Commercial property agency Lisney based in Northern Ireland has expanded its Investment team.

The firm has appointed current Retail Director, Nicky Finnieston as Director of Investment and Retail as Andrew Marsden is set to leave the firm after 21 years to pursue interests beyond commercial property.

Declan Flynn, Managing Director of Lisney Northern Ireland, said: "Last year in Northern Ireland bank deleveraging contributed to the vast majority of property investment transactions circa £400 million.

"For 2015, we expected transaction levels to fall due to the limited supply of investment properties. It is therefore encouraging that we are on course to achieve a transaction value in excess of £300 million, a figure much higher than first anticipated.

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"Purchasers of the 2014 loan books are emerging as the key sellers in 2015, and the current appetite for property from local, UK and even international investors would suggest that this will continue into 2016.

"Andrew and Nicky have worked closely on more than £70 million of notable deals so far this year including the acquisition of Erneside Shopping Centre in Enniskillen, the sale of Boots on Belfast’s Royal Avenue and the acquisition of The Parkway Shopping Centre in Coulby, Newham in England.

"Now is the perfect time for us to combine the Retail and Investment division and utilise Nicky's wealth of experience and relationships with key stakeholders, and the renewed energy and focus he brings to the team.

"Andrew has been instrumental in driving the Investment side of our business and will continue to work closely with Lisney going forward. On a personal note I would like to thank him for his hard work over many years and for his commitment to ensuring a seamless transition as he looks to move on to pastures new."