Property Developers Playbook

Property Developers Playbook is your go-to podcast to the world of property development and investment. Hosted by Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd, who both have experience as developers and as main contractors, this podcast dives into the strategies, challenges, and rewards of real estate development. Whether you're a contractor looking to transition into development or an investor looking to scale, each episode provides actionable insights, dos and don’ts, and first-hand experiences from those on the ground. Join us as we interview top developers, tackle common pitfalls, explore innovative solutions, and discuss the mindset required to thrive in property development. Property Developer’s Playbook is more than just advice; it’s a blueprint for unlocking your potential in property development. Tune in to start building your knowledge, confidence, and your success.

Property Developers Playbook is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 65 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Property Developers Playbook, a business show with 65 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #65

  65: Talking Interior Design And Property Development With Tanith McKenzie

  Aug 16, 20261h 6m

  In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron sit down with residential interior designer Tanith McKenzie to unpack the vital role interior design plays in profitable property development. Tanith clears up the misconception between basic interior styling and structural interior architecture, highlighting why developers need design input during the blueprint phase rather than after first fix.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Involve Designers at the Blueprint Stage: Bringing an interior designer on board during architectural planning prevents costly site re-works, such as poorly placed radiators, awkward light switch configurations, or blocked window treatments. Interior Design vs. Interior Styling: True interior design goes beyond choosing cushions and paint colours; it covers spatial flow, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), electrical and plumbing layouts, and functional daily living needs. Streamline Delivery with Consolidation Centers: Storing procured furnishings at a consolidation center ensures items are pre-inspected for damage (e.g., smashed mirrors), insured, and delivered in a single white-glove installation pass with zero site packaging waste left behind. Invest in Daily High-Touch Points: Perceived luxury doesn't require a blowout budget. Spending on tactile features such as solid-weight doors, quality ironmongery, premium tapware, and dimmable, layered lighting instantly elevates a home's appeal. Say Goodbye to All-Grey and All-White Spaces: Market trends are shifting away from cold, clinical grey or plain white interiors toward warmer, timeless neutral tones and natural textures that make a home feel inviting and lived-in. BEST MOMENTS "I put a plaster on my daughter, it doesn't make me a doctor... so leave my profession alone!" "I like to be involved right from the get-go... I'm trying to get inside your head essentially and ask, 'How are you going to live in this house?'" "You shouldn't have any first-world problems when you're renovating or building a home and spending all this money." "Anything that has got high traffic and that ultimately you are touching on a day-to-day basis, you need to be spending money on." "I think lighting and layering is such a missed opportunity to bring a real area of luxury." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. FOR REFERENCE Website: https://www.tanithmckenzie.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/tanith_mckenzie/⁠ OUR SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive 

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  Episode #44

  64: Contaminated Land, Japanese Knotweed & Hidden Costs: Uncovering Site Constraints

  Aug 9, 202623 min

  In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the hidden hazards lurking beneath property development sites. From soil contamination and historical land usage to invasive plant species like Japanese knotweed, they break down why a clean-looking plot can often be deceiving.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Looks Can Be Deceiving: A site may appear flat, clean, and ready for construction, but historical uses can leave behind hidden contaminants like heavy metals and oil. 150% Land Remediation Tax Relief: Developers cleaning up qualifying contaminated land can claim 150% tax relief on remediation costs to offset future tax liabilities. Invasive Species Threaten Mortgages: Invasive plants like Japanese knotweed feature aggressive root systems that can threaten building integrity, cause severe lender/mortgage issues, and require certified long-term remediation. Ecological Constraints Impact Timelines: Seasonality and protected wildlife can halt development work for months, making early ecological reports vital. Use Site Constraints in Offer Negotiations: Uncovering ground issues during the evaluation phase enables developers to factor remediation costs into their financial appraisals and negotiate a lower purchase price. BEST MOMENTS "Looks can be deceiving... when it comes to development, it's exactly the same: don't believe everything you see when you see a piece of land or a building." "You can use these things as actually a good buying tool... if you're prepared to sort of wait and play the game a little bit, there is actually something you can do."  "These are things that can't be bodged... You've got to deal with this properly. It has to be the paperwork trail—it's understanding where these contaminants and waste go, where they're treated."  "Budget for the unknown. You will have a contingency, but if you can identify these constraints... while you're doing your evaluation phase of the project, it'll help with the negotiations."  "Don't let it put you off at all. You will learn over time what to spot, how to deal with it, and costs associated with it... just make sure one of the key people in your team has that knowledge already." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. OUR SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive

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  Episode #63

  63: When Deals Go Wrong: Navigating Property Development Failures

  Aug 2, 202626 min

  In this episode, Kieron flies solo while co-host Jonathan takes a break to deliver an honest, candid look at the uncomfortable reality of property development: failed deals, lost capital, and unexpected setbacks. Kieron shares behind-the-scenes stories from his own portfolio, including a promising five-house development that unraveled due to planning restrictions and a high-margin site he had to walk away from when investors capped their funding.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Setbacks Are Tuition, Not Failure: Losing time, energy, or money on a deal isn't a personal failure; it's an essential part of the learning curve that shapes a sharper developer. Stick Strictly to Your Numbers: Never inflate Gross Development Value (GDV) or squeeze contingency buffers just to make an unprofitable deal look viable on paper. Avoid Emotional Attachment: Falling in love with a site design or layout clouds objective decision-making; development must remain a disciplined, factual process. Verify Planning Constraints Early: Always conduct independent due diligence on planning permissions and redline boundaries rather than relying solely on third-party assumptions. Know When to Walk Away: Whether due to tight timelines, investor limits, or changing market conditions, having the discipline to say "no" saves you from catastrophic losses down the line. BEST MOMENTS "Don't see this as a failure... it's all learning." "The deal you lose makes room for the one you were actually supposed to do." "Property development isn't about winning every deal; it's about surviving long enough to win the right ones." "If it doesn't work, it doesn't work... don't try to make the deal work." "You've got to brush yourself off, get back on the horse, and just go again." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. OUR SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive

