Property Developers Playbook

Negotiation isn't just about the number on the page; it’s about making sure the deal actually stacks before you even pick up the phone. Too many developers are flushing hundreds of thousands down the drain by overpaying at the front end because they haven't done the legwork. We’re stripping back the "Art of Negotiation" to show you how professional due diligence becomes your ultimate leverage when...

One of the most common questions from anyone getting into property development — and one of the most misunderstood. Jonathan and Kieron break down the company structures every developer needs to understand before they buy a single brick. From the risks of lumping everything into one trading company, through to SPVs, holding companies and joint venture structures, this episode covers the landscape...

We’ve reached a massive milestone—it’s our 50th episode!. To celebrate, we are stepping out of our comfort zone and taking the podcast visual with the launch of our YouTube channel, Property Developers IQ. Looking back at our first 49 episodes, we reflect on the steep learning curve of moving from spreadsheets and construction sites to the podcast mic. In this episode, we dive into the core philos...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron break down the critical processes of valuations and drawdowns. They explain how developers can successfully extract money from their lender by working effectively with the Monitoring Surveyor, who acts as the primary gatekeeper for the funds.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The Monitoring Surveyor is the Gatekeeper: The MS works independently on behalf of the lender to verify y...

Ever feel like you’re playing detective when assessing a potential development site? We’re back for part two of our deep dive into the eight key areas of deal assessment, moving beyond the basics into the "heavy lifting" of environmental risks and legal minefields. From the nightmare of protected bat hotels to the surprising discovery of a wolfhound buried on-site, we share the technical hurdles t...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron explore the transition from finding a site to truly understanding its potential and pitfalls. Many beginners make the mistake of running a financial viability assessment before looking at the physical and legal reality of the land. They introduce a framework of eight key risk areas, focusing today on the first four: Planning Risk, Physical Site and Building Con...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron share their GOLDMINE framework for identifying the perfect location for your next development project. Drawing on their experience in the Cornwall property market and beyond, they break down the GOLDMINE acronym a comprehensive toolkit designed to help both new and scaling developers move from guesswork to data-driven decision-making.  KEY TAKEAWAYS A step-by-s...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron demystify the complexities of health and safety in the UK construction industry. From understanding the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) to the practicalities of site setup, like welfare units and M-class vacuums - they cover it all. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your first project, this conversation highlights why y...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieran dive into the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain regulations in England and discuss how developers can reframe them from a frustrating hurdle into a value-adding opportunity. Before tackling BNG, the guys share an exciting update on their Liskeard office-to-residential conversion.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace 3D Modelling: Utilising 3D models and augmented reality for p...

Jonathan and Kieron explore the world of ‘option agreements’. They share their recent experience meeting with a landowner and explain how these legal tools can be a game-changer for property developers, allowing them to control land without the immediate need for a full purchase. They cover the benefits for both developers and landowners, various deal structures, and the importance of professional...

In this episode, Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepard dive deep into the delicate dance between high-end aesthetics and healthy profit margins. Drawing from their current "Woodlands" development and past conversion projects, the duo explores why you should never design for yourself, but always for the end buyer.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Target Market is King: Always work backward from your Gross Development...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the analytical engine of property development: deal appraisal and financial modeling. Moving beyond the excitement of finding a site, the duo breaks down the core components of a professional appraisal, from Gross Development Value (GDV) and build costs to finance fees and section 106 agreements.  KEY TAKEAWAYS The fundamental goal of an appraisa...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron break down the complexities of securing property development finance in 2026. The duo explores the ‘capital stack’, explaining the roles of equity, senior debt, and mezzanine finance, while comparing the pros and cons of working with brokers versus going directly to lenders. They share their understanding of the various fees involved, from arrangement and exit...

In this episode, Kieron and Jonathan discuss the evolving landscape of site finding in 2026. While the core principles of development remain steady, the tools and technologies available to developers have shifted significantly. The duo explores traditional methods like direct vendor letters and building relationships with agents, while highlighting how new software and AI integration are streamlin...

In this episode, Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd delve into the five core myths surrounding property development that often deter aspiring developers. Jonaathan & Kieron discuss misconceptions such as the need for substantial personal funds, the perceived safety of small developments compared to larger ones, and the belief that experience is a prerequisite for success in the field. KEY TAKEAWA...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the world of construction contracts, focusing on the industry-standard JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) and the more collaborative NEC (New Engineering Contract). They discuss why having a legal framework is essential for managing risk, cost, and timelines in property development, and also share highlight the importance of thorough administrative p...

Today, Jonathan and Kieron challenge the industry standard of traditional tendering. Speaking from both developer and main contractor perspectives, they dissect the inefficiencies, hidden costs, and frustrations of the ‘cheapest wins’ mentality. Jonathan and Kieron propose a more collaborative, transparent approach that prioritises realistic budgeting, early engagement, and building long-term part...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron debunk the common myth that being a property developer requires you to actually build houses. They break down the full development lifecycle, from sourcing land to securing planning permission, and explain why ‘building’ is actually just one of several potential exit strategies. The duo discuss the benefits of exiting early, such as selling sites with planning...

Today, Jonathan and Kieron welcome Grant Shepherd from Alter Architects. Grant shares his journey from landscape designer to architect, detailing his experiences working with various property developers and the importance of collaboration in the industry. They discuss the nuances of architectural design, the significance of effective communication between architects and developers, and the challen...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the often-overlooked challenge of mindset in property development. As they wrap up their mini-series on the Top 10 Challenges developers face, they emphasise the importance of resilience, mental health, and the ability to navigate pressure in the industry. The duo discusses the significance of setting goals, managing risks, and the value of having a...

In this final episode of 2025, Jonathan and Kieron reflect on the lessons learned from the past year, and discuss their goals for 2026. They explore various goal-setting strategies, including the SMART framework and the significance of behaviour goals, while also addressing the challenges of instant gratification in today's society. They also share insights on effective networking, building a stro...

Today, Kieron and Jonathan take a look back at the challenges, lessons, and successes of their 2025 as they approach the Christmas season. They discuss their ambitious goals for the year, including various development projects such as Woodlands Ponsanooth, St. James Court, and Luxstowe House, while sharing insights on navigating the complexities of property development. The duo highlights the impo...

Today, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the ninth challenge property developers face: dealing with NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard), community and stakeholder engagement, and turning objections into opportunities. They discuss the importance of proactive community engagement, emphasising that it's not just a tick-box exercise but a crucial part of the development process. They highlight the value of earl...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron unveil an exciting new initiative: their upcoming Property Developers Bootcamp. Drawing from the feedback received over 28 episodes, they address the common challenges faced by aspiring property developers, such as lack of confidence, knowledge of the industry, and the importance of building a reliable team. The bootcamp aims to provide a structured, hands-on l...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the top challenges faced by property developers, focusing on the critical themes of design, sustainability, and value engineering: Building Smart, Not Expensive. They discuss the importance of balancing aesthetic appeal with budget constraints, emphasising the need for effective collaboration between architects and contractors from the outset. KEY TA...