Former Finn & Co Partner Charles Curtis has launched XR Real Estate, a generalist real estate investment adviser.
The company will be based on London's Little Portland Street. Curtis said that after a strong run of transactions this year he felt the time was right to launch his own company despite being under no illusions about the strength of the investment market.
"I am going to bring something a bit different and innovative."
Curtis advises across sectors and geographies, but in recent years has particularly focused on the living sector and investments for permitted development rights for housing,
"This year I have advised on the sale of a nursery in Weybridge, a care home in Bolton, a mixed-use development in Marylebone, PD deals in Hammersmith and Chelmsford as well as a co-living deal in Wimbledon."
XR launches with Curtis marketing The Maltings, a retail park at North Gate, Newark-on-Trent. The guide price for the 50,000-square-foot site is £12.75 million or a 6.65% net initial yield.
Curtis said the adviser would provide a collaborative approach for clients. "Ultimately I want to build and offer an end-to-end service. I work with affiliated companies advising on debt and financing, as well as in project management, and can point clients to those who can advise on insurance and legal matters."
Curtis was at Finn & Co for 15 years, becoming a partner in 2017. He also set up the Young Surveyors networking organisation.
Standout deals have included advising Howard de Walden Estate on the acquisition of 7-10 Chandos Street for £68.5 million, as well as the sale and exchange of Telephone Exchange in High Holborn.
Curtis said: "What I bring is a very positive outlook to get deals done."