At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite and structure loans for real estate projects, balancing risk and creativity.
- Company: Join a high-growth Real Estate debt fund with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Strong salary, bonus potential, and a clear path to equity.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and direct involvement in live transactions.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of lending in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in real estate lending or underwriting; strong UK property market knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Caravel are partnering with a high-growth Real Estate debt fund that is actively scaling its lending platform. With deep access to capital and an ambitious deployment strategy, the business is quickly building momentum across Development, Bridging and Mezzanine finance.
What makes this opportunity particularly compelling is the timing — the firm is investing heavily in both its people and its infrastructure, including a significant upgrade to their technology stack with a strong focus on AI and smarter underwriting processes. For someone who enjoys being close to decision-making and shaping how a lender evolves, this is a genuine chance to have impact early in a growth story.
The Opportunity
- You’ll join a lean, entrepreneurial team where underwriters are trusted to think commercially, not just tick boxes.
- The role offers direct exposure to live transactions and the chance to help structure loans across multiple asset classes in a fast-moving environment.
- The fund is already deploying capital at pace and targeting substantial loan book growth in the near term.
Working closely with originators, credit committee members and external advisors, you’ll take deals from initial review through to funding — balancing risk with creativity to get transactions over the line. They have an experienced origination team that help pre‐underwrite deals and before this role helps to do the deep dives into opportunities, then using your analysis to help price individual deals.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Underwriting and structuring Development, Bridging and Mezzanine loans secured against UK real estate.
- Carrying out detailed due diligence on borrowers, assets, planning, costs and exit strategies.
- Analysing financial models, development appraisals and borrower accounts.
- Interpreting valuation reports, QS feedback and legal documentation.
- Writing clear credit papers and presenting key risks and mitigants.
- Engaging directly with brokers, borrowers and professional counterparties throughout the deal lifecycle.
- Supporting post‐completion monitoring where required.
What They’re Looking For
- Around 2+ years’ experience in real estate lending, underwriting or structured finance.
- Strong understanding of development and bridging loans (mezzanine exposure is advantageous).
- Solid knowledge of the UK property market and development feasibilities.
- Comfortable managing multiple live transactions with tight timelines.
- Clear communicator with the ability to articulate deal risks succinctly.
- Highly organised, detail‐oriented and commercially minded.
Why It’s Worth a Conversation
Beyond a strong salary and bonus, there is a clear mid‐term path to equity — something rarely offered at this level. If you’re motivated by growth, want to work closer to capital, and like the idea of helping shape a lender as it scales, this role offers far more than a typical underwriting position.
Underwriter – Real Estate Development, Bridging & Mezzanine Finance in London employer: Caravel
Join a leading European Wealth Management and Tax Planning advisory business in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers extensive opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary package, including performance-related bonuses and benefits. Embrace the flexibility of a hybrid working model while contributing to meaningful legal operations that enhance efficiency and governance across the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriter – Real Estate Development, Bridging & Mezzanine Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the real estate finance sector, especially those who work at firms you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your underwriting experience and analytical prowess. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having tangible examples of your work can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Read up on the latest in real estate lending, especially around development and bridging loans. Being knowledgeable about current market conditions will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are eager to make an impact. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you might even catch the eye of our hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriter – Real Estate Development, Bridging & Mezzanine Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Real Estate:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for real estate shine through! We want to see that you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely excited about the opportunity to shape a lender's growth story.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your written application is straightforward and to the point. Highlight your relevant experience in underwriting and structured finance without waffling on. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can articulate deal risks succinctly.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with our needs in Development, Bridging, and Mezzanine finance. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures it gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caravel
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial modelling skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've analysed development appraisals or borrower accounts. This role is all about balancing risk with creativity, so showing you can crunch the numbers while thinking commercially will impress.
✨Understand the Market
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the UK property market and current trends in real estate lending. Be prepared to discuss recent developments or case studies that highlight your knowledge of bridging and mezzanine loans. This shows you're not just a number-cruncher but also someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex deal risks succinctly. You’ll need to write clear credit papers and present key risks, so being able to convey your thoughts in a straightforward manner is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your communication style.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
This role involves managing multiple live transactions with tight timelines, so demonstrate your organisational prowess. Bring examples of how you've successfully juggled competing priorities in the past, and be ready to discuss your strategies for staying on top of deadlines.
