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Property Developers Playbook

Property Developers Playbook

Jonathan Stobbs & Kieron Shepherd 58 Episodes Oct 18, 2026

Property Developers Playbook is a podcast hosted by Jonathan Stobbs and Kieron Shepherd, both experienced developers and main contractors. It explores strategies, challenges, and rewards of real estate development, offering actionable insights for contractors transitioning into development or investors looking to scale. Each episode features interviews with top developers, common pitfalls, innovative solutions, and the mindset needed to succeed in property development.

Episodes

74: The Reality of Large-Scale Development: A Two-Year Acquisition
74: The Reality of Large-Scale Development: A Two-Year Acquisition Oct 18, 2026 1349 Jonathan and Kieron provide a comprehensive project update on their latest major development: Luxstowe House in Liskeard. They detail the acquisition and planning journey behind transforming this 1831 Grade II listed building—which has historical ties to the founders of Barclays Bank—into a 34-apartment residential complex. The discussion covers the specific challenges of listed building planning
73: Navigating The Various Methods of Construction - REVISITED
73: Navigating The Various Methods of Construction - REVISITED Oct 11, 2026 2622 This week, we revisit one of our older episodes that you may have missed! Jonathan and Kieron unmask the various methods of construction used in property development. They discuss the pros and cons of traditional brick and block construction, highlighting its reliability and buyer perception, while also exploring the growing popularity of timber frame and modular construction methods. They cover
72: Labour’s "Your First Home" Scheme: What It Means for Property Developers
72: Labour’s "Your First Home" Scheme: What It Means for Property Developers Oct 4, 2026 1158 In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron discuss the latest housing market announcements from the Labour conference, specifically focusing on the new "Your First Home" scheme for first-time buyers. Before analyzing the policy, they share progress updates on their Saltash development and recap a recent open day at Luxor House in Liskeard, where they proactively engaged with the local community and host
71: How To Manage These Problems Every Developer Will Face: Cost, Contract & Neighbour Disputes
71: How To Manage These Problems Every Developer Will Face: Cost, Contract & Neighbour Disputes Sep 27, 2026 2201 In this Q&A episode, Jonathan and Kieron answer key listener questions covering the core business of property development. They break down how to properly budget for contingencies, how to navigate party walls and neighbour relations as critical project stakeholders, and the mechanics of holding back retentions under JCT contracts.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Maintain a 10% Contingency: While 5% continge
70: Recycled Aggregates & Regs: How Developers Can Reduce Landfill and Save Cash
70: Recycled Aggregates & Regs: How Developers Can Reduce Landfill and Save Cash Sep 20, 2026 1501 In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron dive deep into the often-overlooked world of property development waste management. Highlighting the surprising statistics around construction waste in the UK, where the sector accounts for over 60% of total waste generated, Jonathan and Kieron explore practical strategies for reducing landfill reliance, lowering project costs, and maintaining regulatory compli
69: The Property Handover: The Importance of O&M Manuals
69: The Property Handover: The Importance of O&M Manuals Sep 13, 2026 1109 In this episode, Jonathan and Kieron detail the property handover process, focusing on the creation and management of Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals. They outline the critical documentation developers must provide to buyers to ensure long-term building health, compliance, and ease of maintenance. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Purpose of O&M Manuals: Main contractors are contractually obligated
68: The Cowboy Builder Crackdown – Good Idea or More Red Tape?
68: The Cowboy Builder Crackdown – Good Idea or More Red Tape? Sep 6, 2026 1958 Jonathan and Kieron dissect the Prime Minister's pledge to combat "cowboy builders" and the proposed government-run escrow portal designed to protect £10 billion in lost industry funds. Instead of relying on slow bureaucratic systems, they outline practical ways to use JCT contracts and independent surveyors to securely manage project capital and protect both contractors and clients. KEY TAKEAWAY
67: You Asked, We Answered: Property Development Q&A
67: You Asked, We Answered: Property Development Q&A Aug 30, 2026 2201 In this episode of the Property Developers Playbook, Kieron and Jonathan dive into a Q&A format, addressing key questions from their listeners about property development. They discuss the importance of contingencies in development finance, emphasising the need for a reserve fund to cover unforeseen costs. KEY TAKEAWAYS Contingency Planning: Developers should factor in a contingency of 10% for
66: Master the Pitch: How to Present Property Deals to Vendors and Investors
66: Master the Pitch: How to Present Property Deals to Vendors and Investors Aug 23, 2026 1636 In this episode, Kieron and Jonathan give an update on their latest development projects before diving deep into the art of presentation in property development. They discuss how you present yourself, your offer proposals, and your deal opportunities can make or break a deal with vendors, estate agents, and investors. KEY TAKEAWAYS Avoid Flippant Email Offers: Simply emailing a single cash figur
65: Talking Interior Design And Property Development With Tanith McKenzie
65: Talking Interior Design And Property Development With Tanith McKenzie Aug 16, 2026 3957 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 TAK
64: Contaminated Land, Japanese Knotweed & Hidden Costs: Uncovering Site Constraints
64: Contaminated Land, Japanese Knotweed & Hidden Costs: Uncovering Site Constraints Aug 9, 2026 1357 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
63: When Deals Go Wrong: Navigating Property Development Failures
63: When Deals Go Wrong: Navigating Property Development Failures Aug 2, 2026 1544 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 w

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