The Milton Keynes Property Developer Show brought together over 300 developers, service providers, and property professionals under one roof, offering a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to those seeking to succeed in property development. With 33 exhibitors, two stages of expert speakers, and insightful takeaways, the event provided valuable insights that can help developers navigate the challenges of today’s market while capitalising on emerging opportunities.

Speaker highlights

Stage 1 – Sponsored by CrowdProperty
The first stage kicked off with a powerful presentation by Kam Dovedi from Premier Property, who spoke about how to get started and succeed in property development. The importance of understanding finance was underscored by Rupert Lowe from CrowdProperty, who offered tips on how to successfully apply for property development finance.

Daniel Rust from Connolly Accountants shared his insights on building tax-efficient, intergenerational wealth through property, a crucial topic for long-term financial stability. Richard & Brynley Little from Your Land Partner explored development opportunities for 2025 and beyond, while William Stokes from Co-Space captivated attendees with his talk on transforming workspaces and commercial buildings.

Stage 2 – Sponsored by Procurement 4 House Builders
On Stage 2, Sonia Mann from Roma Finance (2025 headline sponsors) spoke about securing tailored finance solutions for property developers. Finbarr Doyle from Procurement 4 House Builders discussed how SME developers can thrive in 2025, offering valuable advice for smaller-scale developers. Michael Primrose from The Property Finance Collective presented strategies for financing deals that seemed impossible, while Daniel Kennedy from KML Ventures shared how he’s de-risking his developments.

The stage concluded with Adam Lawrence from Propenomix telling a captivating story about his journey and lessons in property, followed by Sreelal Harilal from Provident Homes, who provided real-world insights into property development, from blueprint to building.

Key takeaways from the event

Legislative changes create new opportunities

With the introduction of the Grey Belt and new opportunities in the Green Belt, there is now more potential for large-scale projects. Developers are encouraged to keep an eye on these changes, as they could unlock previously untapped opportunities for growth.

Risk management

It’s often said that the deal is made when you buy, not when you build. Securing flexible terms, conducting thorough due diligence, and managing risks are critical to ensuring that your deals are financially sound. Partnering with experienced professionals can also help you navigate the complexities of the market.

Collaboration

The property development industry is ultimately a people business. Strong partnerships and collaborations can lead to better project outcomes. Developers are encouraged to look for opportunities where there is enough profit to share, fostering collaboration and mutual success.

Maximising existing assets

Instead of solely focusing on new acquisitions, many developers are discovering hidden potential in their existing properties. Conducting asset audits can reveal opportunities for additional units or value enhancements, offering a smart way to grow without starting from scratch.

What we learned

The event also underscored two major challenges facing property developers in 2025:

1. The economic climate: With rising costs of borrowing, labour, and materials, delivering projects on budget has become more challenging than ever.
2. Government policy uncertainty: A shift in government policy, particularly with the new Labour government, is creating uncertainty for firms trying to plan long-term.

Despite these challenges, there is optimism in the sector. The industry is eager to support and educate clients, and there are still plenty of exciting opportunities for developers willing to adapt and innovate.

Key strategies for successful property development

The Milton Keynes Property Developer Show revealed several strategies that can drive success in property development. Here’s a streamlined approach to thriving in this competitive industry:

• Stay proactive: Keep a close eye on industry trends, legislative changes, and evolving market conditions to stay ahead of the game.
• Build a strong network: Collaborate with reliable architects, consultants, and contractors to ensure smooth project execution from start to finish.
• Structure deals wisely: Focus on securing flexible, risk-mitigating terms in agreements to protect your interests and give you room to adapt.
• Think long-term: Incorporate energy-efficient solutions into your projects, which not only appeal to the market but offer long-term financial benefits.
• Embrace technology: Use digital tools to streamline project management, design, and construction, ultimately improving efficiency and reducing costs.
• Manage finances carefully: Maintain steady cash flow by avoiding excessive debt and planning for unforeseen delays or cost overruns.
• Learn from others: Connect with experienced developers to gain valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls in the process.

By adopting a strategic, flexible approach, developers can successfully navigate the ever-changing property landscape in 2025 and beyond.

The event was a reminder that property development is about combining the right products, services, and expertise to make the most of emerging opportunities. With a proactive approach and the right strategies in place, developers can continue to thrive in this ever-changing market.

Missed out on the Milton Keynes event? Don’t worry, join us at our next location in Bristol on 30th April for the ultimate property networking event, designed to help you improve your projects and connect with industry professionals.