As we enter the new year, UPG is expanding its Development Partnership Model, bringing together landowners, investors and delivery expertise to unlock high-quality residential and mixed-use opportunities.

UPG is structured to support projects end-to-end, from sourcing land and structuring corporate setup and financing through to planning, construction and operation, with a clear focus on alignment, transparency and delivery certainty. Our model is designed to help partners convert potential into performance by combining development leadership with capital to create valuable assets.

As we begin engaging with new equity investors, our focus is on building long-term relationships with aligned capital that values disciplined underwriting, robust governance and a high-performance delivery platform. If you are an investor seeking exposure to well-structured Living sector opportunities alongside an experienced delivery partner, we would welcome a conversation.

From the outset, the project demanded careful planning and precise execution. Key challenges included the assembly of multiple land parcels, construction of an eight-storey in-situ concrete frame without a tower crane, and just-in-time logistics delivered under tight central-London constraints (including operating without road closures). The build also required complex interface management, including cantilevering over a UK Power Networks substation.

At approximately 22.5 meters, the building falls within the scope of the Building Safety Act regime for higher-risk buildings (HRBs), bringing additional compliance and assurance requirements throughout delivery.

We are extremely proud of this achievement and would like to thank our subcontractors, consultants, stakeholders and project team for their commitment, collaboration and professionalism. Set moments from some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks including Big Ben, St James’s Park and Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Residences is a standout addition to this remarkable part of London.

In November, UPG was pleased to provide seed funding to support the establishment of The Maverick Survival School, a newly registered Hampshire-based charity delivering outdoor survival and bushcraft education focused on building resilience, confidence and wellbeing.

The charity’s programmes use practical skills and time in nature to create a supportive environment for connection, personal development and positive mental wellbeing. Our early-stage support is intended to help accelerate set-up activity and initial delivery, enabling Maverick to build momentum and extend its reach across the local community.

Unique Property Group (UPG) has successfully completed the land acquisition for a new-build 56-apartment residential scheme in Hampshire (Aldershot). The project will be delivered in partnership with a UK private finance lender and professional investors seeking to build a long-term, income-producing UK rental portfolio.

The acquisition further strengthens UPG’s partnership-led delivery model, providing a turnkey solution from origination through to operational handover. UPG will establish the project corporate structure, arrange and manage the construction finance, and lead the scheme through planning, design and construction.

On completion, UPG will support the transition to a stabilised investment by refinancing the construction facility and implementing the rental and property management platform, enabling investors to benefit from a professionally delivered and operated Build-to-Rent asset.

CEO of UPG Sonny Gowans is on the board of trustees at Blenheim Palace, giving the team the unique opportunity to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the grandest stately homes in the UK.

Located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, it was built between 1705 and 1722 as a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his military victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession.

The palace was designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh in the English Baroque style and faced challenges during its construction due to political conflicts and financial disputes. It became the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough. Notably, Blenheim Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill in 1874, who was a grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough.

The estate remains the private home of the Marlborough family and is currently managed under a mix of private ownership and trust arrangements.