Knowledge Bank has launched a dedicated Development Finance lending type on its platform, making it the eighth lending category available to brokers and lenders using the system.
Development finance criteria had previously been housed under the Bridging Finance category. Following feedback from brokers and lenders, Knowledge Bank has separated it into its own standalone lending type to improve visibility and make it easier to identify suitable lenders.
The change reflects shifts in the specialist finance market, where brokers are increasingly supporting clients who are diversifying their property strategies. Demand has grown among both first-time developers and experienced portfolio builders for clearer and more accessible development finance criteria.
Research carried out by Knowledge Bank found that brokers often struggled to identify active lenders in the development finance space. In some cases, brokers reported having no established relationship with a business development manager, which limited their ability to progress enquiries. Without clear criteria or a defined route to market, opportunities were frequently lost before meaningful conversations could begin.
By introducing a dedicated Development Finance lending type, Knowledge Bank aims to remove this barrier. Brokers can now see which lenders are active, understand lender appetite, and shortlist suitable options before entering detailed discussions.
The launch follows Knowledge Bank’s recent decision to join the Bridging and Development Lenders Association (BDLA), signalling a stronger focus on supporting both brokers and lenders operating across development and bridging finance.
Shane Chawatama, 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."
"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.”
For lenders, the new category creates an earlier point of engagement with brokers who are actively searching for development finance solutions but may not yet have established relationships with providers. Clearer categorisation is intended to improve discoverability and encourage better-informed conversations at an earlier stage in the process.
Lenders participating in the launch have completed their criteria in full, ensuring brokers can access detailed information directly through the platform.
Karen Shepherd, head of operations at Mint Property Finance, said: “At Mint Property Finance, 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.”
