How We Created £51k Profit for Our Clients in less than 6 months

25 Feb

In the property development world, the difference between average and exceptional often comes down to design.

When approached and executed strategically, design has the power to significantly enhance market appeal, desirability, and profitability.

I’m really excited to share a case study that highlights just how impactful design can be in achieving remarkable results.

In less than six months, we transformed a 1-bed flat in South London into a vibrant, high-performing property tailored to its target market.

The result? A 49% increase in value and a £52k profit.

Here’s how we did it. Here’s how it happen.

The Project:

Property: 1-bed flat in South London Objective: Convert the space into a 2-bed, 1-ensuite, and 1 family bathroom flat to appeal to first-time buyers, specifically professional couples.

Initial Numbers:

Purchase Price: £310k
Average Area Sale Price: £355k - £400k
Development Cost: £60k

While the property was in a prime location, its layout and design were underwhelming and not optimised for modern living. Our goal was to reimagine the space, not only maximising its functionality but also ensuring it resonated emotionally with our target buyers—professional couples in high-paying jobs who are willing to pay a premium for the right home.

The Strategy:

The key to success was to design strategically, with a design-led approach that focused on both functionality and style.

Reconfiguring the Layout: We reimagined the existing space, converting the 1-bed flat into a 2-bedroom unit with an ensuite master bedroom and a family bathroom. This transformation immediately elevated the property’s value by making it more functional and appealing to buyers looking for flexibility in their living arrangements.
Targeted Design for Professional Couples: Knowing our target audience was crucial. We focused on creating a vibrant, modern design that appealed to professional couples. Clean lines, contemporary finishes, and bold accent colors were combined to create a sophisticated yet welcoming space.
High-Quality Materials and Finishes: Every detail mattered. We chose high-quality fixtures and finishes that enhanced the overall aesthetic while ensuring durability.
Maximising Natural Light: Lighting plays a crucial role in how a space is perceived. We made strategic changes to maximise natural light and in areas where natural light was limited, we introduced well-placed artificial lighting to ensure a consistent, inviting atmosphere throughout the property. The result was a bright, airy home that felt significantly larger.

The Outcome:

In less than 6 months, the property was ready for the market, and the transformation paid off:

Sale Price: £462k
Project Profit: £51k

This represented a remarkable 49% increase in value, far exceeding the average sale price in the area. The vibrant, cohesive design and functional layout resonated perfectly with our target buyers, enabling our client to secure a sale price at the very top of the market.

Why Strategic Design Matters

This project highlights design as a strategic investment rather than a mere expense.

By understanding the target market and designing the property for their specific needs, we were able to achieve outstanding results. The modern, vibrant design created an emotional connection with professional buyers, maximising the property’s market appeal.

Thoughtful layout adjustments and high-end finishes elevated it above competing listings, significantly boosting its perceived value. This strategic approach turned a £60k development cost into a £92k profit, showcasing how targeted design can drive profitability and deliver outstanding returns.

Final Thoughts

This case study is just one example of the many projects where we’ve delivered exceptional results for our clients.

Whether you’re flipping properties or building a rental portfolio, understanding your market and aligning design choices with buyer expectations is crucial to maximising returns.

Now, I’m not here to claim that design will solve all your development challenges (although I wouldn’t mind convincing you, aha!). However, it can be a powerful tool to minimise risk, boost profitability, and—perhaps most importantly—take a significant amount of stress off your shoulders.

Strategic design isn’t just about style; it’s about creating developments that work for both your business and your target market.

If this blog resonates with you, let’s connect! Book a call with us to discuss how strategic design can elevate your property’s performance. Whether you're looking to maximise ROI, reduce voids, or create standout spaces, we’re here to help. Let’s chat and explore how Mardesign can bring value to your projects—schedule your call today! HERE

Check out what investors say.

I wanted the high-end central London design look to transfer into my property in Derbyshire. Elegance, simplicity, longevity, and a great design, and that’s what I got. I’ll be using Mar Design for my future projects.

—Ruth Hobbs. Urban Sisters Developments