About Us
We make everyday living simple through good design and smart business know-how.
Four things we never compromise on
Craft
Every block we refurbish, every apartment we let, every development we build has to pass our own "would we live here" test. Details matter.
Straight talking
Registered providers, councils, tenants, landowners — everyone gets the same plainspoken answer. We don't over-promise and we don't disappear.
Resourceful
The blocks that get passed over, the sites that look impossible, the conversions nobody else will touch. We back ourselves to find the answer.
Long game
Long-term leases, long-term partnerships, long-term ownership. Property isn't a flip for us — it's what we do, on purpose, every year.
Who We Are
Property developers and investors with over 15 years' experience across the North West.
Through Living Smart, we acquire, refurbish and manage multi-unit freehold blocks and supported housing assets, working closely with registered providers, councils and housing partners to deliver high-quality, compliant accommodation for vulnerable residents, professionals and families.
Our focus is on block sourcing and acquisitions, long-term lease and management agreements, and value-add development through refurbishment and reconfiguration of underperforming stock.
We also have an existing portfolio of city centre apartments in Manchester let to professional tenants, and a portfolio of shared houses in South Manchester let to professional tenants.
Our development experience includes new build residential — sourcing land direct with landowners to build large executive houses in South Manchester — as well as commercial-to-residential conversions and large scale residential refurbishments.
Our Team
Ben Thorns
Co-Founder / DirectorWith a background in resort infrastructure management across Switzerland, Austria and France, Ben brings a wealth of operational experience. His expertise spans digital marketing, e-commerce, property investment, development and portfolio management.
Tom Thorns
Co-Founder / DirectorTom's background in financial consulting in London and digital marketing in Manchester led to a focus on residential lettings, commercial conversions, new builds and land sourcing. Together, the founders have bought and/or sold over £16m worth of UK property.