Summary - 156-158 Friar Street, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1HE
1 bed 1 bath Commercial Property
Town-centre mixed-use investment with secure retail income and six flats, ready for refurbishment..
- Freehold mixed-use building, total c.4,349 sq ft
- Ground-floor retail let to Betfred on new 10-year lease
- Six flats above: four 1-bed and two 2-bed units
- Basement storage included; prominent corner, high footfall
- Small plot, negligible private amenity, no garden
- Upper floors likely need refurbishment or reconfiguration
- Area classified as deprived with very high crime levels
- Slow broadband speeds; excellent mobile signal
A substantial freehold, corner mixed‑use building in Reading town centre, offered as an income-producing investment with clear refurbishment upside. The prominent ground-floor retail unit is let on a new 10‑year lease to Betfred/Done Brothers from August 2025, providing immediate commercial income alongside six self-contained flats above. The accommodation totals c.4,349 sq ft (ground, basement and six flats) and includes useful basement storage.
The six flats (four one-bed, two two-bed) are arranged over the first to third floors and present straightforward rental stock in a central location close to Reading station and major national retailers. The building’s Edwardian/Victorian period character—bay windows, high ceilings and mansard dormers—gives good natural light and scope to enhance value through selective refurbishment, reconfiguration or professional management.
Buyers should note practical constraints and local conditions. The site footprint is small with negligible private amenity and the upper floors will likely require modernisation to achieve higher rents or convert use. The immediate area is classified as deprived with very high crime statistics and slow broadband speeds, factors that may affect tenant mix and management costs. Mobile signal is excellent and pedestrian footfall is strong due to the town-centre retail pitch.
For an investor seeking blended income from a long‑let retail covenant and a cluster of residential units, this building offers a central, visible holding with value-add potential. Balance the secure retail lease and central location against necessary capital expenditure on the flats, on-going management needs and local area challenges when assessing yield and exit strategy.
High street retail property for sale in Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 — £499,950 • 1 bed • 1 bath • 1402 ft²
High street retail property for sale in Reading, Berkshire, RG61LH, RG6 — £365,000 • 1 bed • 1 bath • 1415 ft²
1 bedroom apartment for sale in 75 Mount Pleasant, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 2TF, RG1 — £415,000 • 1 bed • 1 bath
Commercial property for sale in Southampton Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 — £499,000 • 1 bed • 1 bath • 1403 ft²
2 bedroom apartment for sale in Hemdean Road, Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, RG4 — £350,000 • 2 bed • 2 bath • 1088 ft²
Commercial property for sale in 79 - 89 Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7PT, RG2 — £1,900,000 • 1 bed • 1 bath • 9273 ft²
