RealVantage Secures Majority Stake in £14M Acquisition of Manchester’s Grade II-Listed Heathcote Hotel with Oberland

Global real estate investment platform RealVantage (‘RealVantage’, ‘the Company’) – which operates as RV SG Pte. Ltd., a private limited company regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and holds a Capital Markets Services license – is pleased to announce that the Company has completed an off-market acquisition of Grade II-listed heritage hospitality asset The Heathcote Hotel (formerly ABode Manchester) in a 2nd collaboration with London-based real estate investor and asset manager Oberland. The transaction represents a total capitalization of GBP 14 million; which effectively translates to a new capital stack alignment with RealVantage taking up a majority 85 per cent equity interest with 15 per cent held by Oberland.

“A core pillar of this opportunity is significant sponsor capital commitment by Oberland and co-investment together with RealVantage; demonstrating a shared investment philosophy centered on value-add strategies, disciplined asset management, and long-term capital growth,” according to RealVantage co-founder and chief executive officer Keith Ong. “With a soft launch targeted for October 2026, active asset management will commence thereafter. RealVantage will then undertake investment monitoring and oversight responsibilities; with a focused 12 to 18 month asset management period aimed at optimising operating performance and value realisation.”

The Heathcote Hotel investment opportunity is projected to deliver to RealVantage’s platform investors a targeted 16 per cent net internal rate of return over an expected investment period of 36 months. Located in prime central Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, the United Kingdom, The Heathcote Hotel transaction further exemplifies RealVantage’s strong track record and ability in sourcing differentiated off-market opportunities, originate structure aligned partnerships, execute disciplined, value-accretive repositioning and institutional-grade asset management strategies in gateway markets; and deploy capital alongside experienced local partners.

With Oberland committing meaningful capital alongside RealVantage and its pool of private wealth investors and platform members, the structure demonstrates clear alignment of interests, downside discipline, and long-term value orientation. The new ownership structure reflects a conservative underwriting approach; prioritising capital preservation while targeting attractive risk-adjusted returns. The investment is underwritten via RealVantage’s disciplined risk framework; targeting downside protection through prudent capital structuring and value creation while positioning The Heathcote Hotel for medium-term income growth and potential yield compression in Manchester – a global gateway city.

History

Built in 1899 by influential Mancunian architect Charles Henry Heathcote, The Heathcote Hotel is a Jacobian-Baroque styled red brick and sandstone structure with tall arched windows, and ornate stonework. Resplendent of Manchester’s industrialization during the 1800s, The Heathcote Hotel was originally designed and built as a packing warehouse and showroom with offices for cotton manufacturer Sparrow Hardwick & Company.

Asset overview

The Heathcote Hotel, formerly Abode Manchester and a freehold Grade II-listed heritage hospitality asset, is located at 107 Piccadilly, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, the United Kingdom. Upon completion, The Heathcote Hotel will increase its room count from 61 to 78 keys. The Heathcote Hotel’s net floor area is approximately 50,000 square feet.

Project timeline

The Heathcote Hotel is expected to shutter operations in April 2026 and begin a targeted six-month refurbishment program that includes public areas, bar and restaurant, and guest rooms. “The Heathcote Hotel will undergo a comprehensive revamp aimed at enhancing asset value, upgrading guest experience, and strengthening its competitive positioning within the local hospitality market,” states Keith. “RealVantage’s heritage-centric value creation and repositioning strategy for The Heathcote Hotel combines thoughtful preservation of historical architectural elements paired with modern amenities and facilities in order to capture premium demand from leisure and business travelers.”

Appointed hotel operator

Hotel and serviced apartment investment specialist and manager C1 Capital is the appointed hotel operator when The Heathcote Hotel reopens. C1 Capital currently manages seven hotels throughout the UK comprising 1,300 bedrooms with a capital value of over GBP 500 million and an annual turnover in excess of GBP 80 million.