We recently sat down with Dorian Payne, a speaker at our upcoming event in Bristol on April 30th, to discuss his experiences in property development. From tackling complex projects to securing investment and navigating social housing, Dorian shared invaluable advice for both new and experienced developers.

The most challenging development project

When asked about the most unusual or challenging development he has undertaken, Dorian didn’t hesitate:

“The most challenging project I’ve worked on is actually the one we’re doing right now. It has every constraint you can imagine, Japanese knotweed, asbestos, demolition, contamination removal, party walls, retaining walls, basement works, waterproofing, piling, reinforced concrete, a transfer slab, a timber frame, and even a green roof. It’s a lot.”

This highlights the unpredictable nature of property development and the importance of thorough planning and risk management.

Advice for new property developers

For those just starting out, Dorian boiled it down to two essential words:

“Knowledge and network, just rinse and repeat. Build your knowledge in the property space and expand your network. If you keep doing these simultaneously, opportunities will start to present themselves.”

This simple but powerful advice reinforces the value of continuous learning and strong connections in the industry.

Securing investment: the key to raising funds

For developers looking to work with investors, Dorian emphasised the importance of being prepared and knowledgeable:

“Know your stuff. Confidence and trust are everything to an investor. If they ask you a question, you should be able to answer it without hesitation and with full confidence.”

This means doing your homework, understanding the financials, risks, and potential returns, so you can communicate effectively with investors.

Keeping projects on budget and on time

Managing costs and schedules is one of the biggest challenges in development. According to Dorian:

“Staying on budget and schedule is the art of property development itself, 90% of projects don’t hit these metrics. We focus on the pre-construction phase, because 80% of project challenges can be resolved there. The more you invest in design, specifications, scope, lead times, and preparation, the smoother things will run once you’re on-site.”

This proactive approach helps prevent costly delays and ensures a more efficient development process.

Key considerations for social housing developers

For those interested in social housing, Dorian stressed the need for collaboration and patience:

“Social housing development is a client-led business. You’re working with housing associations and councils, so you have to meet their timescales, specifications, and needs. You can’t just push things forward like a private developer, you have to take them on the journey with you.”

This means building strong relationships and ensuring your projects align with the specific requirements of housing providers.

Dorian’s insights provide a realistic and strategic perspective on property development. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced developer, focusing on knowledge, networking, preparation, and collaboration can significantly impact your success.

Want to hear more from Dorian? Join us at our Bristol event on April 30th to gain more expert insights and connect with industry professionals.