In this episode of the Property Funder Podcast, host Michael Dean welcomes back returning guest Adam Stiles, Managing Director of Helix Financial Partners. Since his last appearance, Helix has grown from a team of three to a thriving nine-person brokerage, and Adam shares the ups and downs of scaling a business during a volatile market.

The conversation dives into the evolution of Helix’s offering, including residential and buy-to-let mortgages, protection products, and structured finance. Adam discusses the importance of moving from working in the business to on the business, and how coaching has reshaped their approach to leadership and growth.

They also unpack current trends across property finance, from 100% mortgages and JV deal structures to developer appetite, planning bottlenecks, and the often-frustrating valuation process. Adam shares hard-won insights on navigating professional relationships with valuers, lawyers, and lenders—and how clarity, speed, and communication remain crucial in today’s market.

The pair also discuss market predictions, the increasing role of semi-commercial investments, and why brokers must broaden their knowledge of different finance types. It’s a wide-ranging, candid chat full of value for brokers, lenders, developers, and anyone involved in property finance.

Guest: Adam Stiles

Guest Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstilesuk/

https://www.helixfp.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/helix-structured-finance-ltd/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#PropertyFinance #SpecialistFinance #BridgingLoans #DevelopmentFinance #MortgageBroker #CommercialFinance #BuyToLet #RealEstateInvestment #FinanceBroker #PropertyDevelopment

Michael Dean is joined by Sam Norris, founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his unique approach to property finance, emphasizing creativity, efficiency, and the importance of building strong client relationships. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to navigate the evolving property market.

Guest:

Sam Norris is the founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance, a specialist mortgage brokerage supporting property investors and developers worldwide. With over 18 years of experience in the finance industry, Sam has built a reputation for providing creative and tailored financial solutions. He is also the host of the popular podcast Game of Loans, where he shares expert insights into property finance.

Guest Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/thesamnorris/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamnorris/

https://www.youtube.com/@thesamnorris

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

Michael Dean sits down with Sam Norris, founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance. Sam shares his inspiring journey from a trainee broker to building a thriving mortgage brokerage, offering valuable insights into the property finance industry and the importance of persistence in overcoming challenges.

Guest:

Sam Norris is the founder and managing director of Grand Union Finance, a specialist mortgage brokerage supporting property investors and developers worldwide. With over 18 years of experience in the finance industry, Sam has built a reputation for providing creative and tailored financial solutions. He is also the host of the popular podcast Game of Loans, where he shares expert insights into property finance.

Guest Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/thesamnorris/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamnorris/

https://www.youtube.com/@thesamnorris

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com