#33 Construction Secrets That Could Save Your Project From Total Chaos - Stuart Guy

"Just saying I'm going to sell it is not a good enough exit plan anymore."Tom Hoskin speaks with Josh O'Leary of Roma Finance, who spent five years as a development finance broker in his family's business before moving to the lending side. Josh explains why the lender you can rely on matters more than the cheapest rate, and how his first deal, a nine-unit scheme in Thornton Heath, came after he'd modelled around 30 others for the same client.He also covers what lenders look for when a borrower first gets in touch, how many schemes are now ending in a refinance rather than a sale, and why Roma values smaller HMOs as ordinary houses. He also explains why you should choose a property strategy that suits your personality and appetite for risk.Worth a listen if you're raising bridging or development finance, or weighing up whether now is the time to buy.

No warning, just a fine. Councils can now issue penalties of up to £30,000 for HHSRS failings, so how do small landlords and developers keep up?Tom Hoskin speaks with Caius from Fuse Property, a family HMO business with 40 years in the market. Caius explains how the Renters' Rights Act, post-Grenfell fire rules, Section 24 and rising build costs are pushing single-property landlords out, and why economies of scale now decide who stays.He also covers his two-hour rule for investing away from home, how purpose-built student blocks have changed what tenants expect, the squeeze on contractors, and how Fuse is using AI to manage compliance across its portfolio.Essential listening for HMO operators, landlords and developers adapting to a tougher market.

Build costs are rising. So how can a small developer buy materials at the same rates as a volume housebuilder?Tom Hoskin speaks with Shane Traynor, co-founder of the Property Developers Buying Club (PDBC), which gives SME developers, investors and landlords access to pre-negotiated rates with national suppliers including Travis Perkins, Toolstation and Topps Tiles.Shane explains how the club was built, what members are actually saving, and how an experienced developer's trade quote was beaten by 16%. He also covers working with contractors, where build costs are heading, and why honest conversations about development risk matter.Essential listening for developers looking to protect their margins in a tough market.

In a tough market where viability is everything, the build method you choose can make or break a site. Glenn from Anvicon has spent nine years championing one most developers still haven't heard of: ICF, or insulated concrete formwork. In an independent QS study it came out 7% cheaper on materials and up to 60% faster on the build programme, and Glenn is now supplying over 37 live projects across the UK.In this episode, Glenn explains what ICF actually is, why it removes the upfront design fees and deposits that make lenders nervous, and why it suits the low-rise apartment and affordable housing sectors developers are moving into. He shares how Ireland went from 2% to nearly 20% adoption in a few years, why staying below 11 metres is a commercial advantage, and how one early conversation saved a developer £86,000 in the ground before he'd even started.If you've ever wondered how to cut your build costs and time, how to make a marginal site stack, or whether modern methods of construction are worth the risk, this one will change how you think about the build.The Property Developers Network is where serious SME developers find land, finance, and the right people to scale.Join our FREE Developers Skool Community: https://buildyourfuture.io/application-skool/Apply to join the network: https://buildyourfuture.io/application/Follow the Property Developers Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomHoskinPropertyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/propertydevelopersnetwork/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/property-developers-network1/

Navigating the complex world of town planning can be daunting. Whether you're a property investor, developer, or simply curious about how housing developments come to life, understanding the intricacies of this field is essential. In this post, I’ll share valuable insights from my conversation with Melissa Keegan, a chartered town planner and managing director of Keegan Planning, on what it takes to successfully navigate town planning and the strategic processes involved.

Unlock the secrets that could save your property development project from costly delays and unexpected pitfalls. Stuart Guy, director of SRG Property Group with over £375 million in project value, shares the insider strategies that seasoned developers use to navigate the complex construction landscape and how you can apply them to avoid the biggest mistakes developers often make.

In this insightful interview, Ollie Dyson, COO of Walter Cooper, shares his 20+ years of experience in land trading, property development, and working with both major house builders and housing associations. Discover key challenges, market opportunities, and the importance of trust and integrity in land deals.

In this episode of Build Your Future, Tom Hoskin interviews Jim Cross, MD of Crossover Property Group. Jim shares his unique journey from mechanical engineering to property development, discussing the challenges and successes he has faced along the way. The conversation covers various aspects of property development, including the importance of cash flow, the unpredictability of the construction industry, and the value of networking. Jim also delves into his experiences with commercial conversions and the current market trends, providing insights for aspiring developers and investors.

In this in-depth interview, Charlotte Moxon, head of new homes at Strutt & Parker, shares insights on the current property development market, strategies for SME developers, and the importance of building relationships and quality homes to succeed in a challenging environment.

summaryIn this in-depth interview, Alex Harrington-Griffin shares his journey from sales and marketing to property development, emphasizing the importance of quality, integrity, and human connection in SME development. He discusses lessons learned from a decade of experience, the role of AI in transforming the industry, and how professionals can better support developers.