In the fast-paced world of real estate finance, having the right people on your team can be crucial to a project’s success. At Chamberlain, we specialise in recruitment within this field, which drives half of our business and reputation. We’ve been paying close attention to the current budget, especially the Chancellor’s goal of building 1.5 million homes over the next five years. This plan aims to enhance affordable housing and boost the demand for development finance, highlighting the need for skilled risk management in high-stakes projects.
Why Expertise Matters in the Lending Sector
While development finance can be more profitable than traditional lending, it comes with specific risks that require in-depth market knowledge and specialised skills. Unlike conventional loans, these financing arrangements progress in stages aligned with project milestones, such as land purchases, foundations, and structural completions. This approach increases the need for technical risk management, as delays and budget overruns are frequent in development projects.
Our experience is vital in this nuanced field, where lending types, networks, and objectives vary significantly. For instance, the skills and connections of bankers who focus on small buy-to-let portfolios differ considerably from those of professionals involved in large-scale commercial or housing developments. In addition, more recently we’ve found ourselves being asked to source development finance originators to specialise in industry sub-sectors, where the talent pools are even smaller.
Our Managing Director, Chris Notley, notes: “When we approach candidates for high-level positions in real estate finance, we know exactly what details matter most. They often tell us, ‘You’ve covered everything I wanted to know!’ This understanding of the sector enables us to attract and secure the best talent for your needs.”
Meeting the Demands of Development Finance
There is intense competition among major banks and lenders for specialised talent, with salaries for experienced loan originators often reaching £150k or more, with smaller lenders and funds offering transparent, generous bonus schemes and, in some cases, equity / long-term incentive programmes as a way of rewarding and retaining top performers.
Our extensive understanding of the real estate finance landscape and each institution’s role gives us a distinct advantage. While commercial bankers may excel in financial assessments, they often lack the construction-specific insights essential in development finance. Although candidates can be trained to fill these gaps, experienced professionals can provide immediate benefits. By carefully selecting candidates with the right skills and networks, we connect lenders with top talent, whether they are seasoned experts or emerging professionals ready to advance their careers.
With our deep knowledge of real estate finance, we can help you find candidates who fulfil your current needs while supporting your long-term objectives. Our tailored approach ensures you connect with exceptional talent capable of driving your business forward.
Partner with Chamberlain to navigate the complexities of development finance and secure the talent needed for your projects to succeed.
Please get in touch
Chris Notley
Managing Director
chris.notley@chamberlaincareers.com
