Knowledge Bank launches dedicated development finance lending type

Knowledge Bank has announced the launch of a dedicated development finance lending type on its platform, marking the eighth lending type available to brokers and lenders using the system.

While development finance criteria has always existed within Knowledge Bank, it has historically sat under the bridging finance category. Following feedback from brokers and lenders, the decision has now been made to elevate development finance into its own standalone lending type.

The move reflects the continued evolution of the specialist finance market, as brokers increasingly support clients who are becoming more adventurous in the way they grow and diversify their property portfolios. From first-time developers to experienced portfolio builders, demand for clear, accessible development finance criteria has grown significantly.

Feedback gathered during Knowledge Bank research highlighted a recurring challenge for brokers: a lack of clear access to lenders and, in some cases, no established relationship with a BDM. Brokers reported that without visibility of criteria or a clear route to market, opportunities were being missed before conversations could even begin.

By creating a dedicated development finance lending type, Knowledge Bank aims to remove that barrier, allowing brokers to see who is active in the space, understand lender appetites, and identify suitable options before engaging in deeper discussions.

Knowledge Bank’s Notify functionality will also play a key role, helping to connect brokers and lenders more effectively by alerting users to criteria changes, new entrants, and evolving lender appetites within the development finance space.

The launch also follows Knowledge Bank’s recent decision to join the Bridging and Development Lenders Association (BDLA).

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.”