The UK property market is shifting fast.
Supply is tightening, demand for quality homes is rising, and developers are moving away from the noise and delays of open-market listings.

The result?

2026 will be the strongest year yet for off-market acquisitions, JV partnerships, flexible funding, development support, and structured exit strategies.

At McLains, we operate inside this private ecosystem daily. Below, we break down the five major opportunities that will shape the landscape for serious buyers, investors, and developers in 2026.

1. Off-Market Acquisitions: Where the Real Deals Will Be in 2026

More developers and asset owners are choosing to sell privately rather than rely on the open market.
This shift is unlocking a continuous flow of exclusive opportunities that never reach Rightmove or Zoopla.

Types of assets coming off-market in 2026:

• Land (with or without planning)

• Residential blocks & portfolios

• Commercial buildings primed for conversion

• Distressed & receiver-led stock

• New-build schemes needing fast exits

• Vendor-funded opportunities
  
  

Why it matters:
Lower competition → Faster decisions → Cleaner negotiation.

Investors who rely on public listings will miss nearly everything.
Those connected privately — win.

2. Joint Venture Partnerships: The Smarter Way to Build in 2026

Rising build costs, planning complexity, and lender requirements are pushing developers toward more collaborative models.

JVs are no longer “alternative” — they’re becoming the standard approach for ambitious projects.

In 2026, expect more:

• 50/50 developer–investor partnerships

• Sweat-equity deals (land + expertise instead of cash)

• JV structures for SA, blocks, conversions, and new-builds

• Multi-party JVs for larger sites

• Landowner uplift JVs
  
  

Why it works:
Everyone brings value, everyone shares upside.
Bigger projects become achievable — with reduced individual risk.

3. 100% Funding Options: The Most Underrated Advantage in 2026

Access to capital is the biggest challenge for most developers 

In 2026, we expect more flexible, deal-driven funding structures, including:

Funding models rising in popularity:

• Up to 100% purchase finance (including SDLT + fees)

• 100% build costs with interest retained

• No monthly repayments during construction

• Bridge-to-term exits

• Development exit refinancing

• Portfolio refinance packages

• Investor-backed JV funding
  
  

If the deal stacks — the money is available.

For experienced developers and serious investors, this removes the biggest barrier:
raising large deposits upfront.

4. Full Development Support: From Concept to Completion

Investors want to build.
Developers want to scale.
But many don’t have the time or internal systems to manage the entire process.

This is why full development support is becoming essential.

Key services in demand for 2026:

• Feasibility & GDV analysis

• Architect + planning support

• Build costings & contractor management

• Funding placement (bridge, dev finance, term loans)

• Project management & reporting

• Pre-sales, block sales, or BTL exit strategy

• SA operational models post-completion
  
  

The market doesn’t just need deals.
It needs certainty, structure, and execution.

McLains operates across the full cycle — not just at one stage.

5. Sales & Exit Strategy: Pre-Sales, Block Sales & Clean Exits

2026 won’t reward developers who simply “build and list.”
Lenders, JV partners, and investors all now expect clear exit strategies before releasing funds or entering deals.

This makes sales strategy a critical part of development success.

Pre-Sales During Construction

Securing early reservations boosts:

• Lender confidence

• Cash flow

• GDV certainty

• Sales velocity
  
  

With the rise of London professionals and remote workers moving outward, pre-sales have never been stronger.

Off-Plan Campaigns While the Build Is Underway

Using:

• CGI-led marketing

• Investor lead funnels

• Viral social ads

• International investor targeting

• Bespoke scheme landing pages
  
  

Developers can position the project months before completion.

Block Sales to Investors

A growing number of developers want:

• A clean, fast exit

• Less risk

• Fewer transactional delays
  
  

We facilitate block sales, multi-unit investor sales, and portfolio exits.

Unit-by-Unit Sales for Maximum GDV

For those seeking the highest return:

• Staged releases

• Buyer incentives

• Broker & solicitor pipelines

• Highly targeted campaigns
  
  

We combine local demand with wider investor appetite — including London and international buyers.

Exit Planning for Lenders & JV Partners

Clear exits improve:

• Loan terms

• JV structures

• Investor confidence

• Project viability
  
  

A defined exit strategy is now one of the biggest deciding factors in whether a scheme gets funded.

2026 Will Favour the Connected, the Prepared & the Fast-Moving

The biggest opportunities won’t ever hit the open market.
They’ll move quietly between developers, investors, and trusted introducers — those who can deliver full-cycle value.

If you want:

• First access to private off-market opportunities

• JV partners for land, blocks, or conversions

• Funding from purchase through to build

• End-to-end development support

• Professional sales & exit strategy
  
  

You’re already in the right place.

Tell us your buying criteria or development goals, and we’ll shortlist you for upcoming opportunities in 2026.