Knowledge Bank has launched a dedicated Development Finance lending type on its platform reflecting growing broker demand for clearer access to development lenders and more transparency around criteria in the specialist property finance market.
The move makes development finance the eighth lending type available on Knowledge Bank and separates it from bridging finance, where it had previously been grouped.
The change follows extensive feedback from brokers and lenders who said development finance has become increasingly distinct in structure, risk profile and borrower needs.
Brokers are supporting a wider range of developer clients, from first-time entrants to experienced portfolio builders, as borrowers adopt more ambitious strategies across residential, mixed-use and light commercial schemes. As a result, demand for clearly defined development finance criteria has increased.
CRITERIA CHALLENGE
Knowledge Bank said research consistently highlighted the same challenge: brokers struggling to identify which lenders are active in development finance and where to start without an existing BDM relationship. In many cases, this lack of visibility was preventing conversations from happening at all.
By creating a standalone development finance category, Knowledge Bank aims to remove that friction, allowing brokers to see lender appetite, understand experience requirements and funding parameters, and engage the right lenders earlier in the process.
The launch follows Knowledge Bank’s recent decision to join the Bridging and Development Lenders Association (BDLA), underlining its focus on supporting brokers and lenders operating across development and short-term finance.
BETTER EDUCATION
Shane Chawatama (main picture, inset), sales director at Knowledge Bank, says: “What I hear time and time again from brokers is that they’re crying out for education, self-development, and a clearer understanding of the options available to them.
“Development and Bridging lenders often tell me that ‘a conversation needs to be had, as not everything can be written in criteria’ and I get it. But my pushback is always the same: where does that conversation actually start, when brokers don’t know what they don’t know?
“Knowledge Bank simply provides the platform for that first step.”
“Knowledge Bank simply provides the platform for that first step. We give brokers visibility of the market, clarity on criteria, and confidence to reach out. From there, by all means, pick up the phone and have that conversation.”
For lenders, the new lending type is designed to improve discoverability among brokers actively searching for development finance solutions but without established lender relationships.
Knowledge Bank said lenders supporting the launch have fully populated their criteria, allowing advisers to assess suitability before making contact.
THE RIGHT FIT
Karen Shepherd, head of operations at Mint Property Finance, says: “We’re committed to making development finance more accessible and transparent for brokers.
“Having our criteria fully live on Knowledge Bank is an important part of that, as it ensures advisers can quickly and confidently identify whether we’re the right fit for their client.
“We’re pleased to be supporting the platform and helping brokers get the answers they need, faster.”
Knowledge Bank’s Notify functionality will support the new category by alerting brokers to criteria changes, new entrants and shifts in lender appetite within the development finance space.
As development finance continues to move further away from being treated as a subset of bridging, Knowledge Bank said the launch reflects how brokers now approach complex transactions – with greater emphasis on upfront clarity, lender alignment and early-stage education.
