At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite loans and conduct due diligence in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing property lender focused on UK commercial real estate.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, a supportive culture, and direct access to decision-makers.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with high deal volume and clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: 3–6+ years in real estate lending or underwriting; strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an ambitious team with plans to scale significantly.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A well-backed and fast-growing property lender is looking to hire an experienced Underwriter to join their team in London. With a strong pipeline of deals and a diverse portfolio across development, bridging, and mezzanine finance, this is a great opportunity to take on a hands-on underwriting role in a highly active credit environment. The business is focused on UK commercial real estate and is backed by institutional capital, with a warehouse line already in place. Their platform has grown quickly since launching in late 2024 and has ambitious plans to scale their loan book significantly over the next 12–18 months.
What you’ll be doing:
- Underwrite loans across development, bridging and (ideally) mezzanine structures
- Conduct due diligence on borrowers, assets, exit strategies, and professional reports
- Review development appraisals, borrower financials and cash flows
- Prepare concise and well-structured credit papers
- Work closely with originators, case managers, valuers, solicitors and surveyors
- Identify and mitigate risks to support credit committee recommendations
What they’re looking for:
- 3–6+ years of experience in real estate lending, underwriting or credit analysis
- Strong knowledge of development and bridging finance in the UK market
- Mezzanine or stretch senior experience would be a plus
- Confident analysing development appraisals and complex lending structures
- Clear communicator with a high level of attention to detail
- Comfortable working in a lean, fast-paced, high-volume environment
Why join?
- High deal volume and exposure to a wide range of real estate transactions
- Direct access to decision-makers and the credit committee
- Well-capitalised and institutionally backed platform
- Hybrid working and supportive team culture
- Clear opportunity for progression as the platform scales
Underwriter - Real Estate Development & Bridging loans (London Area) employer: Caravel
Contact Detail:
Caravel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Underwriter - Real Estate Development & Bridging loans (London Area)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in UK commercial real estate. Understanding the current market dynamics will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the real estate lending sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the underwriting process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills, especially regarding development appraisals and cash flow analysis. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with risk identification and mitigation strategies. Highlighting specific examples from your past roles can showcase your ability to support credit committee recommendations effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriter - Real Estate Development & Bridging loans (London Area)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in real estate lending, underwriting, and credit analysis. Emphasise any specific projects or roles that demonstrate your knowledge of development and bridging finance in the UK market.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your relevant experience and why you are interested in this specific role. Mention your familiarity with mezzanine structures and your ability to analyse complex lending scenarios, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In your application, provide examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted your previous work. This could include instances where your thoroughness helped identify risks or improved the quality of credit papers.
Highlight Your Communication Skills: Since clear communication is essential for this role, include examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various stakeholders, such as originators, case managers, and valuers, in your past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caravel
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Underwriter, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on your knowledge of development appraisals, borrower financials, and cash flow analysis. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully analysed these elements.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in UK commercial real estate, especially in development and bridging finance. Being able to speak confidently about market conditions and how they impact lending decisions will show that you're well-informed and ready to contribute.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about potential risks in various lending situations and how you would mitigate them. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to support credit committee recommendations effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts concisely. Whether discussing complex lending structures or presenting credit papers, being able to convey your ideas clearly will set you apart as a candidate who can work well with originators and other stakeholders.