NHS trusts can now take ownership of property services buildings under new voluntary transfer policy

For trusts working in these buildings, this represents a genuine opportunity to take control of assets critical to service delivery. Ownership means aligning investment decisions with clinical strategy, removing management fees from budgets, and having the autonomy to improve facilities at the pace your services need.

The policy context

Announced as part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, the initiative aims to accelerate neighbourhood-level, integrated care by placing appropriate assets with the organisations delivering services.

NHSPS currently manages approximately 2,500 properties inherited from former Primary Care Trusts following the 2013 NHS reforms. Many house critical clinical services but sit outside trust ownership structures.

The policy recognises that trusts are often best placed to manage their operational estate. Integrated Care Boards will coordinate expressions of interest locally, ensuring alignment with infrastructure strategies and service plans, while NHS England regional teams provide oversight and support.

Which properties are eligible

The policy focuses on ‘core’ properties - buildings fit for modern, integrated healthcare that will continue delivering services long term. These are the assets where ownership transfer could unlock real operational benefits.

‘Flex’ properties, which are suitable now but may need future adaptation, can also be requested if trusts commit to investment plans to bring them to core standard. Buildings categorised as ‘tail’ estate, which no longer support effective care models, remain with NHSPS for disposal.

Even if you’re not the sole occupier, multi-tenanted buildings can transfer with ICB support, making the trust landlord to existing GP practices, community organisations or other providers.

Timeline and process

• By 31 March 2026: ICBs will work with local systems to compile provisional lists of properties for transfer. This is the time to think strategically about which buildings matter most to your services. NHS England regional directors will review and approve expressions of interest before submission to NHSPS.
• April to June 2026: NHSPS will provide detailed information packs covering each property’s condition, occupancy, contracts and financial position. Trusts will develop business cases and seek board approval. Higher-performing trusts can self-assess against a checklist, while those needing additional support will work with their ICB for approval.
• July to September 2026: ICBs will collate financial impact assessments across their systems. NHS England will review overall affordability before the Department of Health and Social Care confirms transfers.
• From September 2026 onwards: First transfer schemes complete, with subsequent batches processed on an agreed schedule as more business cases receive approval.

What the transfer means

Properties transfer at net book value in their current condition. All compliance responsibilities, maintenance obligations and associated contracts move to the receiving trust unless terminated beforehand.

Where you become landlord to existing tenants, their occupancy agreements transfer with the property. Facilities management contracts or staff assigned to a property may also transfer, with Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations applying where relevant.

Key considerations

Taking ownership brings significant opportunities, but it requires careful assessment. Financial modelling needs to account for management cost savings alongside maintenance liabilities and any backlog repairs. Understanding capital and revenue implications will be crucial to building robust business cases that demonstrate strategic fit and system affordability.

Think about which buildings genuinely align with your long-term clinical strategy. Where would ownership unlock improvements you’ve wanted to make? What are the real costs and benefits over the next decade?

For multi-tenanted properties, consider whether you’re comfortable managing landlord responsibilities alongside service delivery. For flex properties, be clear about the investment commitment needed and timescales for bringing them to core standard.

Requesting asset transfers involves detailed estate analysis, strategic prioritisation and compelling business case development. These are complex decisions with long-term operational and financial consequences.

We’ve worked alongside NHS trusts and ICBs nationwide, supporting business case development across a wide range of assets and investment decisions. Our architecture and building consultancy teams understand healthcare environments, the pressures trusts face, and how buildings enable better care.

Our experience spans masterplanning and estate optimisation, helping organisations see the bigger picture of how individual properties fit within whole-estate strategies. We also bring expertise in decarbonisation and creating resilient estates fit for the future, crucial considerations when deciding which buildings to take ownership of and where to focus investment.