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PODCAST

Property Developers Playbook

Jonathan Stobbs & Kieron Shepherd

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

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All Episodes

24:14

44: Is Biodiversity Just A Cost Of Development: Or An...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/03/23

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieran dive into the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain regulations in England and discuss how developers can reframe them from a frustrating hurdle into a value-adding opportunity. Before tackling BNG, the guys share an exciting update on their Liskeard office-to-residential conversion. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace 3D Modelling: Utilising 3D models and augmented reality for projects helps developers visualise spaces, identify mechanical and electrical clashes early, and save

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25:43

43: How Do Developers Control Land: The Dark Art of...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/03/16

Jonathan and Kieron explore the world of ‘option agreements’. They share their recent experience meeting with a landowner and explain how these legal tools can be a game-changer for property developers, allowing them to control land without the immediate need for a full purchase. They cover the benefits for both developers and landowners, various deal structures, and the importance of professional legal advice. KEY TAKEAWAYS An option agreement gives a developer the right, but not the obligation,

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41:34

The Investor’s Palette: Why ‘Neutral’ Doesn't Have to...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/03/09

In this episode, Jonathan Stobbs and Kieran Shepard dive deep into the delicate dance between high-end aesthetics and healthy profit margins. Drawing from their current "Woodlands" development and past conversion projects, the duo explores why you should never design for yourself, but always for the end buyer. KEY TAKEAWAYS Target Market is King: Always work backward from your Gross Development Value and target demographic. A luxury apartment in London requires a vastly different specification

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25:01

41: How To De-Risk Your Development Appraisal: Stress...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/03/02

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the analytical engine of property development: deal appraisal and financial modeling. Moving beyond the excitement of finding a site, the duo breaks down the core components of a professional appraisal, from Gross Development Value (GDV) and build costs to finance fees and section 106 agreements. KEY TAKEAWAYS The fundamental goal of an appraisal is to work backward from the GDV, subtracting all costs (build, finance, professional fees, and

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36:29

40: Securing Development Funding in 2026: Direct to...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/02/23

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron break down the complexities of securing property development finance in 2026. The duo explores the ‘capital stack’, explaining the roles of equity, senior debt, and mezzanine finance, while comparing the pros and cons of working with brokers versus going directly to lenders. They share their understanding of the various fees involved, from arrangement and exit fees to monitoring surveyors, and learn exactly what lenders are looking for, including credible exit

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30:11

39: How to Find Sites in 2026: Old Fundamentals, New...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/02/16

In this episode, Kieron and Jonathan discuss the evolving landscape of site finding in 2026. While the core principles of development remain steady, the tools and technologies available to developers have shifted significantly. The duo explores traditional methods like direct vendor letters and building relationships with agents, while highlighting how new software and AI integration are streamlining the research process.KEY TAKEAWAYS Traditional methods like direct-to-vendor letters and building

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42:47

38: 5 Myths and Misconceptions of Property Development

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/02/09

In this episode, Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd delve into the five core myths surrounding property development that often deter aspiring developers. Jonaathan & Kieron discuss misconceptions such as the need for substantial personal funds, the perceived safety of small developments compared to larger ones, and the belief that experience is a prerequisite for success in the field.KEY TAKEAWAYS Myth of Money Requirement: It's a common misconception that you need a lot of your own money to

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39:18

Which Contract is Right for Your Development: JCT...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/02/02

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the world of construction contracts, focusing on the industry-standard JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) and the more collaborative NEC (New Engineering Contract). They discuss why having a legal framework is essential for managing risk, cost, and timelines in property development, and also share highlight the importance of thorough administrative processes and clear scopes of work to avoid disputes. KEY TAKEAWAYS The JCT is the most common

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47:38

Why Traditional Tendering is Broken: Disrupting...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/01/26

Today, Jonathan and Kieron challenge the industry standard of traditional tendering. Speaking from both developer and main contractor perspectives, they dissect the inefficiencies, hidden costs, and frustrations of the ‘cheapest wins’ mentality. Jonathan and Kieron propose a more collaborative, transparent approach that prioritises realistic budgeting, early engagement, and building long-term partnerships over competitive tension. KEY TAKEAWAYS Traditional tendering often rewards unrealistically

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27:09

Why You Don’t Always Need to Build

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/01/19

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron debunk the common myth that being a property developer requires you to actually build houses. They break down the full development lifecycle, from sourcing land to securing planning permission, and explain why ‘building’ is actually just one of several potential exit strategies. The duo discuss the benefits of exiting early, such as selling sites with planning permission to reduce risk, and why the old ‘rule of thirds’ for calculating profit no longer applies in

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55:54

Alter Architects - Designing for Developers....

