Knowledge Bank has launched a dedicated Development Finance lending type on its platform to accommodate rising demand from brokers for clearer access to development lenders.
The move makes development finance the eighth standalone lending category on the Knowledge Bank system, separating it from bridging finance where it had previously sat.
The change follows extensive feedback from brokers and lenders who said the structure no longer reflected how the market operates or how advisers search for funding solutions.
Development finance has grown increasingly distinct from short-term bridging as more brokers support clients ranging from first-time developers to experienced portfolio builders pursuing more complex schemes. As borrower strategies diversify, the need for clear, searchable criteria and visibility of lender appetite has become more acute.
LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
Knowledge Bank said brokers have consistently highlighted a lack of transparency as a key barrier in the sector, with opportunities often stalling before initial conversations take place.
In many cases, advisers reported difficulty identifying active lenders or progressing enquiries without an existing relationship with a business development manager.
By elevating development finance into its own lending type, Knowledge Bank aims to allow brokers to quickly identify which lenders are active, understand parameters around scheme size, experience requirements and funding structures, and engage the right lenders earlier in the process.
BDLA BOOST
The launch follows Knowledge Bank’s recent decision to join the Bridging and Development Lenders Association (BDLA), reflecting its deeper focus on specialist property finance and closer alignment with lenders operating in the development and short-term markets.
Shane Chawatama (main picture, inset), sales director at Knowledge Bank, said: “What I hear time and time again from brokers is that they’re crying out for education, self-development, and a clearer understanding of the options available to them.
“Knowledge Bank simply provides the platform for that first step.”
“Development and bridging lenders often tell me that ‘a conversation needs to be had, as not everything can be written in criteria’ and I get it. But my pushback is always the same: where does that conversation actually start, when brokers don’t know what they don’t know?
“Knowledge Bank simply provides the platform for that first step. We give brokers visibility of the market, clarity on criteria, and confidence to reach out. From there, by all means, pick up the phone and have that conversation.”
BETTER DISCOVERABILITY
For lenders, the new category is designed to improve discoverability among brokers actively searching for development finance solutions, particularly those without established lender relationships. Knowledge Bank said lenders supporting the launch have fully populated their criteria, allowing advisers to assess suitability before making contact.
Karen Shepherd, head of operations at Mint Property Finance, said: “We’re committed to making development finance more accessible and transparent for brokers.
“Having our criteria fully live on Knowledge Bank is an important part of that, as it ensures advisers can quickly and confidently identify whether we’re the right fit for their client.
“We’re pleased to be supporting the platform and helping brokers get the answers they need, faster.”
BETTER EDUCATION
The platform’s Notify functionality will also support the new lending type, alerting brokers to changes in criteria, new lender entrants and shifts in appetite across the development finance market.
As specialist lending continues to expand beyond traditional buy-to-let and residential transactions, Knowledge Bank said the launch reflects a broader shift towards better education, earlier engagement and more efficient access to capital in development finance – areas where friction has historically slowed deal flow.
The company said it will continue to adapt its platform structure to mirror real broker behaviour and evolving market needs, as development finance becomes an increasingly mainstream part of the adviser toolkit rather than a niche extension of bridging.
