5:24 pm - May 7, 2026
A prime waterfront hotel property in Swansea has changed hands in a significant multi-million-pound property investment deal. ME Asset Management, through its subsidiary ME Swansea, has acquired the 132-bedroom Premier Inn hotel located on the city’s waterfront, marking the firm’s entry into the operational real estate sector in Wales.
The exact purchase price has not been disclosed, though the acquisition was supported by a £9.6 million senior loan facility from specialist real estate lender ASK Partners. The property is currently let to Whitbread plc under an occupational lease that extends to October 2035, providing long-term income stability for the new owner.
Premier Inn Property Investment Details
According to the transaction details, Whitbread is paying an annual rent of approximately £1 million per year for the hotel space. Additionally, the building includes a ground-floor retail unit spanning nearly 5,000 square feet, which is operated by Tesco.
The property operates under a long-term leasehold agreement with the Welsh Government at a peppercorn rent of just £10 annually. The identity of the seller, who was represented by Savills, has not been made public.
Strategic Enhancement Plans for Swansea Hotel
ME Asset Management specializes in repositioning overlooked or underperforming properties through strategic capital investment. Backed by a consortium of experienced property professionals, the company represents a new entrant in the operational real estate space.
ME Swansea has announced plans to undertake façade restoration as part of a wider enhancement programme for the waterfront property. This investment aligns with the ongoing regeneration efforts taking place across Swansea, which continue to attract significant inward investment into the region.
Lender Perspective on the Transaction
Mike Ginsberg, investment manager at ASK Partners, highlighted the appeal of the property investment opportunity. “This loan presented an attractive opportunity to finance a well-located, income-producing asset with a strong operator covenant,” Ginsberg said.
He emphasized that the long lease to Whitbread provides cashflow visibility, while Swansea’s ongoing regeneration creates compelling demand fundamentals for quality hospitality assets. ASK Partners has now lent over £2 billion since inception, providing flexible debt solutions to experienced sponsors across hospitality, residential, and wider real estate asset classes.
Strategic Focus on Regional Markets
Verender Badial, chief executive of ME Asset Management, explained the rationale behind the acquisition. “This acquisition reflects our focus on high-quality, income-producing assets in resilient regional markets,” Badial stated.
He noted that Swansea continues to attract significant inward investment and that the Premier Inn is exceptionally well located. Badial praised ASK Partners as an excellent funding partner, noting their understanding of value-add and operational real estate enabled efficient transaction execution.
The timeline for the façade restoration and wider enhancement programme has not been specified. However, with the lease extending until 2035 and planned improvements underway, the new ownership structure positions the property for long-term stability within Swansea’s evolving hospitality market.
