The Property Funder Podcast

In this lively debate-style episode, host Michael Dean brings together mortgage experts Mike Lawlor and Martin Stewart to discuss the current state of the UK housing market. Drawing from their ongoing Twitter exchanges, they explore whether the market is crashing, correcting, or simply facing media hype. Topics include regional divergences, affordability challenges, rental demand, and predictions...

In this retrospective episode of the Property Funder Podcast we deep dive into the current state of the mortgage broking industry, focusing on predictions for 2025 and the role of technology and AI in business operations. Guest speakers discuss the potential for market stability, particularly in interest rates, and the optimism surrounding increased acquisition activities. The episode explores the...

In part two of The Property Funder Podcast with Lucy Waters, host Michael Dean dives deeper into Lucy’s journey as Managing Director of Aria Finance. This episode explores the acquisition of Vantage Finance by the ENRA Group, the subsequent merger with Enterprise Finance, and the challenges of blending two competing businesses. Lucy shares insights on leadership, market trends, and her vision for...

In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast , host Michael Dean interviews Lucy Waters, Managing Director of Aria Finance and a pioneer in the specialist finance industry. Lucy shares her inspiring career journey, from launching Vantage Finance at the age of 18 to overcoming the 2008 subprime crisis and growing her business into a leading specialist finance brokerage. With over two decades of e...

In this retrospective episode of the Property Funder Podcast we take a look back at the career journeys of a selection of our recent guests. These diverse stories showcase the many ways people adapt to new opportunities, build valuable networks, and embrace lifelong learning to thrive in the industry. Tune in to hear inspiring tales of resilience and growth, and feel free to share your own experie...

In this episode, host Michael Dean introduces Greg and Jacob, the newly appointed Managing Directors at Avamore Capital. This is more than just an introduction — it’s a deep dive into their leadership philosophies, career trajectories, and vision for reshaping the future of specialist property finance. Expect candid insights, a few laughs, and plenty of value for anyone in development finance. Get...

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes back returning guest Adam Stiles, Managing Director of Helix Financial Partners. Since his last appearance, Helix has grown from a team of three to a thriving nine-person brokerage, and Adam shares the ups and downs of scaling a business during a volatile market. The conversation dives into the evolution of Helix’s offering...

Michael Dean is joined by Sam Norris , founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his unique approach to property finance, emphasizing creativity, efficiency, and the importance of building strong client relationships. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to navigate the evolving property market.   Guest: Sam Norris is the founder and managing director...

Michael Dean sits down with Sam Norris, founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his inspiring journey from a trainee broker to building a thriving mortgage brokerage, offering valuable insights into the property finance industry and the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges. Guest: Sam Norris is the founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance, a speci...

In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes Beth Fisher, managing director of Media Net Publishing. Beth dives into the pivotal role of events in driving revenue, the enduring value of niche print magazines, and the evolving landscape of specialist finance. From navigating editorial integrity to predicting AI’s impact on lending, Beth offers a wealth of insights for...

In this episode of the Property Funder podcast, host Michael Dean sits down with Beth Fisher, the managing director of Medianett Publishing. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Beth shares her journey from journalist to leader, offering valuable insights into the world of publishing. Join Michael and Beth for a candid conversation filled with industry insights, strategic takeaways, a...

In this episode, Michael Dean is joined by powerhouse duo Jack Jiggens and Ben Richards from XP Property. The pair dive into the intricacies of scaling multiple property-focused businesses under the XP brand — including developments, surveying, architecture, and social housing — with over £35 million in GDV and a growing national presence. From their beginnings and the evolution of their service-l...

In this episode, Ben and Jack from XP Property share their inspiring journey in the property development industry. As Development Director and Land and Acquisitions Director, respectively, they reveal how their complementary skills—Ben’s technical expertise in design and construction and Jack’s prowess in sales and acquisitions—have fuelled the success of their award-winning company. The conversat...

In this insightful episode of The Poverty Funder Podcast , host Michael Dean welcomes back Jonathan Vandermolen, a veteran estate and development agent with over 40 years of experience in London’s real estate market. Jonathan shares his perspectives on affordable housing, the evolving nature of property finance, market trends, and the challenges of running a niche real estate business. He also ref...

In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast , host Michael Dean sits down with Jonathan Vandermolen, CEO of Vandermolen Real Estate, to discuss his four-decade career in the property industry. From starting in estate agency to transitioning into investment and development, Jonathan shares key insights into navigating economic cycles, distressed property opportunities, and the evolving challenge...

In part two of our conversation with Callum Taylor, we explore the evolving dynamics of the workplace, business challenges for young entrepreneurs, and the state of the property lending market. From debating the pros and cons of hybrid working to diving into the complexities of property finance, Callum shares candid insights on business, resilience, and his experiences in the mortgage and bridging...

In this episode of The Property Fund Podcast , we sit down with Callum Taylor, founder of Portway Finance, to discuss his unconventional journey into property finance. Callum shares how a chance interaction on the golf course shifted his career from accountancy to brokering, the challenges of breaking into the industry with no prior knowledge, and the lessons he learned while climbing the ranks. W...

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast , host Michael Dean interviews Clare Grimes, Head of Origination at GRE Finance, who shares her journey from a sociology student to a prominent figure in real estate finance. Claire discusses her rise in the industry, including her time at Octopus Real Estate, where she gained comprehensive experience in deal-making and fund management. She reflects o...

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast , Andrew Montlake, CEO of Coreco, returns to discuss various topics ranging from his side project as a musician in the band Rogue Monkey to his perspectives on the future of the mortgage and property market in 2025. Montlake offers insights into how technology can improve the property buying process, discusses workplace culture at Coreco, and examines...

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast , Andrew Montlake, CEO of Coreco, shares his journey in the mortgage industry, beginning with his time in advertising and transitioning into finance. He discusses the evolution of the mortgage brokerage sector, the challenges of growing a business during turbulent market conditions, and the culture-driven values that define Coreco's success. Andrew al...

In this episode of the  Property Funder Podcast , Mark Stokes shares personal and professional insights that drive his relentless passion for life, business, and making a positive impact. Reflecting on his experiences, including surviving the Hillsborough tragedy, Mark discusses how his desire to honour life fuels his ambitious pursuits, from skydiving and ultramarathon running to mentoring e...

In this episode of the  Property Funder Podcast , Mark Stokes, an accomplished entrepreneur and investor with over 30 years of experience, shares his journey from corporate leadership to property development and mentoring. Mark discusses pivotal moments in his career, including building large-scale infrastructure projects, managing global teams, and transitioning into entrepreneurship. He emp...

In this episode of  The Property Funder Podcast , we sit down with Phil Mabb from Bridge Development. Phil is not just a multiple award-winning finance broker—he’s also a former Supermarket Sweep winner and lifelong Crystal Palace fan. With decades of experience in the specialist finance industry, Phil shares his incredible journey, peppered with humour, hard lessons, and invaluable...

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Burns, a decorated military veteran and renowned specialist property finance broker. With over a decade of experience and nearly £2 billion in real estate transactions, Stephen shares his fascinating journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the property industry. Host:  Michael Dean Guest:  Stephen Burns Stephen Burns -  https:...

In this second part of Michael Dean's conversation with Martin Stewart, founder of London Money, the two dive deeper into the challenges and complexities of the mortgage industry. Martin reflects on his past experiences, tackles the controversial topic of house price predictions, and shares his candid thoughts on buy-to-let landlords, female-only awards, and the future of mortgage broking. With sh...