There is an extraordinary opportunity staring us in the face across the UK, and it’s hiding in plain sight on our high streets and business districts. With office vacancy rates reaching record highs and challenging quarters for city centre office markets like Liverpool’s, there’s never been a better time to ask: why aren’t more landlords embracing the social value revolution?
The Untapped Goldmine of Empty Space
I recently received an email (from Avire via LCVS) that perfectly encapsulates both the problem and the solution. A progressive landlord in Liverpool, through their property agents, was offering vacant office space to charities and community organisations completely free of charge – no rent, no business rates, no service charges. PLUS… A flexible 3-year lease with just 28 days’ notice to quit for either party.
This isn’t just generous; it’s social value in action. And yet, it’s still the exception rather than the rule.
Testimonials from charity partnerships paint a remarkable picture. From Cancer Research UK securing “several great properties” that enable them to “make the most of every donation,” to small community organisations like Team Oasis in Liverpool’s Toxteth expanding from 8 children to over 300 through accessible space provision. These aren’t just feel-good stories – they’re evidence of a model that works.
The Liverpool City Region Opportunity
Liverpool’s commercial property market tells a story that’s being replicated across the UK. Recent figures show challenging quarters with reduced transaction volumes, whilst simultaneously, our communities are crying out for affordable spaces to deliver essential services.
Consider what’s happening when this model works: Aberdeen Action on Disability expanding services for people with disabilities, Eat Up Charity growing from food distribution to running radio stations and community spaces, and dozens of organisations like Saheli supporting women experiencing domestic abuse – all because someone unlocked a door to affordable space.
For Liverpool City Region landlords, the benefits are compelling:
- Genuine social impact: Transform empty liability into community asset
- Property security: Occupied buildings suffer less deterioration, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour – can also save the need for property security
- Tax advantages: Potential business rates relief and corporate social responsibility credentials – make up to 100% business rate saving on a property; building insurance may be higher on vacant commercial property
- Future-proofing: Build relationships with growing social enterprise sector
- Minimal risk: Flexible lease arrangements protect both parties – if a long-term tenant is found by the agent, the landlord can break the lease.
- Enhanced reputation: Become known as a socially conscious property owner in your community – a social value letting assists with CSR by giving something back
For local charities and socially trading organisations, the transformation is revolutionary:
- Operational sustainability: Slash overhead costs to redirect funds to frontline services
- Growth enablement: Secure base for expansion and service development
- Professional credibility: Quality premises enhance public trust and volunteer recruitment
- Collaboration opportunities: Shared spaces foster partnership working
- Community visibility: High street presence increases awareness and accessibility
Breaking Down the Barriers
So why isn’t this happening more widely? The testimonials reveal some clues. Many organisations mention this being their “first time” with commercial leases, or being “desperate” for suitable accommodation they could never otherwise afford. Meanwhile, property owners often view empty space as a temporary problem rather than a long-term opportunity.
The solution lies in better connections and clearer communication.
A Campaign for Change
It’s time to bridge this gap systematically. Here’s how we can make “social value lettings” the norm rather than the exception:
Immediate Actions
- Landlord outreach programme: Direct engagement with commercial property owners about social value opportunities
- Success story amplification: Showcase testimonials like those in the Avire collection to demonstrate mutual benefits
- Simplified processes: Create template agreements and guidance for both parties
- Council facilitation: Local authorities connecting their known property owners with registered charities
Medium-term Strategies
- Policy advocacy: Push for business rates incentives for social value lettings
- Network building: Establish regular forums bringing together property owners and social organisations
- Digital matching: Create online platforms connecting available space with community need
- Professional development: Train estate agents and property managers in social value opportunities
Long-term Vision
Following the Platform Places model outlined in their town centre partnerships approach, we need Local Property Partnerships that systematically unlock buildings for community benefit. The examples from Makespace Oxford (30 buildings secured, £1.7m capital funding) and Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust (17 buildings, £8.4m economic impact) show what’s possible when we think strategically about property as a tool for social transformation.
The Time is Now
“One of the main blockers to transformational change, identified by the High Street Task Force experts, is the lack of meaningful cross-sector partnerships.” (Mark Robinson, Chair of High Streets Task Force, Co-founder of Ellandi (now part of New River).
With commercial property markets under pressure and communities facing unprecedented challenges from cost-of-living and social isolation crises, the confluence of need and opportunity has never been clearer.
Every empty office, vacant shop, or underused warehouse represents potential. Every charity paying commercial rents is diverting funds from their mission. Every community organisation unable to afford premises is a service that could exist but doesn’t.
The landlord who prompted this piece has shown it can be done and can be demonstrated it works at scale. The testimonials prove the impact is real and lasting.
Now we need to make it systematic, strategic, and standard practice.
The space is there. The need is urgent. The benefits are mutual.
Who’s ready to unlock their building for social value? Who’s willing to help us map the opportunity? And who wants to join a movement that could transform how we think about property, community, and social impact in the Liverpool City Region and beyond?
Let’s make location, location, location about social value, social value, social value.