“If you think property development is just about the numbers… you’re already behind.” This week at the Property Developer’s Surgery, what stood out most wasn’t just the calibre of people in the room — it was the new 2026 format. Instead of endless follow-up calls with: • project managers • QS • architects • planners • legal teams 👉 We now have the entire power team on call, in real time, for site-specific decisions. And that matters — because no two sites are ever the same. Here’s what experienced developers actually assess (and why surface-level deals fall apart): • Access constraints & highways impact • Noise, daylight & neighbour considerations • Traffic flow & servicing • Flood risk & contamination • Fire safety, emergency egress, window & door compliance • Historical use of the building (Class E, education, etc.) • Why previous planning was refused (gold dust, not a red flag) • Class Q to residential — what works and what absolutely doesn’t We’ve walked away from projects where: ❌ An architect wanted a 3-bed “statement mansion” ✅ When the highest and best use was 7 well-designed 1–2 bed units That single decision can mean the difference between: ➡️ scalable wealth or ➡️ years of financial pain This is also why we largely avoid pubs already sold with planning. Why? Because in many cases: • The vendor has already extracted the margin • Build costs exceed GDV • The deal only works on an over-inflated spreadsheet And when refinancing comes around? 👉 Investors are hit with down-valuations and negative equity. This is where overseas investors — particularly those unfamiliar with UK planning, valuation mechanics, and refinancing risk — are being hurt. If you don’t understand the principle: “You make your money when you buy” You’ll feel it later — painfully. These conversations matter. Because when your power team lacks depth — or worse, profits from your lack of knowledge — someone else is pocketing your money. That’s why I’m intentional about being in rooms where: • I’m not the smartest person • Decisions are challenged, not sold • Ethics matter as much as returns Everything we work on is: ✔️ Asset-backed ✔️ Ethically structured ✔️ Investor-led ✔️ Shared using FCA-appropriate, non-promissory language No hype. No fake guarantees. Just education, structure, and transparency. If you’d like me to share: • What we’re currently analysing • How we assess planning risk • How we protect investors from poor advice 👇 Comment “POWER TEAM” or follow along to learn more or DM for a cuppa  #PropertyDevelopment #EthicalInvesting #WealthEducation #PlanningMatters #PropertyCEO

Posted by Per & Lily at 2026-01-31 10:49:26 UTC