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  Episode #62

  62: Not All Leads Are Deals: How to Filter Property Opportunities

  Jul 26, 202620 min

  In this episode, Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd dive discuss the essential skill of evaluating and filtering property development leads. For new and scaling developers alike, it is easy to fall into the trap of "shiny penny syndrome," treating every incoming lead like a goldmine. KEY TAKEAWAYS Filter Fast to Protect Your Time: New developers often jump at every opportunity, but early disqualification is key. Running leads through personal criteria early prevents wasting weeks on non-viable sites. Profit is Made at the Buy: Always calculate your Gross Development Value (GDV) and subtract your profit margin and build costs first to establish the maximum purchase price. Never work backward from an agent's or vendor's asking price. Build a Diverse Sourcing Network: High-value leads come from establishing long-term relationships with land agents, commercial brokers, architects, local builders, and direct-to-vendor outreach. Identify Vendor Motivations: Whether a seller needs a fast exit to repay lending or is open to a Joint Venture (JV), understanding their pain points enables creative, win-win deal structuring. Align Leads with Strategy: Spreading risk across multi-unit developments or commercial conversions offers economies of scale, better tax rates, and greater control over the surrounding site environment compared to single residential flips. BEST MOMENTS "Not every deal is a deal." "The more you progress in your career as a property developer, you will hone your filters." "You make your money when you buy." "It's a marathon, not a sprint. It's not a get-rich-quick scheme... it's a get-rich-slow scheme." "Your success as a developer isn't measured by how many leads you receive; it's by what you buy and what makes profit in the long run." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. OUR SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive

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  Episode #61

  61: 3 Truths Every Property Developer Needs to Hear: Save You Time, Money and Stress

  Jul 19, 202612 min

  In this special solo episode of the Property Developers Playbook, Jonathan Stobbs takes the mic to share some candid, actionable advice for developers and business owners at every stage of their journey. While Kieron's away, Jonathan breaks down three critical mindset shifts required to thrive in the demanding world of property.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Delegate to Elevate: You cannot and should not try to do everything yourself. Building a reliable "power team" of architects, planning consultants, brokers, and mentors is essential to maximising your 24 hours. Avoid the Comparison Trap: Comparing your starting point to someone else's highlight reel is a quick way to become demoralised. Stay focused on your unique journey and timeline. Social Media is an Illusion: The flashy cars and completed projects posted online rarely show the reality of property development journey. You aren't seeing the sleepless nights, planning refusals, construction delays, and cash flow pressures that precede the success. Beat Overwhelm with the "Next Step": When a project feels too massive to handle, stop looking at the entire mountain. Break the problem down, delegate what you can, and focus solely on the very next action required. Consistent Action Creates Momentum: Small, consistent wins like attending a single networking event, calling a commercial agent, or analysing one site compounded over time builds the foundation of a successful development business. BEST MOMENTS "People comparing themselves to others is basically comparing your chapter one to someone else's chapter 20. You have no idea where they are in their journey..." "Every master was once a disaster, and it just takes that consistent action to be able to get there." "What we don’t see [on social media] is all the struggles, all the planning refusals, delays, construction delays, sleepless nights, cash flow pressures, mistakes they’ve made." "Our mind is the biggest soap opera writer ever, and we just need to focus on the facts rather than worrying about all the different what-if scenarios." "Focus on the next step, not the next hundred." YOUTUBE CHANNEL ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@propertydevelopersiq HOST BIOS Jonathan is a property developer and entrepreneur with a background in finance and construction. Originally from South Africa, he holds degrees in Accounting and Auditing and relocated to England in 2003. He gained financial and operational experience at firms such as RSM, Prudential, and Baker Tilly before transitioning into property. Since 2014, Jonathan has managed major commercial-to-residential conversions and new build developments, particularly across the South West. His analytical mindset and on-the-ground experience help listeners navigate the property world with confidence. Kieron is a construction expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of industry experience. Starting as a mason, he went on to found Shepherd Construction in 2012, delivering projects across both the public and private sectors. From extensions to luxury new builds, Kieron has earned a reputation for quality, precision, and strong leadership. As Managing Director, he’s involved in every stage—from design to delivery—offering a no-nonsense, deeply practical perspective to anyone looking to build with success. OUR SOCIALS https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.stobbs.1979/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstobbs/  https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.stobbs/  https://www.facebook.com/kieron.shepherd.73  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kieron-shepherd-83b979aa/  https://www.instagram.com/kieron__shepherd/  https://www.propertydevelopersplaybook.co.uk/  Book your seat now on our 3-day live event, Property Developers Bootcamp  https://www.propertydevelopersiq.co.uk/pdblive

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