Property Developers Playbook

• Navigating The Various Methods of Construction

  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 of weather on construction processes. Click here to access Jonathan and Kieron's construction methods checklist: https://bit.ly/PDP_ConstructionMethodsChecklist KEY TAKEAWAYS Choosing the right method of construction is crucial in property development, as it impacts cost, timeframe, saleability, and overall project viability. Common methods include traditional brick and block, timber frame, and modular construction. Brick and block construction is seen as traditional and reliable, offering solid structures with minimal movement. However, it is weather-dependent and can be slower compared to other methods like timber frame. Timber frame construction is gaining popularity due to its speed and efficiency. It allows for quick assembly and can be pre-fabricated in a dry environment, but it requires careful management to avoid issues with moisture and twisting. Effective logistics and site management are essential for successful construction projects. This includes ensuring materials are delivered on time, managing labor effectively, and preparing the site for equipment like cranes. Newer methods such as structural insulated panels (SIPs) and modular construction are being explored for their efficiency and performance. However, they come with their own challenges, including higher costs and the need for careful design and engineering to ensure successful implementation. BEST MOMENTS "The construction method obviously affects a lot of factors: cost, timeframe, finance, and saleability as well." "I think lenders prefer traditional brick and block because it's kind of standard; it's what people expect." "Timber frame seems like the new kid on the block, but probably for 30 years people have been doing it." "You need to make sure that you have the logistics side in there as well with all of these types." "Structural insulated panels are like the high-performance cousins of timber frame." 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/

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• 8 Steps To Success In Property Development: Planning Your Exit Strategy

  In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron unveil the final step of their eight-step property development process: Exit Strategies. They emphasise the importance of starting with the end in mind, discussing various exit options such as build to sell, build to rent, supported living, and service accommodation. Jonathan and Kieron also highlight the significance of understanding market demands, tax implications, and the necessity of building a reliable team, including estate agents and property tax specialists. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's crucial to consider your exit strategy from the very beginning of a property development project. This includes understanding your target market, location, and the type of units you plan to build. Be aware of the tax implications related to property development, including VAT rates for different types of projects. Consulting with a property tax specialist can help you navigate these complexities and potentially reclaim funds. There are various exit strategies available, including build to sell, buy to let, supported living, and service accommodation. Each strategy has its pros and cons, and it's important to evaluate which aligns best with your goals. Building a strong team, including estate agents, letting agents, and property management companies, is essential. Their insights can guide your decisions and help you design properties that meet market demands. Maintaining a steady cash flow is vital for any property development business. Holding onto rental properties can provide regular income, which can be beneficial during periods when new developments are not generating revenue. BEST MOMENTS "It's something that we've mentioned on a lot of the episodes before that, although it's at the end of the cycle, it's actually something that's considered from the very beginning." "You want some truth out of them, not just for them to be yes men." "If you're going to be releasing properties off plan and getting those pre-sales in, it definitely helps." "You do get sort of waves of ups and downs of property in terms of how quick they're selling." "You have to have a lot more in common, a lot more that works well than it doesn't." 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/

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• 8 Steps To Success In Property Development: Building 7th Step

  In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron uncover the crucial 'build phase' of the 8-step development program, emphasising its significance throughout the entire development process. Kieron, with over 20 years of experience in the building trade, discusses the decision-making involved in choosing between managing the build yourself or hiring a main contractor. They highlight the importance of effective communication, accurate planning, and the various roles that contractors and quantity surveyors play in ensuring a successful project. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's generally advisable to hire a main contractor for construction projects due to their expertise and ability to manage risks, health and safety, and compliance with regulations. If opting for self-management, hiring a contracts or construction manager is recommended. Effective communication with the main contractor is crucial. Developers should clearly articulate their needs and expectations, as assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and project delays. When selecting a main contractor, it's beneficial to obtain multiple quotes based on a detailed scope of work. Engaging a quantity surveyor can help ensure that the quotes are comparable and that the best value is achieved. Timely payments to contractors are essential to maintain project momentum. Delays in payment can disrupt the workflow and lead to financial complications, making cash flow management a critical aspect of the construction process. The construction industry in the UK is held to high standards, with multiple layers of checks from building control, warranty providers, and monitoring surveyors. Ensuring compliance with these standards is vital for the success and safety of the project. BEST MOMENTS "Personally, I think managing it yourself is madness, but that's not to say you have to go down the main contractor route." "Main contractors have to work up to be able to build out developments. They don't just go from building a conservatory to building out a site of 10 houses." "It's a joint process. Everyone's trying to make money through this process." "You want to make sure everyone's safe. Everybody's good at what they do and building at the right price." "If you get a good one in the local area, they will have all the connections. They will know all the people to call." 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/

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• 8 Steps To Success In Property Development: Funding 6th Step

  In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the critical topic of funding development deals, marking the sixth step in their eight-step development plan. They discuss the importance of considering funding from the very beginning of a project, highlighting various financing options such as bridging finance, crowdfunding, and private investors. KEY TAKEAWAYS While funding is discussed as step six in the development plan, it should be considered throughout the entire process, starting from the very beginning of a project. There are various funding sources available, including bridging finance, development funding, crowdfunding, family offices, and private investors. Each option has its own advantages and challenges. Building relationships with potential investors and funders is crucial. Networking should not only focus on finding deals but also on establishing connections with individuals who can provide financial backing. When approaching investors, it's essential to create an investment pack that outlines your experience, your team, and the specifics of the project. This helps in building credibility and attracting funding. Understanding the financial capabilities and preferences of potential investors is important. This includes being aware of regulations and ensuring that all agreements are legally sound to avoid complications later on. BEST MOMENTS "Funding is exactly the same way. That's something that is throughout the process, although we've put it in at step six, it's actually something that you need to be doing throughout the process." "When you're starting out, you're most certainly going to have to learn to raise money. It's not easy, but any wealthy individual or business has raised money in the past." "You want certainty you're going to get funding. Whereas previously it was like, are there enough investors who are bought into the development effectively?" "You need to build your CV, your team CV and, um, mentors as well. You can put mentors on there, people that form that team and can have a connection with you." "You can't do anything without the money. Tell people what your experience is and tell them about the team that you've got." 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/

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• 8 Steps To Success In Property Development: Assessing

  In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron explore the crucial second step of their property development program: assessing development opportunities. They discuss evaluating sites for viability, including checks on title registers, planning permissions, environmental constraints, infrastructure, and market demand. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's important to assess development opportunities after sourcing potential sites. Jonathan and Kieron discuss how to identify red flags during the sourcing phase. It's vital to gain an understanding of viability through financial analysis. BEST MOMENTS "You know, invariably, we are the underbidders on opportunities. Sometimes those come back, sometimes they don't. But this is why you always need to be looking at a number of opportunities and have a pipeline." "We were going to sell these bungalows to downsizers or people retiring to the local area who just want peace and quiet. If you’re going to have dogs barking for over an hour without any break, it’s not quite the environment you want to be retiring to." "We have been in a bit of a planning battle for two years. We’re in a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we’ve just been messed around by World Heritage. What can I say? It’s been a long two years." "Yes, they cost money, but it’s not really a cost—it’s an investment. Once you’ve got your first development, it kind of pays for itself, and you just repeat the subscription, really." "We have a great solicitor. I will definitely mention her—Jo Morgan from Codes. They are fantastic solicitors. We’ve used her for a few years now, and she’s just great." 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/

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