Leeds-based property company Parklane Group has launched UOWN, a crowdfunding platform called which provides investors with access to its previously off-market portfolio of investment properties.
Founded 40 years ago, Parklane Group owns and operates more than 2,000 student and professional beds in the north of England, as well as aparthotel Roomzzz and luxury student accommodation brand Iconinc.
This latest innovation by the Group offers investors at least 6.4 per cent returns from rental income alone, plus a share of any increase in the house’s value.
UOWN has coined the term ‘proven performers’ to describe the off-market Parklane Group rental properties that they offer, as they have yielded strong returns for a minimum of ten years within the investment hotspot of Leeds.
Due to the Group’s backing, it is believed that UOWN is not only the first crowdfunder to offer investors access to ‘proven performers’, but also the first to give investors access to properties wholly- owned by the crowdfunder. This allows UOWN to pay out returns to investors before the property has been fully purchased by the crowd.
Parklane Group managing director, Naveen Ahmed, said: “Innovation has driven our business forward since it was founded. Our entry into property crowdfunding is the latest example of that approach. “With our experience of lettings and property management, and UOWN’s ability to link our property ‘hardware’ with investors via the ‘software’ of its online platform, we have a truly differentiated offer to appeal to investors.”
UOWN was founded by brothers and directors Shaan, 26, and Haaris Ahmed, 23, who graduated from London School of Economics and Oxford University respectively. The brothers are the third generation of the Parklane Group dynasty, sons of managing director Naveen and grandsons of Nazir Ahmed, who founded Parklane in 1977.
UOWN director Haaris Ahmed said: “Our partnership with Parklane allows us to provide a truly distinctive investment opportunity within the property crowdfunding industry.
“Our initial investment properties are in Leeds, but we are planning to roll-out our offer of ‘proven performer’ properties across the UK.
“Our vision for UOWN goes way beyond providing innovative and accessible investment opportunities. Our objective is ultimately to become a property developer within the private rental sector, funded by our investors.”
Investing in UOWN puts your capital at risk, and returns are not guaranteed.
For more information, visit www.uown.co
