The Intermediary – May 2025 - Flipbook - Page 60
Q&A
London’s Surveyors and Valuers
Jessica O’Connor speaks with Tony Bunting, commercial
director at London’s Surveyors and Valuers, about the
changing valuations market
advice in a way that’s both technically robust and
commercially relevant.
Second, the speed of the specialist lending
space has carried over into how we operate as a
firm. Lenders in the market expect clear, fast, nononsense advice and that’s shaped our culture and
delivery. We aim to be responsive, solution-driven
and to add value beyond just a figure on a page.
Third, it has deepened our understanding of
non-asset classes and complex deal structures
has deepened.
My experience with short-term bridging
and development drawdowns mean we’re
confident advising on unusual cases.
Finally, it’s built a strong network of
relationships formed with lenders,
brokers, lawyers and other stakeholders
in the finance market, often evolving
into long-term instruction streams or
strategic opportunities.
Can you tell us a bit about your
career, and how you entered the
surveying market?
Having originally come from a lending background,
I developed a strong understanding of how credit
decisions are made, how risk is assessed, and the
internal pressures lenders face, particularly around
speed, regulatory compliance and deal structure.
This foundation gave me a valuable insight
into the mechanics of funding, pricing and
portfolio management.
Transitioning into the specialist
market and broking space – noting that
I hold CeMAP – allowed me to apply
that knowledge from the other side of
the table. I was able to bring a lender’s
mindset to brokered deals, structuring
cases in a way that pre-empts underwriting
concerns. It also meant I could build
stronger relationships with lenders, speaking
their language and aligning our cases with their
appetite.
In specialist lending markets, every deal is
different, often time sensitive, asset driven or
creatively structured, so you need to think laterally
and move quickly. That pace and complexity have
shaped how I operate. I am always looking to add
value beyond the immediate transaction.
How has your previous experience
impacted your current role?
First, it has sharpened my commercial awareness,
understanding how lenders think and how
decisions are made in niche lending environments
like bridging, development and commercial, gives
me a clear advantage when discussing quotes.
I know what underwriters, credit committees
and investment teams are really looking for,
which allows London’s to present valuation
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The Intermediary | May 2025
How has the surveying market
TONY
BUNTING
changed over the past few years?
Virtual inspections and desktop valuations
became more common during the pandemic;
however, some lenders have continued to
use these where appropriate.
The post-pandemic market uncertainty,
especially in the retail and office space, led to
more cautious valuations. Greater emphasis on
due diligence and detailed assessments have
become the norm.
Residential property saw a boom during
and after the pandemic due to changing living
preferences, such as a desire for more space and
flexibility for remote working.
Commercial property saw mixed fortunes,
logistics and industrial sectors grew, while high
street and office demand declined or shifted.
Lenders became more conservative during
the height of the pandemic and have gradually
readjusted their position since.
