Helmsley Group heading for record 12 months

The York-based group plans to top its 2009 investment figure of 11m, reflecting its confidence in the commercial property sector.

The company also plans to buy property outside its traditional heartland in Yorkshire and the north of England.

The York-based syndicated property team has already bought properties in Huddersfield, Halifax and Paisley in Scotland on behalf of syndicate investors during 2010.

It has a number of other commercial property deals in the pipeline.

More investors are recognising the benefits of the secure returns that property syndication provides, according to Ian McAndrew, the former director of national commercial property advisers DTZ, who is responsible for Helmsley's syndicated portfolio.

He added: "It's an easy-to-understand investment in bricks and mortar with good secure returns and the potential for capital gain as property values start to rise again. Investments are secure, with strong tenants on long leases with no breaks and good returns. It's not hard to see why it has increasing appeal for investors fearful of stock market volatility."

The Helmsley group's recent investments include a doctor's surgery in Halifax which carries a 23 year lease term. In Huddersfield, the group has acquired a 3.4m retail unit, with Halfords as tenants, on a 10 year lease. It has also bought Renfrew Council's offices in Paisley for 3.2m.

Mr McAndrew said many small investors were keen to see their risk spread across a number of properties.

He added: "For pension funds, and private investments, it's a fantastic alternative to the stock market. In syndicated property, you actually own some bricks and mortar, rather than a piece of paper."

The Helmsley Group was founded by the late Andrew Overington in 1980. It started out by offering merchant banking and lending facilities.

It later branched out into loan and mortgage syndication. It's now probably best known for property development. Most of the developments are within an hour and half's travelling distance of York.

Helmsley group's properties are bought with cash, so there is no reliance on borrowing.

Individuals and small pension funds can invest in these properties for as little as 25,000. A group of people pool their resources to buy a property, and each gets a percentage of the income and capital growth.

The group, which also offers syndicated loans secured against property, is looking to extend its portfolio across the UK. Helmsley has balanced its portfolio across a range of sectors including office, retail, health and the public sector.

Mr McAndrew added: "There's no doubt more tough times ahead and safe havens for investors are few and far between. From the response we are getting, our approach is proving an attractive option."

In recent years. Helmsley has helped to provide a 2m facelift for Prudential House in York. Other high-profile projects have included the regeneration of Manhattan Gate in Middlehaven, Middlesbrough. It's also converted 5 Duncombe Place in York into luxury flats, and invested heavily in Merchant Exchange, an 8.5m mixed use development on the River Ouse.