Eliminating inefficiencies in property development
Tenza Property Development has a unique property proposition. By managing projects in-house and eliminating middle men, Leo Suarez and his team keep costs down to maximise the value of investments, turning underutilised properties and plots into vibrant, functional living spaces. Placing a high priority on his work-life balance and being out on site much of the time, he found that a virtual office at our Churchill Square Business Centre in Kings Hill business centre was the perfect solution to enable him to host work meetings and tap into the supportive business community – while maintaining his commitment to being with his family as much as possible.
Reimagining property development
Leo’s journey into the property industry began in 1995. With a family rooted in engineering and architecture, the seeds of his career were sown early. After earning advanced degrees in engineering, Leo paired his expertise with a deep-seated desire to innovate. He and a colleague, whom he met while pursuing an MBA at Imperial College, envisioned a business that eliminated inefficiencies in property development. They aimed to reduce costs by bypassing traditional contractors and instead managing projects in-house—a vision that remains at the core of their business, Tenza Property Development, which works in collaborative partnership with landowners, shouldering the upfront costs for obtaining planning permission and sharing the resulting uplift in value.
What sets Leo’s business apart is its hands-on approach. By acting as both the developer and project manager, his team oversees every aspect of a project—from planning applications to hiring skilled tradespeople. This model cuts out the middleman, saving customers money while ensuring that materials and workmanship meet the highest standards.
A passion for quality, service excellence and the UK property market
“We treat our customers as if they were family,” Leo explains. “We’re committed to delivering the best finishes, quality, and transparency.” This philosophy is evident in their recent projects, including the transformation of a former office building built In the 1860s into a block of eleven flats and an family home renovation in Richmond that achieved both aesthetic and functional excellence at a fraction of the typical cost.
Leo’s enthusiasm for the UK property market is something he is keen to share, running the only Spanish-language podcast in the UK dedicated to property investment. Through Bienes Raíces UK he shares insights with Spanish-speaking audiences eager to navigate the UK property market.
Choosing a virtual office to combine professionalism with efficiency
Leo’s decision to join Capital Space at Churchill Square Business Centre in 2024 reflects his commitment to efficiency. Opting for a virtual office, he enjoys the flexibility to conduct meetings in a professional setting without the overhead of a permanent workspace.
“I am on the move all the time visiting projects,” says Leo, “so having a physical office would not be efficient.
“The community aspect of Kings Hill is fantastic. Even though I have a virtual office, I’m still able to attend networking events and feel part of a proactive, supportive group. The team at Capital Space is friendly and always helpful.”
Developing potential across Kent
Churchill Square Business Centre is not only five minutes’ from Leo’s house, it’s also ideally situated for Tenza’s proactive search for plots and commercial buildings within a 30-minute drive of Tonbridge, including West Malling, Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood, Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook. Crowborough and Westerham.
“We want to help landowners who don’t have the time, expertise or patience to secure planning permission to realise the potential of their property or land,” he explains. “By working with them collaboratively and undertaking planning permission at our risk, the landowners minimise their risk while also getting more money than if they were to sell to another property developer without having secured planning permission.
“We even offer a free planning appraisal so landowners can get an initial idea whether their site has development potential.
“We want to give places new life and be proud of every project. Opportunities are everywhere if you’re willing to look. We’re excited to keep exploring and creating spaces that make a difference.”
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Leo’s vision for the future is both ambitious and grounded. While his business aims to expand its portfolio of redevelopment projects, Leo remains committed to maintaining a manageable workload that allows him to prioritise quality and family life. By taking on no more than four projects a year, he ensures each development reflects his values and high standards, while being properly present for his family.
“When my daughter was seven she said to me ‘You work so hard and don’t spend time with us’,” he remembers. “I made a promise to myself that from then on every day of holiday that my daughter has, I would also be off. This meant changing the way we run our business – not working seven days a week and taking 13 weeks of holiday per year. It’s giving us time to see the world together – travelling doesn’t have to be expensive.”
SME business tips from Leo Suarez
Leo’s approach to business is guided by optimism, resilience, and a focus on work-life balance. For fellow SMEs, he offers the following advice:
- Be persistent: “Have a goal and a vision, and believe in yourself. Life will throw challenges at you, but just keep pedalling.”
- Embrace opportunities: “Don’t dismiss projects that seem difficult at first glance. Collaboration and creativity can reveal solutions.”
- Maintain balance: “Work hard, but don’t lose sight of enjoying life. It’s not worth sacrificing your values or well-being for big projects.”
Leo Suarez’s business success has been built on innovation and a deep commitment to bettering both spaces and lives – with a wake-up call from his young daughter ensuring that he now prioritises his own life outside work.
By partnering with Capital Space, he’s found a community that supports his goals while aligning with his focus on efficiency and quality. With exciting projects on the horizon and a clear vision for the future, Leo’s business continues to redefine what’s possible in both property redevelopment and work-life balance.
