Somerset NHS Foundation Trust – Multi‑Property Freehold Acquisitions
Delivering fast, compliant NHS freehold acquisitions when every day counts
The challenge
Identify and complete multiple freehold acquisitions at pace including:
- Value‑for‑money assurance
- Planning/compliance risk management
- Legal due diligence
This has to all be completed to meet year‑end funding windows and relieve pressure on acute sites.
Our approach
- Rapid market search, inspections and comparable evidence review to shortlist assets; structured negotiations to agree subject‑to‑contract Heads of Terms.
- Commissioned and managed full building surveys for each property, feeding condition, compliance and capex risk into price and programme decisions.
- Managed VOA District Valuer to deliver RICS Red Book Market Value reports for each asset to evidence VFM and management of risk for governance.
- Instructed and coordinated solicitors, obtained search packs, managed enquiries and conveyancing through to exchange/completion.
- Prepared board‑ready purchase reports and aligned completions to the 31st March financial year deadlines.
Impact
Archus delivered all required acquisition documentation, including valuation reports, full building surveys, risk registers, legal search advice, and NHS Estatecode‑compliant due diligence, enabling the Trust to confidently and efficiently complete the portfolio purchase.
The acquisitions were delivered on time, supporting crucial service decant and expansion plans across community locations such as Yeovil, Taunton and Wells. Governance was fully assured through District Valuer Market Value assessments, while building surveys and legal due diligence de‑risked the transaction for the Trust.
This programme has also strengthened our ongoing relationship, with Archus now continuing to provide property advisory support and leading the Trust’s early lease renewals programme for 2026.
