‘Speed without precision creates problems, structured deals win’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks with Jason Dempsey, director at Developer Money Market.

Jason is Director and Founder of Developer Money Market, a specialist property finance brokerage focused on bridging and development funding.

With a background on the lender side, Jason saw first-hand how many funding proposals were poorly structured — often lacking clarity or overloaded with irrelevant information.

He launched Developer Money Market to raise the standard, creating detailed yet succinct funding submissions that clearly present the financials, the project, and crucially, the borrower’s ability to deliver.

Recognised in the Commercial & Bridging Power List (2022) and winner of the British Specialist Lender Awards Commercial Broker Award (2023), Jason provides access to over 320 loan products across more than 120 specialist lenders.

Known for his proactive, persistent and start-to-finish approach, he prides himself on a “never give up” mindset when securing the right funding solution for clients.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business?

The best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business is that no two days are ever the same.

Every deal has its own moving parts — different borrowers, different properties, different time pressures, different exit strategies.

One day you might be structuring a fast auction completion for a seasoned investor; the next you’re working through a complex ground-up development with layered funding and tight timelines. It keeps you sharp.

I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect. Bridging and development finance isn’t box-ticking — it’s about understanding the story behind a project and finding a way to make it work.

You’re constantly analysing risk, structuring solutions, and working collaboratively with valuers, solicitors, lenders and brokers to get a transaction over the line.

Most importantly, you can see the tangible impact of what you do. You’re helping unlock projects that create homes, regenerate areas, and allow developers and investors to grow their businesses.

It’s fast-paced, relationship-driven, and intellectually engaging, and that variety is what makes it so rewarding.

What keeps you focused?

What keeps me focused is the drive to deliver both efficiency and a genuinely high level of customer service.

In bridging and development finance, time is often the most critical factor. Clients are working to auction deadlines, refinancing pressures, or tight build schedules — so delays aren’t just inconvenient, they can be costly.

That naturally keeps me focused on moving things forward quickly, anticipating bottlenecks, and keeping all parties aligned.

At the same time, speed is meaningless without clear communication and good service. I stay focused on making sure clients always know where they stand, what’s happening next, and what’s required from them.

Even when there are challenges, and there often are in this sector, being proactive and transparent makes a huge difference.

For me, it’s about combining pace with precision. Running an efficient process while still making clients feel supported and understood is what ultimately builds trust, and that’s what keeps me motivated day to day.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

The qualities I value most in employees and colleagues are a strong combination of character and capability as both are equally important.

Likability matters because this is a relationship-driven industry. Whether dealing with clients, brokers, lenders or professional advisers, people want to work with individuals they trust and get on with. Being personable, approachable and professional builds stronger long-term relationships.

Strong customer service is essential. In bridging and development finance, clients are often working to tight deadlines and under pressure.

I look for people who take ownership, communicate clearly, and genuinely care about delivering a positive experience, not just completing a task.

A willingness to learn is another key trait. The market evolves constantly, lender criteria shifts, and every deal presents new challenges. The best people stay curious, ask questions, and actively develop their knowledge and judgement.

At the same time, technical skill and competence are just as important. You need people who understand structuring, risk, process, and detail because speed without accuracy can create real issues in this sector. Strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and commercial awareness are critical.

Finally, a strong work ethic underpins everything. This is a fast-paced, demanding industry, and you need reliable, proactive individuals who are prepared to go the extra mile when required.

In short, I look for well-rounded professionals, people with the right attitude and the right ability, because sustainable success in this business requires both.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’d say I’m a balanced realist who is an optimistic in mindset, but cautious when it comes to risk.

By nature, I like to believe there’s usually a way to make a deal work. In bridging and development finance, you have to be solution-focused. If you approach everything with a negative mindset, you’ll miss opportunities. I’m optimistic about outcomes and always look for the angle that allows progress.

However, when it comes to risk and adversity, I’m deliberately cautious. This industry is fundamentally about assessing risk properly, not just assuming everything will go to plan.

I like to stress-test scenarios, consider downside risks, and think carefully about exit strategies before committing. That caution isn’t pessimism; it’s disciplined risk management.

So I’d say I’m optimistic about opportunity, but pragmatic and careful when it comes to exposure. I believe in backing good deals but only after they’ve been properly analysed.

What did you want to be as a child?

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to own my own business. Even as a child, I loved the idea of creating something, making decisions, and being responsible for my own success.

I didn’t necessarily know back then that it would be in finance or brokering, but the drive to build, problem-solve, and help others achieve their goals was always there.

Over time, that natural curiosity and entrepreneurial mindset led me into the world of bridging and development finance where I could combine business ownership instincts with analysis, strategy, and helping clients succeed.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months?

I think one of the greatest challenges facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months will be the combination of a slow sales market and limited government support.

When property sales slowdown, it affects investors’ ability to exit developments or refinance, which in turn impacts lending activity and deal flow.

Another ongoing challenge is planning delays. Planning timescales have long been a bottleneck for developers, and with current market conditions, these delays can add extra pressure on projects, financing, and cash flow.

Together, these factors mean lenders, brokers, and developers will need to be even more proactive when carefully structuring deals, stress-testing assumptions, and keeping close communication with all parties to ensure projects remain viable despite the challenging environment.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Outside of work, I get a lot of laughs from animals doing silly, unexpected things — there’s something about the way they get themselves into mischief that never fails to brighten my day. I also have a soft spot for a bit of crude humour; sometimes the simplest, most unexpected jokes hit hardest.

My wife makes me laugh all the time too. She’s always coming out with the funniest, most unexpected comments, her “blinders,” as I like to call them, can crack me up in an instant. Dare I say she’s blonde, and I love her all the more for it! Her sense of humour keeps life fun and light outside of work.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Not at all, I actually enjoy getting stuck into the week and tackling new challenges on Monday mornings.

That said, by Friday I’m definitely looking forward to the weekend and a bit of downtime to recharge. It’s a nice balance: staying motivated and productive during the week but appreciating the chance to relax and reset at the end.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

If I’m honest, I’d probably like to be a bit taller but joking aside one thing I’d like to work on is my tendency, driven by my own motivation, to push to get things done quickly.

In many ways, it’s a strength it helps me stay efficient and deliver results for clients, but it can sometimes create stress for myself or others if my pace is faster than expected.

I’m learning to balance that drive with patience, so I can maintain efficiency without feeling pressured or putting pressure on those around me.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I think most people might choose a celebrity or someone famous, but I’d take the opportunity to have dinner with someone I could really learn from either in the industry or outside it.

I have a strong interest in investing, so it would be fascinating to hear their insights, experiences, and perspective on decision-making, strategy, and spotting opportunities.

For me, it’s less about fame and more about the chance to gain knowledge and inspiration that I can apply in my own work and life.

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