The next release of apartments at Dukesbridge House in Reading is due this month.

Leaders Romans Group (LRG) first launch of 62 apartments in the converted building, many of which overlook the River Kennet, were snapped up quickly.

Later in September the final release of 14 is due to go on the market.

Dukesbridge House is a former office building converted to six studio, 69 one-bedroom and one two-bedroom apartments. A separately-owned and managed gym is on the ground floor. The scheme has proved popular with professionals, both those working locally and in London.

The town centre location means it is a short walk from Reading station.

Richard Chambers, senior lettings manager at Romans Estate Agents, said: “The popularity of Dukesbridge House has demonstrated, yet again, the unprecedented demand for rental properties here in Reading.

“The homes were snapped up quickly, leaving some would-be tenants disappointed. So we’re very pleased that in bringing these further 14 units to market we can help address the supply shortage.”

Andrew Jones, group director for corporate lettings & Build-to-Rent at Leaders Romans Group said: “The dearth of rental properties is being felt across the country, and particularly in Reading where properties remain on the market for increasingly short periods of time.

“But as a former office building which has been converted for residential use, Dukesbridge House is a good news story: for owners of commercial buildings, architects and developers it demonstrates – at a time when some commercial buildings are under-utilised – that a buoyant market exists in the residential sector and this type of property is ideal for meeting that demand.

“In the future we expect to see owners of office buildings and retailers increasingly moving into corporate lettings – as John Lewis has already done.

“In responding to an over-supply of commercial units and an under-supply of rental properties, there is considerable potential to convert existing buildings and in doing so to create a profitable property portfolio.”

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