Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong.  Take 2 minutes to learn more.
Our company
Shojin is an FCA-regulated fractional investing platform enabling global investors to build their wealth from UK-based real estate investment opportunities.

Invest - Products - Assets

Become a landlord without the hassle

Shojin asset investments enable you to generate passive income from real estate assets that you would not be able to access as a traditional landlord.

 

What is an asset investment?

Larger income-generating residential schemes

Our asset investment products provide an alternative to the traditional buy-to-let model. Due to UK regulations, individual property investors have been significantly disadvantaged by tax changes and increased directives. The residential market is transitioning towards a becoming more professionally managed sector. With our products, investors can access assets that are generating regular income whilst also growing in value over time.

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How does an asset investment work?

Fractionalised assets for access

We share opportunities for real estate assets that were previously unavailable to investors. 

 

The attractiveness of asset investments is typically measured by two indicators – the rent and value. Whilst rents have recently been on the rise, the price appreciation of the property (capital gains) is also an important factor in calculating the profitability. Most investments are held for around five years, during which time investors expect the market to grow so that they can make their profit through the increase in capital value.

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Completely hands free
We take care of the entire investment process on your behalf. From sourcing, to day-to-day management to collecting rents. This leaves the investor with simply collecting their profits.
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Access to new asset classes
Instead of committing all your capital to one buy-to-let investment, diversify your portfolio across multiple properties and previously inaccessible property asset classes including student accommodation, senior living and PRS.
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Optimised portfolio and tax position
Optimise your investments by finding the right mix of income generation and capital growth without having to deal with all the time-consuming administration, tax and regulatory complications.

Why choose a Shojin asset investment?

Join thousands of buy-to-let investors that have sold up

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Sourced and managed by experts
Fed up dealing with tenants and leaks on the weekend? Take comfort in knowing that your portfolio is being managed by experienced professionals on your behalf.
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Zero construction risk
These are developments that have already been built and ready to be rented out to deliver returns to investors.
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Risk / reward profile
These products are ideal for those who have previously been attracted to traditional buy-to-let investments but who wish to avoid the tax disincentives and growing complexity in this sector.
Choose from the following to find out more.
Shojins Capital Stack
Capital stack

The capital stack represents the layers of funding and the order of repayment. First is the senior debt, then mezzanine, followed by preferred equity and finally equity.

  • Value above and below
    The value that sits below the investor is important because this is the amount that needs to get generated and repaid before the investor. The value above is equally crucial because it represents the cushion that investors have before their returns start getting affected.
  • Key ratios
    The position in the capital stack is indicated by the Loan-to-value (LTV), Loan-to-Gross-Development-Value (LTGDV) and Loan-to-cost (LTC), the higher the ratios the higher the risks.
  • Seniority matters
    The position in the stack becomes relevant if a project is not performing and fails to pay out all the funds, from the bottom of the stack upwards. The higher you rank, the more likely your capital and interest will be affected.
Risk-factors---location
Location

Assessing the suitability of a development in a given location is critical to the success of the project. Physical, economic and cultural factors interact with the development's design and purpose, affecting its viability and attractiveness to potential buyers or tenants.

  • Demographics of potential buyers
    The demand for a development is driven by the lifestyle preferences, practical needs, incomes and aspirations of potential residents. Whether located in an urban or rural locale, the development must cater for the requirements of buyers in that area.
  • Amenities
    The availability, quality and proximity of infrastructure, including transportation networks, schools, shopping facilities and employment opportunities play a vital role in determining a development's desirability.
  • Physical characteristics
    The geography of a location, such as terrain, climate, and proximity to natural resources, can impact project feasibility and execution. Extreme weather conditions, geological instability, or environmental regulations can lead to delays, increased costs, or even project abandonment.
Risk-factors---security
Security

To protect investors from individual project risks, protection mechanisms are put in place to secure investors from scenarios that put their investments at risk. They incentivise the developer to repay funds for investors to exit the projects.

  • Charges held with land registry
    A charge is the means by which lenders enforce their rights to property. A first charge entitles the lender repossess and sell the asset to recoup funds first, followed by a second charge which is paid out after the senior lender in priority over the developer’s equity.
  • Personal guarantees
    Borrowers may be asked to provide personal guarantees to make them legally liable to repay the loan. Whilst this is a legitimate way to add further security, it is also a way to keep the borrower focussed on repaying the loan especially if the scheme runs into trouble.
  • Additional security
    This may include cost overrun guarantees, debentures or cross-collateralisation across other assets the developer owns, which in the event of a default, can be repossessed and sold.
Risk-factors---construction
Development

The complexity of a construction project impacts the level of risk for investors. This is driven by a combination of factors including intricacy of design, engineering requirements, execution, and management required to successfully complete the project. Fixed-cost contracts and professional advice from surveyors is typically required to manage these risks.

  • Scale of the build
    Larger intricate projects, such as high-rise buildings or sprawling housing developments, tend to be more complex due to the increased scope, logistics, and coordination involved. They typically require structural elements that demand careful engineering and construction expertise.
  • Nature of the site
    Challenging site conditions, such as irregular terrain, poor soil quality, or tight spaces with reduced access, can complicate construction logistics and impact foundation and site preparation.
  • Architectural design and permissions
    Unique, innovative, or intricate architectural designs can lead to complexity in construction, requiring specialised skills, materials, and precision. Likewise, planning conditions dictate specific delivery requirements and adherence to compliance.
Risk-factors---project-phase

Project phase

The stage at which investors come into the project determines the level of risk. Generally, the earlier the investors come into a development project, the more risk they take on as there are more milestones for the developer to hit. There are several categories of phase that should be considered.

