VIDEO: Remarkable Transformation Sees Derelict Clapham Property Become Luxury Family Home
Development finance firm CapitalRise is celebrating the successful completion of a luxury South London residential development on Elms Road, Clapham – a long-derelict property effectively rebuilt from the inside out. CapitalRise funded the project from acquisition through to completion, working closely with experienced developer and contractor Sunny Tanna, Founder & Managing Director of Imperial Construction Services.
Located on one of Clapham’s most sought-after residential roads in the heart of Abbeville Village – moments from Clapham Common – the completed home extends to over 3,200 sq.ft. The property now blends restored period character with contemporary design, premium finishes, and modern technology.
A Remarkable Transformation
The house had fallen into severe disrepair and, upon acquisition, was derelict and unfit for habitation. While some of the original external walls were preserved, the project involved effectively rebuilding the rest of the property. Substantial extensions and a comprehensive refurbishment programme have created an entirely new home behind the part retained structure.
Every aspect of the property has been carefully redesigned and rebuilt, providing generous living accommodation, high-end finishes throughout, and a seamless blend of its original Victorian character and contemporary luxury.
The redevelopment included a completely new roof, underfloor heating, air conditioning and a host of other premium specifications. In addition, Imperial Construction Services delivered a detached summer house in the garden, self-funded by the borrower and introduced beyond the original development plans. This versatile space is ideal for use as a gym, home office or studio – and further enhances the appeal of the completed property.
The extensive programme of works was delivered to an exceptional standard while remaining within the agreed budget, highlighting both the borrower’s experience and disciplined approach to project delivery.
With Practical Completion now achieved and the final Building Control Certificate received, the property has been fully dressed and launched to the market. Find out more here.
Flexible Funding Supporting Experienced Borrowers
CapitalRise backed the development throughout its lifecycle, recognising both the quality of the proposed scheme and the extensive experience of the borrower, Imperial Construction Services, who bring together development expertise and construction capability.
The project highlights the role specialist lenders can play in supporting ambitious residential developments, providing the flexibility, commercial understanding and responsiveness required to navigate complex redevelopment projects and unlock value from challenging assets.
A Successful Partnership
For CapitalRise, Elms Road demonstrates the importance of partnering with experienced developers who possess both strong construction expertise and a clear vision for creating exceptional homes.
Raf Chowdhury, Lending Director at CapitalRise, said:
“Elms Road is exactly the type of project we’re proud to support, one where the borrower’s construction expertise gave us real confidence to fund from acquisition right through to completion.”
“Our relationship with Sunny meant we could stay flexible as the project evolved, rather than working to a rigid drawdown schedule. That responsiveness is what allows complex redevelopments like this to actually get delivered, and we’re delighted to see it launched to market.”
Sunny Tanna, Founder & Managing Director of Imperial Construction Services, added:
“Every project leaves a mark, but this one stayed with me. What started as a derelict shell in Abbeville Village became a full back-to-brick transformation, a new loft conversion, timber sash windows, underfloor heating, automated lighting throughout. There’s something quietly satisfying about taking a building nobody wanted and giving it a future; Projects like this are why I love what I do.
“CapitalRise’s pragmatic, hands-on approach made a real difference – that’s not something every lender can offer. We look forward to working together again.”
