The interactive event, which is part of a series launched this year, will be held on Wednesday 17th March at 11am and moderated by Medianett’s managing director, Caron Schreuder.

Roma Finance’s managing director, Scott Marshall and underwriter Samantha Williamson will be joined by panellists Kim McGinley, managing director at VIBE Finance; Laura Toke, associate of short-term finance at SPF Private Clients; Dave Pinnington, director at Finance 4 Business and Piotr Twaits, sales director at Synergy Commercial Finance.

The topic for this event is: Underwriting and operational challenges in ground-up and heavy refurb development finance. 

The panel will discuss the distinctions between the two products and the common areas that can trip brokers and lenders up when it comes to these types of finance, as well as the current lending appetite for them. 

The event will also cover the challenges encountered when securing ground-up and heavy refurb development finance as a result of Covid-19 and Brexit.

Registration is open and it is free to attend for all professionals working in the sector. 

The panel will be taking questions during the session and attendees are encouraged to get involved. 

The event will also be available to watch after 17th March on DFT.

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Speaking ahead of the event, Scott said: “Development finance and heavy refurbishment are currently the two fastest growing areas within short-term lending, according to industry statistics.  

“At Roma, we’ve seen a huge increase in demand for these products, despite the pandemic having caused delays on existing projects.  

“In addition, we’ve also seen distribution channels broaden and so it is essential that we help educate and enhance knowledge in this area for the benefit of all concerned.”

Paul added: “The property sector has been very fortunate compared to other sectors that have been affected due to Covid-19, and while [it has] retracted in some areas, it cannot be said for the buoyant residential purchase market.  

“However, big and small investors will look for opportunities created by the drive from the government for new homes, whether it is to build and sell or build and retain.  

“Unravelling the complexity of arranging these schemes can be tricky and I look forward to sharing my views on the arena and understanding [those of] the other panellists, too.”

Kim commented: “In an ever-changing lender environment, I’m really looking forward to discussing key aspects affecting our industry at the moment and how our clients can benefit from understanding the market that we find ourselves in — some great conversation to be had [in] covering the challenges of the refurb/development sector.”

Laura said: “As is the case across the industry, the ground-up and heavy refurb markets have experienced severe delays created by the pandemic and Brexit. 

“Lockdown resulted in practical issues with the building industry and difficulties in surveyors accessing sites to monitor progress, while Brexit has also created delays in the supply chain with materials from Europe taking much longer to arrive.

“When it comes to regulated heavy refurbishment, our pool of lenders has reduced from around a dozen to one or two, with the majority of providers exiting this market completely. 

“Councils are also taking longer than ever to process planning applications as many staff work from home. 

“However, we have noticed that due to everyone spending more time at home, people are increasingly keen to undertake this type of project.”