Whitehall has hired industry veteran Philip Clarke to head up the venture, with the firm highlighting his extensive experience in real estate financing

Philip is a chartered surveyor and currently head of Middlesex-based development finance consultancy Fisher Property Solutions.

Earlier in his career, Philip worked for Samuel Properties and Hunting Gate, subsequently setting up his own property consultancy company in 1995 which later merged to become Fisher Property Solutions.

He will be leaving Fisher Property Solutions to take up the role as head of mezzanine and equity funding at Whitehall.

Philip will oversee the new proposition to target residential developments only, catering to small- and mid-sized developers.

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While the lender can provide funding throughout England, its preferred locations are in the suburbs of London.

The first project funded by this new line was an office block conversion into seven residential flats in Guildford.

Whitehall will use the new product to target GDVs of between £2m and £10m.

“With the introduction of our mezzanine and equity funding line, we are excited to provide our clients with even more flexible and tailored financing solutions,” said Philip.

“Our goal is to support ambitious development projects that not only meet the financial expectations of our clients, but also contribute positively to the community and the real estate market as a whole.”

Legal counsel for the transaction in Guildford was provided by Colin Nahon from Solomon, Taylor & Shaw LLP.

The senior lender was advised by Brecher LLP.