158 BELFAST LIMITED

Executive Summary

158 Belfast Limited operates as a small-scale, asset-focused player in the real estate letting sector, currently exhibiting early-stage financial challenges including negative net current assets and minimal liquidity. While positioned to benefit from property asset appreciation, the company faces typical market pressures such as rising financing costs and regulatory demands. To enhance competitive standing, the company must strengthen its financial base and operational capacity relative to established industry players.

158 BELFAST LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: NI691417

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 16:56 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   158 Belfast Limited operates under SIC code 68209, which corresponds to "Other letting and operating of own or leased real estate." This places the company firmly within the real estate sector, specifically focusing on property management and leasing activities. The sector is typically capital intensive, requiring significant investment in tangible fixed assets such as buildings or land, and is influenced by macroeconomic factors including interest rates, property market cycles, and regional economic development. Companies in this niche often generate income from rental yields and capital appreciation.

2. Relative Performance
   As a newly incorporated private limited company (established September 2022), 158 Belfast Limited reported tangible fixed assets valued at £338,352, reflecting ownership or leasing of property assets. However, the company exhibits a negative net current asset position of £343,753 and negative shareholders’ funds of £5,403 as of September 2023. The absence of employees and the unaudited abridged accounts indicate a micro or small scale operation, likely in an early development or acquisition phase. This financial profile contrasts with established real estate firms in the UK, which generally maintain positive equity positions and more balanced working capital metrics. The company's cash balance is nominal (£2), which may suggest liquidity constraints or a capital structure reliant on longer-term funding rather than operational cash flow.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The UK real estate letting market is currently navigating challenges including rising interest rates, inflationary pressures, and evolving tenant demands post-pandemic. Increased borrowing costs have squeezed margins for companies reliant on debt financing for property acquisitions. Additionally, regulatory changes in landlord-tenant relationships, energy efficiency requirements, and a push towards sustainability impact operating costs and capital expenditure. Given 158 Belfast Limited’s early stage and asset-heavy profile, these market dynamics could affect its ability to finance further acquisitions or maintain profitability. However, Belfast's local property market dynamics, influenced by urban regeneration and regional investment incentives, may provide growth opportunities if leveraged effectively.

4. Competitive Positioning
   158 Belfast Limited appears to be a niche or entrant player within the real estate letting segment, focusing on owning or leasing property assets rather than broader property development or management services. Its limited scale, negative equity, and minimal liquidity position it behind established competitors who typically demonstrate stronger balance sheets, diversified asset portfolios, and operational cash flows. Strengths include ownership of tangible fixed assets which may appreciate over time. Weaknesses include the lack of operating revenue data, negative net current assets indicating potential short-term liabilities exceeding current assets, and absence of employees suggesting reliance on external management or minimal operational activity. For growth and competitive positioning, the company needs to stabilize its working capital, improve liquidity, and potentially expand its asset base or revenue streams to align with sector norms.