Crystal Specialist Finance (CSF) has appointed Michael Fisher as development finance director.

The business intends to increase its presence in the property development finance sector.

Fisher (pictured) will be tasked with educating brokers on the advantages of development finance and highlight the opportunities available nationwide.

He will also work with lenders to increase the company’s portfolio of lenders, currently standing at 30, to ensure maximum flexibility for all clients.

He said: “Many people and businesses in the property sector are looking to enter the development finance market due to the reduction in profitability for buy-to-let landlords, a fact verified by a recent United Trust Bank survey which revealed that 69% of development finance brokers anticipate greater demand in the year ahead.

“Investors are looking for better yields and property development provides an attractive opportunity. Backed by Parliament’s challenge and initiatives to the private sector to increase building to meet housing demand small and medium sized developers, both first-time and experienced, can see the huge potential.”

Jo Breeden, CSF managing director, added: “Development finance has always been core to our business, and our own figures show a big upsurge in enquiries and applications since the turn of the year. With Michael in place we are in the best possible position to further grow our market share in this rapidly evolving segment.”