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/01/12

Today, Jonathan and Kieron welcome Grant Shepherd from Alter Architects. Grant shares his journey from landscape designer to architect, detailing his experiences working with various property developers and the importance of collaboration in the industry. They discuss the nuances of architectural design, the significance of effective communication between architects and developers, and the challenges of balancing creativity with budget constraints.KEY TAKEAWAYS Successful property development

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27:08

Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 10:...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2026/01/05

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the often-overlooked challenge of mindset in property development. As they wrap up their mini-series on the Top 10 Challenges developers face, they emphasise the importance of resilience, mental health, and the ability to navigate pressure in the industry. The duo discusses the significance of setting goals, managing risks, and the value of having a supportive team and mentors. KEY TAKEAWAYS Success in property development heavily relies on having a

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27:06

Top 10 Goal-Setting Tips for Property Developers in 2026

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/12/29

In this final episode of 2025, Jonathan and Kieron reflect on the lessons learned from the past year, and discuss their goals for 2026. They explore various goal-setting strategies, including the SMART framework and the significance of behaviour goals, while also addressing the challenges of instant gratification in today's society. They also share insights on effective networking, building a strong team, and the necessity of reviewing progress regularly. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emphasising the importance

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26:14

2025 in Review: Our Biggest Wins, Mistakes & Lessons

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/12/22

Today, Kieron and Jonathan take a look back at the challenges, lessons, and successes of their 2025 as they approach the Christmas season. They discuss their ambitious goals for the year, including various development projects such as Woodlands Ponsanooth, St. James Court, and Luxstowe House, while sharing insights on navigating the complexities of property development. The duo highlights the importance of building strong relationships with investors and landowners, as well as the value of

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29:52

Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 9:...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/12/15

Today, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the ninth challenge property developers face: dealing with NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard), community and stakeholder engagement, and turning objections into opportunities. They discuss the importance of proactive community engagement, emphasising that it's not just a tick-box exercise but a crucial part of the development process. They highlight the value of early consultations with local councils and stakeholders to mitigate potential conflicts and foster

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33:59

Building Your Future Success with the Property...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/12/08

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron unveil an exciting new initiative: their upcoming Property Developers Bootcamp. Drawing from the feedback received over 28 episodes, they address the common challenges faced by aspiring property developers, such as lack of confidence, knowledge of the industry, and the importance of building a reliable team. The bootcamp aims to provide a structured, hands-on learning experience, offering attendees a clear roadmap to navigate the complexities of property

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47:09

Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 8:...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/12/01

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron delve into the top challenges faced by property developers, focusing on the critical themes of design, sustainability, and value engineering: Building Smart, Not Expensive. They discuss the importance of balancing aesthetic appeal with budget constraints, emphasising the need for effective collaboration between architects and contractors from the outset.KEY TAKEAWAYS Design and Budget Alignment: Property developers must ensure that architectural designs

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34:10

Project Management & Delivery: Running the Site, Not...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/11/24

In this episode of the Property Developer's Playbook Mini Series on the Top 10 Challenges in Property Development, Jonathan and Kieron dive into the critical challenge that distinguishes successful developers: Project Management and Relationships. They emphasise that even the best contracts and systems are useless if people don't communicate effectively, noting that poor coordination is the main reason most projects fail.KEY TAKEAWAYS Communication is the Biggest Hurdle: Poor coordination and

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51:51

Contracts, Clauses & Caution: Legal Tips From a...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/11/17

In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron sit down for an interview with Jo Morgan, a partner at Coodes Solicitors, Head of their commercial property development department. Jo shares her insights on the critical legal aspects of property development, emphasising the importance of thorough due diligence and the potential pitfalls developers often encounter. They covers essential topics such as the significance of heads of terms, the necessity of bespoke contracts, and the common legal mistakes that can

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27:03

Top 10 Challenges in Property Development - Part 6:...

Property Developers Playbook ·

2025/11/10

Jonathan and Kieron dive into one of the most critical, yet often underestimated, parts of development: legal and compliance risks. They note that every deal starts and ends with legals, and most project issues can be traced back to legal matters that weren't spotted early enough. This episode covers crucial areas like title issues, restrictive covenants, ransom strips, overage clauses, and the importance of thorough due diligence.KEY TAKEAWAYS In the high-risk, high-reward world of property

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