Avamore has joined Knowledge Bank as broker demand for development finance and specialist lending solutions continues to accelerate.
The move comes amid rising search activity across the platform following the introduction of Development Finance as Knowledge Bank’s eighth lending category.
According to the platform, searches linked to land acquisition and commercial development have increased sharply in recent months, reflecting growing broker activity around refurbishment, conversion and ground-up development opportunities.
“Lend Against Land/Purchase of Land” was among the five most-searched areas during April, while “Development of Commercial Property” recorded the biggest movement overall.
ALTERNATIVE FUNDING
The figures show how brokers are increasingly moving beyond traditional residential and buy-to-let cases into more specialist areas of lending as mainstream criteria tightens and developers seek alternative funding routes.
The partnership reflects growing demand for lenders capable of handling more complex transactions, particularly those involving land, conversion projects and non-standard exits.
Avamore has built a strong presence in the specialist lending market through its focus on development finance and refurbishment lending, with the lender positioning itself around flexibility and case-by-case underwriting.
“We’ve seen strong and consistent growth in searches from brokers.”
Shane Chawatama (main picture, inset), sales director at Knowledge Bank, says: “Since adding Development Finance as our eighth lending type, we’ve seen strong and consistent growth in searches from brokers exploring this area of the market. April in particular showed some really interesting movement, with searches around land purchase and commercial development increasing significantly.
“Avamore are exceptionally well placed to add something new for our brokers. They bring real expertise, strong solutions and opportunities for borrowers operating in the development space, and we’re delighted to welcome them onto the platform.
“Their values around being responsive, determined and loyal are exactly what brokers want from lenders in today’s market. They’re a fantastic fit for Knowledge Bank and for the brokers using the platform every day.”
UNIQUE PLATFORM
Adam Butler, Sales Director at Avamore, adds: “I am extremely pleased to have joined the Knowledge Bank panel and look forward to working with their brokers and borrowers.
“I have watched Knowledge Bank’s journey closely over the last few years and have always been impressed with their unique platform and what it can offer the broker community.
“As a lender that prides itself on not being a tick box lender and looking at each application on its individual merit’s I hope we can provide something different to the current offering across the development spectrum including any and all refurbishment or conversions.”
HELPING BROKERS
He adds: “In my six years at Avamore I have seen a high number of brokers look to move from the regulated or buy-to-let space into more specialist sectors and have helped numerous brokers with this progression over the years. I hope my team and I can continue to help more brokers looking to do this along with their clients who may be looking to start their careers in the development sector.”
Knowledge Bank says it now hosts more than 165,000 pieces of criteria from over 265 lenders across eight lending types, as brokers increasingly rely on criteria sourcing tools to navigate a more fragmented and specialist lending market.
