Summary -
Flat 1,McFarland House,4 Sun Lane,HARPENDEN,AL5 4ET
AL5 2SL
1 bed 1 bath Office
Central mixed-use asset with strong rental flexibility and long-term value potential.
Grade II listed mixed-use building on Harpenden High Street
Combined commercial (café + nine offices) and seven flats (rear)
Total area approximately 5,665 sq ft; freehold tenure
Off-street parking for about 5–7 cars; small front garden
Flats currently on short-term lets — flexible income profile
Listing status restricts alterations; listed-consent required for works
Part double-glazed/part single glazing; mixed gas and electric heating
Very high local crime level may impact insurance and security costs
This rare, Grade II listed mixed-use building sits prominently on Harpenden High Street and offers an investor-ready combination of commercial and residential income. The front two-storey period building currently houses a café and nine serviced office suites; a 1990s rear block contains seven flats, some with courtyard gardens. The property extends to approximately 5,665 sq ft and includes off-street parking for about 5–7 cars, plus a modest front garden.
The site’s central location, excellent broadband and mobile signal, and proximity to strong schools and local amenities support stable demand for both workspace and short-term residential lets. The current layout offers flexibility to continue the serviced-suite model, reposition units for longer lets, or retain a mixed-use portfolio depending on planning and listed-consent constraints.
Important considerations are clear and material: the Grade II listing restricts alterations and will complicate refurbishment or reconfiguration; any works will require listed-building consent. The area records very high crime levels, which may affect tenant mix, insurance and security costs. The property is part-double-glazed/part single-glazed and features mixed gas and electric heating, so some energy-performance and maintenance works are likely to be needed. Freehold tenure and central positioning long-term support asset value, but buyers must budget for conservation-led maintenance, security improvements and consent-driven refits.
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