At a Glance
- Tasks: Underwrite and structure loans for exciting real estate projects while managing live transactions.
- Company: Join a high-growth Real Estate debt fund with a focus on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and a clear path to equity.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and impact in a scaling business.
- 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 with strong 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. The more people you know in the real estate lending space, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your underwriting experience and successful deals. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your value to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Caravel, and express your interest. A personal touch can go a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your talents. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to make an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Underwriter – Real Estate Development, Bridging & Mezzanine Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Underwriter role. Highlight your experience in real estate lending and any specific projects you've worked on that relate to Development, Bridging, or Mezzanine finance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this opportunity and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the UK property market!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since the role involves analysing financial models and conducting due diligence, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed similar tasks in the past. We want to see your analytical prowess in action!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining 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 from your past experience. Understanding the intricacies of development, bridging, and mezzanine loans will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can apply them practically.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to dive deep into case studies or hypothetical scenarios during the interview. Be ready to analyse financial models and articulate how you would approach due diligence on borrowers and assets. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively under pressure.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating complex deal risks in a straightforward manner. The interviewers will appreciate a clear communicator who can present key risks and mitigants succinctly, as this is crucial for engaging with brokers and borrowers throughout the deal lifecycle.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
Bring examples of how you've managed multiple transactions with tight timelines in the past. Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail, as these are essential traits for success in a fast-paced environment like this one.
