Property Developers Playbook

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...

In this episode of the Property Developer's Playbook Mini Series on the Top 10 Challenges in Property Development, Jonathan and Kieron dive into the critical challenge that distinguishes successful developers: Project Management and Delivery: Running the Site, Not Letting It Run You. They emphasise that even the best contracts and systems are useless if people don't communicate effectively, noting...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron sit down for an interview with Jo Morgan, a partner at Coodes Solicitors, Head of their commercial property development department. Jo shares her insights on the critical legal aspects of property development, emphasising the importance of thorough due diligence and the potential pitfalls developers often encounter. They covers essential topics such as the sign...

Jonathan and Kieron dive into one of the most critical, yet often underestimated, parts of development: legal and compliance risks. They note that every deal starts and ends with legals, and most project issues can be traced back to legal matters that weren't spotted early enough. This episode covers crucial areas like title issues, restrictive covenants, ransom strips, overage clauses, and the im...

Today, Jonathan and Kieron take a look at the critical topic of market risk in property development. They discuss how economic changes, interest rate fluctuations, and local market shifts can significantly impact profitability for developers. The duo emphasises the importance of proactive planning and exploring multiple exit strategies to mitigate risks. KEY TAKEAWAYS Market risk in property devel...

Today, Jonathan and Kieron interview Rebecca Boyde, an ex-local authority planning officer turned consultant, shares her insights into the often complex and frustrating world of property development and planning. With a focus on the challenges developers face, Rebecca discusses the importance of having the right team in place, the necessity of engaging with local communities, and the pitfalls of c...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron take a look at one of the most challenging aspects of property development: planning permission and the associated regulations. They discuss the frustrations developers face when navigating the complexities of planning applications, including the impact of local authorities, ecological considerations, and the often lengthy approval processes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Navi...

In this episode, Kieron and Jonathan delve into one of the most challenging aspects of property development: build costs and construction risks. They discuss the impact of rising material prices, labour shortages, and the importance of effective communication between developers and contractors. The duo share their real-world experiences regarding the need for detailed planning, collaboration with...

Jonathan and Kieron take a look at the intricate relationship between archaeology, heritage, and property development. Following their previous discussions on the challenges faced by developers, they explore the importance of preserving historical sites while still delivering modern housing solutions. The conversation highlights real-life experiences, such as dealing with ransom strips and navigat...

Today, Jonathan and Kieron take a look at one of the most critical challenges in property development: securing the right finance and funding. They share real-life experiences, including Kieron's recent encounter with unexpected construction on his commercial site, highlighting the importance of proper planning and communication. They cover the complexities of financing, including the pitfalls of...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron kick off a new mini-series on the top 10 challenges in property development. They discuss the most critical step in any development project: finding a viable site. Jonathan and Kieron share their personal experiences, including a recent success with a commercial-to-residential conversion, and emphasise the importance of due diligence, networking, and creativity...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron look at the transition from flipping properties to engaging in larger-scale developments. They discuss the potential for greater profits, smarter tax strategies, and the overall benefits of development compared to traditional methods like flipping and BRRR (Buy, Refurbish, Rent, Refinance). The duo shares insights from their recent projects, including design re...

In this episode, Kieron and Jonathan delve into the intricate relationship between architects and developers, emphasising the importance of collaboration over competition. They share insights from their recent project meetings, highlighting the need for architects to balance creativity with practicality and cost-effectiveness. KEY TAKEAWAYS Effective collaboration between developers and architects...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the concept of "Developing with Purpose." They share updates on their latest project involving the conversion of an office building into residential flats, highlighting the importance of creating homes that enhance community living. Jonathan and Kieron also note the balance between profit and purpose, exploring how developers can make a positive impa...

Jonathan and Kieron look at the intriguing topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in the construction industry, exploring whether it is merely hype or a genuine game changer. They share their recent experiences with percolation testing at a construction site and discuss the importance of networking within the property development community.  They also highlight both the potential benefits and chall...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the concept of the development triangle, also known as the project management triangle or golden triangle, which encompasses time, cost, and quality. They discuss the challenges of balancing these three elements in property development, emphasising that achieving all three simultaneously is often elusive. They also share insights on value engineering...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the topic of joint ventures (JVs) versus traditional investment routes for property development. They discuss the nuances of JVs, highlighting the importance of collaboration, shared responsibilities, and the need for clear agreements to ensure successful partnerships. They also touch on their own personal experiences, the significance of networking,...

In today's episode, Jonathan and Kieron review the perception people have of property developers, addressing common misconceptions and the challenges faced by the industry. They discuss the negative stereotypes often associated with developers, such as being greedy or shady, and emphasise the importance of understanding the risks and responsibilities that come with property development. Jonathan a...

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron unmask the various methods of construction used in property development. They discuss the pros and cons of traditional brick and block construction, highlighting its reliability and buyer perception, while also exploring the growing popularity of timber frame and modular construction methods. They cover essential factors such as cost, timeframes, and the impact...