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Property Developers Playbook

Property Developers Playbook

By: Jonathan Stobbs & Kieron Shepherd
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 Property Developers Playbook is your go-to podcast to the world of property development and investment. Hosted by Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd, who both have experience as developers and as main contractors, this podcast dives into the strategies, challenges, and rewards of real estate development. Whether you're a contractor looking to transition into development or an investor looking to scale, each episode provides actionable insights, dos and don’ts, and first-hand experiences from those on the ground. Join us as we interview top developers, tackle common pitfalls, explore innovative solutions, and discuss the mindset required to thrive in property development. Property Developer’s Playbook is more than just advice; it’s a blueprint for unlocking your potential in property development. Tune in to start building your knowledge, confidence, and your success. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 3: Construction Risks

    Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 3: Construction Risks
    Oct 12 2025
    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 trusted teams, and the significance of managing construction risks to ensure project success. KEY TAKEAWAYS Accurate estimation of build costs is crucial for property development. It's essential to consider local market conditions, material prices, and labour costs, which can fluctuate significantly. Maintaining open lines of communication with contractors and team members is vital. Discussing potential issues early can prevent misunderstandings and costly delays later in the project. Investing time and resources in detailed planning and design can minimise changes during construction. A comprehensive construction package of drawings helps avoid unexpected costs and delays. While it's impossible to eliminate all construction risks, developers can manage and mitigate them through careful planning, fixed-price contracts, and regular cost reviews with contractors and quantity surveyors. Establishing strong relationships with contractors and suppliers is key to successful property development. Trust and collaboration can lead to better outcomes and help navigate challenges that arise during the construction process. BEST MOMENTS "You make your money when you buy the site. But you keep it when you control your build." "Construction is high risk and it's high risk anyway because the margins are tight for contractors." "If you haven't got your prices secured or orders in before COVID, you were caught short." "The worst thing a developer could have is where their contractor goes, thanks, but no thanks." "Spend the money with the architect in planning that construction package of drawings." HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/
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    40 mins
  • Preserving the Past, Building the Future: Archaeology and Heritage in Construction

    Preserving the Past, Building the Future: Archaeology and Heritage in Construction
    Oct 5 2025
    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 navigating the complexities of listed buildings and conservation areas. KEY TAKEAWAYS Developers should be aware of ransom strips—small pieces of land that may be necessary for access or development. Early communication with landowners is crucial to negotiate terms and avoid unexpected complications. When developing properties, especially in areas with historical significance, it's essential to balance preserving heritage with modern development needs. Engaging with heritage consultants can help navigate these complexities. Conduct thorough research on potential development sites, including checking for archaeological sensitivity and historical significance. Utilising local council interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the site's history. Renovating or developing listed buildings often incurs higher costs due to the need for specialised materials and techniques. Developers should factor in these additional expenses when budgeting for projects. Developers should consider holding community meetings to inform local residents about their plans, especially when working on heritage sites. This can help build trust and mitigate potential opposition to the development. BEST MOMENTS "Every developer dreads the words, archaeological survey required. It's a dread. But it comes with others as well. There's geology and there's others that need investigation." "We need to highlight that strongly. Great Britain is great for a reason. We've got these temporal layers of beautiful architecture." "It's a fine balance when you're analysing a deal and land value. If you're looking to take on that risk, double it and add some." "If it's handled badly, that can damage your reputation as a developer. So to manage risk, definitely do your homework at the very beginning stage." "There are properties out there that people listed for some reason, they just didn't need to be and they shouldn't have been." HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/
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    42 mins
  • Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 2: Finding the Money

    Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 2: Finding the Money
    Sep 28 2025
    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 hidden fees, the significance of building strong relationships with brokers and investors, and the necessity of having a diverse funding strategy. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's crucial to start discussions with brokers and lenders early in the development process. This allows for better planning and understanding of financing options, rather than scrambling for funds when a deal arises. Developers should be aware of hidden fees associated with financing, such as arrangement fees, exit fees, and interest on undrawn funds. These can significantly impact the overall cost of financing and should be factored into budgeting. Establishing strong relationships with investors and lenders is essential. Networking and maintaining communication can lead to better opportunities and support when seeking funding for future projects. Relying on a single source of finance can be risky. Developers should explore multiple funding options, including bridging loans, development finance, and equity partners, to ensure they have backup plans in case one source falls through. When selecting valuers and monitoring surveyors, opting for local professionals can lead to more accurate valuations and lower costs. Local experts are more familiar with the market and can provide insights that national firms may overlook. BEST MOMENTS "Finance is always one of the most common hurdles that developers face. Even the best sites with the strongest GDVs don't always work unless you've got the right funding in place." "It's just slapdash. It's really crap. We wouldn't get away with it in construction under HSE, but when you're a big phone company, they just bulldoze through." "You need to be doing both all at the same time. Send it to a broker, get their thoughts on it and see what kind of indicative terms you can get on day one." "You need to have like a pot of cash that you can work through to get to the results of getting the finance, the decision in principle." HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.7/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/ https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/ https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/
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    30 mins
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