few pairs. Here’s the selection… Which one makes me look like a wise visionary and not someone who just found out her eyes aged faster than her ego?

Comments welcome — and yes, I’m finally listening to my sons.