Believe it or not, despite government curveballs and general market wobbling, the bridging and development finance industry was quietly having one of its best years ever. According to the most recent BDLA figures, lending hit record levels in the third quarter at £13.7bn – up more than 50% on September 2024. This resilience highlights just how adaptable property developers and investors have become, and how both lenders and brokers across the sector are evolving to meet their needs.
Clients Want More Than Just Money
Yes, developers need funding but now more than ever, they want clarity, support and expertise too.
We work with intermediaries across the industry: from advisers dipping a toe into specialist lending for the first time, to seasoned pros with decades of experience, and the feedback is surprisingly consistent: the right lender can make or break a project.
Not because brokers can’t handle it, quite the opposite. Brokers are brilliant at spotting opportunities. But the most successful outcomes tend to happen when the lender rolls their sleeves up and gets properly stuck in, looks at the detail, and helps structure a facility that genuinely works in practice.
It’s less :“Here are the headline terms, good luck!” and more: “Does the build cost stack up?” “Is the exit realistic?” “Are the timelines sane?” and: “Is there a Plan B?”
A lender who’ll challenge assumptions and talk honestly about risk protects everyone: the broker, the client, and even the project itself.
In short: good lending is a team sport.
A Word From Someone Who’s Seen It All
We spoke to Dave Symondson at Dev-Brok, who’s clocked nearly 40 years in the sector as a lender, developer and now a broker.
Dave’s take?
Yes, the year has been “character building” but there are still plenty of opportunities for those willing to:
- Raise standards
- Learn from experience
- Get involved earlier in the process
He also pointed out the obvious villain of 2025: planning delays.
His opinion? Don’t just wait and hope. Look at lapsed planning, tweak existing permissions, and focus on strategies that boost liquidity and end value.
Common sense, but often overlooked.
A Friendly Reminder (From Every BDM Everywhere)
Well-prepared enquiries are not a festive treat. They’re an all-year staple.
The old approach of “Here’s half the information, fancy taking a look?” is slowly fading.
In 2026, packaging matters:
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Clear costings
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A believable exit
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Planning detail
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Borrower background
When lenders can actually see the full picture, they’re far more likely to stretch and help make the deal work. Confidence goes up. Barriers come down. Everyone wins.
So, What’s the Game Plan for 2026?
Pretty simple:
- Stay curious
- Engage early
- Talk openly
- Work collaboratively
And finally, keep close relationships with your BDMS (yes, those coffees do pay off), share what you’re seeing on the ground, and don’t be afraid to have honest conversations about what’s realistic and what isn’t.
If the industry leans into partnership over paperwork, 2026 has every chance of being an excellent year, not just in numbers, but in outcomes. Because ultimately, this space thrives when brokers, developers and lenders pull in the same direction.
And if you’re looking for a lender who’s happy to roll up their sleeves, talk through the detail, and help build deals that actually stand up… well, you know where to find us.
Contact us on 020 8075 3255 or fill in our online form, to find out how we could support your first (or next) development finance project.