  • Planning status
    A development project with no planning permission is ultimately a speculative play as it may take longer than expected, or in some cases never come through at all. Whilst if full consented planning or permitted development rights (office to residential conversions) are in place, you know what is being built and the associated value of this.
  • Type of development
    Full construction, conversion or renovation projects all have different levels of risk. If the structure of the building is already existent there are no associated costs uncertainties. Conversion and renovations are simpler to deliver which reduce time and cost risk.
  • Status of development
    Developments take time; there are many items which influence costs and timelines. Coming in at an earlier stage means that tendering, site ramp-up and preliminaries are required which present cost uncertainty. The closer you are to construction completion, costs are determined and it become more about realising the value.
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Exit strategy

In order to get repaid and exit a project the value needs to get realised to release cash. This can take the form of the sale of the units or the refinancing of the block in its entirety.

  • Selling individual units
    Selling units is dependent on demand, attractiveness and local competition from similar units in the area. Sales and marketing strategies need to be executed to encourage pre-sales ahead of construction completion and bulk sales to reduce risk.
  • Refinancing to release funds
    Another option available to developers to repay investors is to refinance the entire finished block. A completed development commands a higher value than previously, against which a loan can be raised to repay investors. If the value is sufficient, this is likely a quicker solution than individual sales.
  • Occupancy for asset investments
    For income-generating assets such as student accommodation blocks that depend on occupants, pre-secure locked in tenancies reduce risks. Likewise for commercial assets, established tenants with strong covenants provide stable cashflows which reduce the risks.
Risk-factors---developer-capability
Developer capability

A developer’s track record dictates their suitability to take on and deliver a given project. Their team, their financial credentials, capacity and trustworthiness all impact risk.

  • Previous developments
    Past performance is used to assess their ability to handle potential challenges and mitigate risks. Similarly, their reputation can influence the market's perception of the quality and value to attract buyers.
  • Contractor and supplier relations
    Established developers often have built relationships and with reliable contractors and suppliers, and have a strong professional team working for them, reducing the risk of delays or disruptions due to poor workmanship, material shortages or technical failures. Additionally, they need to have the capability to deal with situations where subcontractors and suppliers underperform or go out of business.
  • Financial standing
    A developer’s credit history is an indicator of how their previous developments have performed. Their asset and liabilities statements indicate previous success and ability to cashflow construction between drawdowns, provide personal guarantees and cross collateralise across their other assets to reduce the risks for investors.
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Timelines

Time plays a critical role in property development and has a significant impact on the associated risks. It is usually time, rather than cost, that affects a project’s success and profitability.

  • Market fluctuations
    The longer a project takes to complete, the more susceptible it is to shifts in market conditions and inflation. Changes in housing demand, housing prices, material and labour costs and economic factors can affect the project's viability and potential returns.
  • Financing costs
    Extended project timelines lead to increased financing costs in the form of interest payments. Whilst this might not impact a senior lender’s position, this does reduce the cushion for those further down the repayment chain. Equally, changes in interest rates overtime can increase overall project costs.
  • External factors
    Over a prolonged development period, geopolitical events, economic recessions, and unforeseen global disruptions can impact a project's risk profile.

FAQs

The frequently asked questions and key terminology for investing in asset projects.

How is an asset investment usually structured? caret-down-light
Asset investments can be structured either as profit participating loans which provide returns in the form of interest or as shares which provide dividends and capital growth. The only difference between the two is the tax treatment associated with both.
What kind of assets can I invest in? caret-down-light
Our core focus is on providing asset investments with a residential angle including apartment blocks, student accommodation, hotels and assisted living. However we are also open to other alternative real estate assets such as warehouses, data centres and renewable energy infrastructure site that provide a running income.
What are the returns for investors on an asset investment? caret-down-light
Investors can enjoy estimated returns of 7-12% per annum on Senior loans, which include a combination of regular income of 5-7% per annum and capital growth of 7-12% per annum.
What security do I typically have in asset investments? caret-down-light
Fixed assets typically sit second in priority behind the senior loan or 'mortgage' on the asset at the point of sale.
What other investors are saying about Shojin.
"Shojin is a trusted property investment platform you want to invest in. I have personally invested in a few of Shojin's projects over the years and am really impressed. "
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Nina Norton
Private investor, UK
"I have several investments with the company and am confident this will continue. A great opportunity to expand your investment diversity. Competent, reliable and engaging staff. Transparency and thoroughness of information."
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Thomas Pellew
Private investor, UK
"The investing process with Shojin was easy, and the staff I dealt with were quick to repond to any queries I had regarding my investment. I will hold my investments and continue to invest via Shojin in the future."
Heather-OToole-Shojin
Heather O'Toole
Private investor, New Zealand
"Shojin is a great entry level for alternative investment. The returns are very good and I like the diversification, especially considering the global economic situation."
Ray-Ng-Shojin
Ray Ng
Private investor, Hong Kong
"Shojin is a new and easy way to enter the global property market. It's a gateway to making good money from my investments, quickly. I recommend Shojin to all my friends."
Calvin-Yau-Shojin
Calvin Yau
Private investor, Hong Kong