Gatehouse Bank plc (Gatehouse) has begun 2010 with pleasing results including a property transaction valued at £29.2 million completed on behalf of its GCC investor clients. This week, Gatehouse closed the purchase of a portfolio of student accommodation properties in the famous university towns of Liverpool and Loughborough, in the UK.

Recognising early on the opportunities in the student accommodation sector, driven by a shortage of good quality properties, growing demand and increasing rents; Gatehouse moved to secure these assets at a good time in the property cycle. These new buildings were purchased fully let and can accommodate 653 students. They are managed by a well known operator, Watkin Jones Group who already manages over 14,000 student units in the UK. 

The recent success underscores the enduring efforts of Gatehouse''''''''s real estate team to uncover and secure for their clients solid opportunities in the commercial property sector, incorporating investor demands for opportunities that entail balanced risk and long term rewards within a diverse portfolio.

Fahed Boodai, chairman of Gatehouse said, "With a strong understanding of the UK property market, and a long term strategy to meet astute investor needs, these select properties offer growth potential and security for our clients. 

This accomplishment builds on from Gatehouse''''''''s previous success in December, with the Procter and Gamble property acquisition valued at £34 million; and it speak volumes to our shareholders, giving them reassurance that behind this success lay a strong team of experts leading the pursuit of excellence and creating a positive track record.

We are looking after the interests of our Kuwait investors as they look towards London''''''''s expertise and product offering within a solid regulatory environment."
 
The results oriented team at Gatehouse believe it is down to their focused ambition and agility, to identify opportunities in the market promptly deliver them to their clients.

CEO Richard Thomas says “In a rapidly improving UK commercial property market, Gatehouse stands out with an enviable pipeline of high quality transactions under its control. In addition to our access to different value added sectors such as student, we have also moved ahead of the market to secure higher yielding out of London HQ office buildings with first class tenants. We have lined up strong properties already and delivered real results, this won''''''''t stop and we aim to maintain success into the long term. In fact we are showcasing an even more diverse portfolio including further examples from student, medical and other attractive business park property locations. "

With a keen eye to provide global investor solutions, leveraging , structuring and financing property transactions in a Shariah compliant manner, and with a fledgling record of success; the outlook is not simply optimistic, but one proven to be prosperous for Gatehouse investors.