Selectivity is reshaping development finance
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In the June issue of PERE, Emma Burke, Managing Director, Development Lending at Arrow Global, examines how a more selective market is reshaping residential development finance across the UK and Western Europe. She argues that tighter underwriting, regulatory complexity and higher financing costs are not diminishing the opportunity set, but sharpening the distinction between well-structured, financeable schemes and the rest. The article explores what institutional capital should look for in today’s market, from sponsor alignment and execution capability to operating resilience and market-specific regulation, and why experienced lenders are increasingly well placed to unlock compelling opportunities in living-sector development.
“In a more demanding market, return potential increasingly comes from disciplined origination, detailed underwriting and the ability to structure around complexity.”
“For investors looking at private credit and real estate lending, residential development finance remains an attractive and highly relevant part of the opportunity set.”
“In today’s market, experienced lenders are best placed to unlock opportunities that require both flexibility and conviction.”
Read the full article here
Emma Burke
Managing Director Development Lending
Emma is a residential and commercial development finance specialist with more than 23 years of experience building strong business relationships across the UK and Ireland. As Managing Director, Development Finance Origination, across Maslow’s UK and European markets, she oversees a broad client portfolio and leads new lending relationships. Her industry insight and strategic vision make her a highly effective leader within the business.
She has deep experience in development finance, most recently serving as Head of Origination at Octopus Property. During her time there, Emma originated and structured development debt facilities while leading a team of five development finance specialists.
Before this, Emma was part of the Structured Property Finance team at Investec Private Bank, where she focused on deal origination and portfolio management. She has extensive experience in structuring development facilities across a wide range of asset classes, including industrial units, hotels, residential schemes, large PRS developments and serviced apartments.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Business, Honours degree from the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.