Sim and Jas started investing in property back in 2019 with minimal background in the industry. She is a pharmacist, he is an engineer, but they were both keen to create an additional income stream and create a legacy for the future.  

Like many new investors, they knew the importance of education and completed property training before making their first purchase. They began with buy-to-lets, then moved into HMOs and commercial to residential conversions, managing everything around their full-time jobs.  

The Problem with Temporary Accommodation 

Their property journey took a significant turn after an experience with Serco. They had leased a couple of their properties to Serco for social housing, specifically temporary accommodation.   

When they went to inspect their properties, they were shocked by the deterioration. What they'd handed over in excellent condition was no longer being maintained even despite management agents being employed. 

The issue wasn't necessarily the tenants themselves, but rather that the property was being used as a stopgap—somewhere just to stay rather than feel like a home. This prompted them to look for alternatives where their properties would be better looked after. 

The Search for Supported Living Providers 

Sim and Jas began searching for supported living providers thinking this would be a better alternative to continuing with Serco, but the process proved far more difficult than anticipated.  

They contacted between 30 to 50 providers with no success. Many wouldn't even respond, some only wanted to work with housing associations, and others preferred to buy their own properties rather than leasing. 

That's when they found Supported Living Gateway. They signed up to the VIP membership and listed their properties, but they also wanted to understand whether there was genuine demand in their local area before investing further time and money. 

Understanding Local Demand 

To make informed decisions, they commissioned a couple of Area Appraisals from Supported Living Gateway. This gave them detailed insights into current supply and demand for supported living housing in their region, the council's approach and future plans, links to key supporting documents, and contact details for decision-makers. Importantly, it also outlined what types of rental rates they could expect, from Local Housing Allowance rates to open market values. 

This research gave them confidence that supported living was a viable strategy in their area and helped them understand exactly what local providers were looking for.  

Armed with this knowledge, they felt prepared to move forward. Within about a month of listing their properties, they connected with a care provider and formed an excellent working relationship. 

A 10-Year Partnership 

The partnership has worked brilliantly. They agreed a 10-year lease on a six-bedroom property in Sandwell.  The relationship is built on trust and good communication, making everything open and straightforward, and they have been able to provide more homes for her.   

For both Sim and Jas, one of the most important aspects is knowing their properties are being used ethically. They've always wanted their property business to do good in the world, not just generate income. Their properties are renovated to a high standard, and it feels meaningful to provide quality housing for people who need a fresh start. 

The Practical Benefits 

Beyond the social impact, there are significant practical advantages. Because supported living properties are overseen by regulators like CQC or Ofsted, they must be maintained to high standards. This regulatory oversight means the properties are genuinely looked after, protecting the investment far better than traditional private lets. 

Sim is honest about the financial realities. Initially, they thought supported living rents would be significantly higher, but they've learned that rents are typically market rate - perhaps slightly higher in some cases. The real value comes from the time saved and the peace of mind knowing the property is being well maintained. 

Advice for Other Investors 

For investors considering supported living, Sim's advice is straightforward: do your due diligence on providers, insurance and mortgage products, as you'll need to make some adjustments. However, these small tweaks shouldn't put anyone off. 

Once you find the right care provider, everything becomes easier. You can work together on future opportunities, and providers will tell you what they're looking for so you can keep an eye out when sourcing new properties. 

She's also learned that timing matters. Care providers often struggle to visualise potential in properties that need work, but they also need to be involved early enough to specify any requirements.  

Would She Recommend It? 

Absolutely! The partnership with their care provider has been seamless, and Sim describes it as genuinely win-win. They've found a property strategy that aligns with their financial goals whilst making a real difference to vulnerable people's lives. 

Without Supported Living Gateway, they would never have connected with their care provider, and their property would likely still be let privately with all the associated headaches. Instead, they have a long-term, stable arrangement that protects their investment whilst creating quality homes for people who genuinely need them. 

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Supported Living Gateway connects property investors with care providers across the UK. Visit www.supportedlivinggateway.com to find out more.