Welcome to the Richard Butler Creagh blog. Richard Butler Creagh started his career in building an industry where he ran his own company based primarily in north-west London called Butler-Creagh Refurbishments specializing in working for developers and refurbishing their properties to prepare them for the market. In 2013 Richard Butler-Creagh founded Henley Finance which provides short-term bridging finance to the property development sector. Here is Richard Butler Creagh's advice on how the market challenges facing property developers heading into 2019.

Market sentiment
Brexit is clearly a defining challenge of the year and will be going into 2019. The uncertainty around what a final deal will look like – coupled with wide-ranging commentary about the implications for the economy – has seen buyers lose confidence.

Extended sales periods
The knock-on effect of a slowing market is an increase in sales periods. The market slowdown has thrown multiple spanners into the works. It is vital now that developers take a proactive approach to sales and start the process as early as possible. 

Funding
As GDVs are squeezed, sales get harder; the cost of debt and the funding available decreases. Developers are having to get ever more creative to address these funding shortfalls, whether that’s expensive finance exit products, mezzanine loans or refinancing as a buy-to-let (BTL) and holding until sales pick up.

Bottomline
These challenges won’t abate come January, but there’s a couple more to add to the radar as Brexit approaches. Beyond the obvious risks to the economy, Brexit also has the potential to impact demand, with tighter mortgage lending criteria and immigration checks for foreign buyers a possibility.

Whatever the future holds for the property market, taking advantage of opportunities has clearly never been more important. If you are considering purchasing property then speak to a finance expert beforehand to assess all your options. Contact Richard Butler-Creagh on the Henley Finance website. Read more about Richard Butler Creagh online here and join the Richard Butler Creagh professional network on Linked.

Watch this  Henley Finance video and see what they can offer you:

While progress is being made in a range of areas, from water to waste, building more sustainable buildings that make a greater social contribution is also a clear priority and sustainability is now a core factor for more and more businesses. Having a more sustainable approach will help boost UK productivity, career opportunities, enhance people’s earning potential and help protect the environment and climate upon which we and future generations depend.

This shift in attitudes and policy gives the real estate and construction industries the opportunity to develop buildings that not only match the needs of the people working in them but also the requirements of the broader community.

Also key is developing a good relationship with local authorities, as they will have excellent insight into the needs of the community. Partnering with the right surveyors, architects and planners – who themselves prioritize the social value of their work – can help firms, construction companies, and developers to ensure their buildings have a real social impact.

A good example of this approach is through life homes. These are homes that adapt with their owners. They are all about flexibility and adaptability and designed to create and encourage better living environments over lifetimes. 

To learn more about the best finance options for you to visit the Henley Finance website, or contact Richard Butler Creagh here. Read more about Richard Butler Creagh online here. You can also follow Richard Butler Creagh on Twitter here.

Watch this video about Henley Finance and what they can offer you: