In this lively debate-style episode, host Michael Dean brings together mortgage experts Mike Lawlor and Martin Stewart to discuss the current state of the UK housing market. Drawing from their ongoing Twitter exchanges, they explore whether the market is crashing, correcting, or simply facing media hype. Topics include regional divergences, affordability challenges, rental demand, and predictions from figures like "Moving Home with Charlie." The conversation also touches on broader economic factors like unemployment, interest rates, and demographic shifts. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

Guests:

Martin Stewart - https://x.com/LondonMoneyFS

Michael Lawlor - https://x.com/mortgagemiken2

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation

In this retrospective episode of the Property Funder Podcast we deep dive into the current state of the mortgage broking industry, focusing on predictions for 2025 and the role of technology and AI in business operations. Guest speakers discuss the potential for market stability, particularly in interest rates, and the optimism surrounding increased acquisition activities. The episode explores the integration of AI to enhance efficiency, with examples such as automating inquiry logging and credit paper writing. Discussions also cover team dynamics, including headcount strategies and the implementation of AI to streamline processes.

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

In part two of The Property Funder Podcast with Lucy Waters, host Michael Dean dives deeper into Lucy’s journey as Managing Director of Aria Finance. This episode explores the acquisition of Vantage Finance by the ENRA Group, the subsequent merger with Enterprise Finance, and the challenges of blending two competing businesses. Lucy shares insights on leadership, market trends, and her vision for Aria Finance’s future, offering valuable lessons for anyone in the specialist finance or property sectors.

Guest: Lucy Waters

Guest Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyhodgevantage/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation

In this episode of The Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean interviews Lucy Waters, Managing Director of Aria Finance and a pioneer in the specialist finance industry. Lucy shares her inspiring career journey, from launching Vantage Finance at the age of 18 to overcoming the 2008 subprime crisis and growing her business into a leading specialist finance brokerage. With over two decades of experience, she provides deep insights into leadership, resilience, and the power of delivering exceptional service in a competitive market.

Guest: Lucy Waters

Guest Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucyhodgevantage/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker #MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging #Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring #Motivation

In this retrospective episode of the Property Funder Podcast we take a look back at the career journeys of a selection of our recent guests. These diverse stories showcase the many ways people adapt to new opportunities, build valuable networks, and embrace lifelong learning to thrive in the industry. Tune in to hear inspiring tales of resilience and growth, and feel free to share your own experiences with our community! #SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Broker

#MortgageBroker #Finance #PropertyDevelopment #PropertyDevelopers #Bridging

#Development #Refurbishment #Business #InspirationalLeaders #Inspiring

#Motivation

In this episode, host Michael Dean introduces Greg and Jacob, the newly appointed Managing Directors at Avamore Capital. This is more than just an introduction — it’s a deep dive into their leadership philosophies, career trajectories, and vision for reshaping the future of specialist property finance. Expect candid insights, a few laughs, and plenty of value for anyone in development finance.

Get in Touch:

Gregory Tarn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-tarn-2322ba7b/

gt@avamorecapital.com

Jacob Bouet Andersen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobbouet/

jba@avamorecapital.com

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes back returning guest Adam Stiles, Managing Director of Helix Financial Partners. Since his last appearance, Helix has grown from a team of three to a thriving nine-person brokerage, and Adam shares the ups and downs of scaling a business during a volatile market.

The conversation dives into the evolution of Helix’s offering, including residential and buy-to-let mortgages, protection products, and structured finance. Adam discusses the importance of moving from working in the business to on the business, and how coaching has reshaped their approach to leadership and growth.

They also unpack current trends across property finance, from 100% mortgages and JV deal structures to developer appetite, planning bottlenecks, and the often-frustrating valuation process. Adam shares hard-won insights on navigating professional relationships with valuers, lawyers, and lenders—and how clarity, speed, and communication remain crucial in today’s market.

The pair also discuss market predictions, the increasing role of semi-commercial investments, and why brokers must broaden their knowledge of different finance types. It’s a wide-ranging, candid chat full of value for brokers, lenders, developers, and anyone involved in property finance.

Guest: Adam Stiles

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstilesuk/

https://www.helixfp.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/helix-structured-finance-ltd/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#PropertyFinance #SpecialistFinance #BridgingLoans #DevelopmentFinance #MortgageBroker #CommercialFinance #BuyToLet #RealEstateInvestment #FinanceBroker #PropertyDevelopment

Michael Dean is joined by Sam Norris, founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his unique approach to property finance, emphasizing creativity, efficiency, and the importance of building strong client relationships. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to navigate the evolving property market.

Guest:

Sam Norris is the founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance, a specialist mortgage brokerage supporting property investors and developers worldwide. With over 18 years of experience in the finance industry, Sam has built a reputation for providing creative and tailored financial solutions. He is also the host of the popular podcast Game of Loans, where he shares expert insights into property finance.

Guest Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/thesamnorris/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamnorris/

https://www.youtube.com/@thesamnorris

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com