Jon Kempson

Introducing Jon Kempson

We pride ourselves on how communicative, and receptive we are at Market Financial Solutions. We work hard to ensure all enquiries are responded to within 4 hours, and that all cases are underwritten from day one.

Yet few embody that commitment to open dialogue more than Jon. There is no query or challenge that Jon won’t tackle from the get-go. In his view, no deal will truly yield the best results for everyone without openness, and legitimate responsiveness.

Given how complicated the market is becoming, this commitment to communication may prove essential over the coming months. Something Jon is acutely aware of.

Is there anything you’d like to see prioritised in the specialist finance market?

The broader picture is on Jon’s mind.

“I’d like the process to be a lot simpler for everybody across the industry,” he said.

“So, even if it’s regulated or non-regulated, there are just too many touch points between the different parts. I’d like closer collaboration between each industry and each area to make things move a lot easier.”

Specifically, this could include us as a lender, the solicitors involved, public bodies, planners, financial advisors, etc.

“Closer ties would be the biggest thing, it would just make our market a lot more attractive to customers, as well as talent. We could get new, eager people into the industry to enhance it further.”

Where do you think there could be opportunity or potential for property investors in the market?

Interestingly, Birmingham council’s misfortune could create opportunities for local property investors.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunity emerging at the moment in supported living here. With Birmingham council going bankrupt, they’re trying to lean on private investors to provide the supportive accommodation needed for vulnerable tenants – that is definitely a trend increasing in this area.”

Aside from this, Jon noted there are some “really good pockets” of residential BTL opportunity in the West Midlands. For brokers and borrowers, it may be worth seeking them out.

Are there any typical borrowers or cases that you tend to work with, and what do you enjoy about your corner of the market?

“There’s a lot of BTL interest here, especially in Birmingham,” he said.

This takes on multiple facets for Jon too, which keeps things fresh for both him and the brokers he works with.

“It’s all aspects of BTL too. It could be your HMOs, multi-unit blocks”.

It’s worth remembering that Market Financial Solutions can work with HMOs and MUFBs, as well as the “standard” BTL assets. Luxury properties, new builds, auction properties, and more all fall under our remit.

This also stretched to loan size/property value, as Jon continued: “I’ve got areas of Stoke where I could be looking at £100,000 properties, but then you’ve got areas in Birmingham where you could be looking at a couple million pounds. It’s that difference in range which makes things interesting.”

In fact, it’s the “diversity” of the brokers and/or borrowers that he works with which Jon finds most enjoyable.

“The investors are getting a lot smarter on how to invest and build this market. It’s a good place, and there’s plenty we can offer in the West Midlands as a specialist lender.”

What do you do to get your mind off the world of property finance?

“I’m a family man. I’ve got four kids, so my life is very busy.”

One wonders how Jon manages to find time for his brokers!

“I’ve been the typical dad taxi service. I run around pretty much doing everything I can to make life as enjoyable as possible for them.

“Aside from that, I’m a huge Formula One fan, I like socialising – I’ve got a big green egg barbeque so I love to get that out in the garden when I can.”

No doubt, that BBQ will be in service to his handful of children, along with their friends! For any broker who can relate to being an exhausted parent, while also working hard to get a deal over the line, Jon will happily take your call.