C J CRAMPTON (PROPERTIES) LIMITED

Executive Summary

C J Crampton (Properties) Limited is a small, niche player in the UK real estate sector focused on property management and trading in South Yorkshire. While it has expanded its investment property holdings significantly, financials reveal tight liquidity and a shift to a net liabilities position, reflecting leveraged growth typical for early-stage property firms. Market conditions such as rising borrowing costs and regulatory pressures pose risks, but the company’s local focus and asset acquisitions may provide growth opportunities if financial stability is managed carefully.

C J CRAMPTON (PROPERTIES) LIMITED - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13454278

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 18:16 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   C J Crampton (Properties) Limited operates primarily within the real estate sector, with a specific focus on the management, letting, and trading of real estate assets. Its SIC codes 68320, 68209, and 68100 identify it as active in management of real estate on a fee or contract basis, other letting and operating of own or leased real estate, and buying and selling of own real estate, respectively. This sector is characterised by significant capital intensity, dependency on property market cycles, and the need for ongoing asset management to optimise returns from property holdings.

2. Relative Performance
   As a small private limited company incorporated in 2021, C J Crampton (Properties) Limited is classified under the "Small" account category, given its financial metrics and size. The company’s net assets have fluctuated: a positive net asset position of £678 in 2023 turned into a slight net liabilities position of £-4,282 in 2024. Fixed assets, primarily investment property, have increased significantly from £279k in 2023 to £461k in 2024, indicating property acquisition or capital expenditure. However, current liabilities have also risen sharply, leading to negative working capital of £-148k in 2024. The increase in bank borrowings from £241k to £317k further suggests leveraged financing to support asset growth. Compared to typical small real estate firms, the negative working capital and net liabilities position could signal short-term liquidity pressures or aggressive expansion financing, which is somewhat common in early-stage property investment companies but remains a risk factor.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The UK real estate sector has been influenced recently by macroeconomic factors such as rising interest rates, inflationary pressures on construction and maintenance costs, and fluctuating demand in commercial and residential property markets post-pandemic. For a company like C J Crampton (Properties) Limited, these trends mean increased borrowing costs and potential challenges in asset valuation and rental income stability. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny around property management practices and sustainability standards is rising, adding operational complexity. However, the company’s activity in both property management and trading could allow it to benefit from market recovery phases or niche opportunities in the South Yorkshire area, provided it manages financial leverage prudently.

4. Competitive Positioning
   C J Crampton (Properties) Limited appears to be a niche player within the regional property management and investment market, likely focusing on specific local assets in Doncaster and surrounding areas. Its scale and capital structure suggest it is not a market leader but rather a small, possibly owner-managed entity with direct control by Mr. Carl John Crampton, the sole director and major shareholder. Strengths include ongoing asset acquisition and the ability to leverage debt funding to grow its property portfolio. Weaknesses include limited liquidity, negative working capital, and a negative net equity position as of the latest accounts, which may impact its ability to withstand market downturns or refinancing challenges compared to more established competitors with stronger balance sheets. The lack of an independent valuation of investment properties also introduces some opacity regarding asset quality and fair market positioning.