Required background: Housebuilding

Our client is a dynamic, private equity-backed property development company delivering high-quality, sustainable housing projects across London and the Home Counties. Backed by high-profile institutional investors, the business specialises in complex, residential-led development opportunities, ranging from strategic land acquisitions to large-scale regeneration schemes.

With several 100+ unit developments currently in play across the Home Counties, the company is continuing to expand its pipeline with a strong focus on sustainable design, long-term community integration, and a planning-led development strategy.

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced and commercially astute Quantity Surveyor to lead on the identification, appraisal, and acquisition of new residential development sites. The successful candidate will ideally have a strong commercial background and demonstrable experience in cost planning, feasibility analysis, and development appraisals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparing cost estimates by reviewing designs, reports, and specifications

• Allowing for site-specific abnormal costs and engaging with suppliers/subcontractors to validate assumptions

• Building and managing Excel-based viability appraisals and loading data into software (e.g. Eque2 Housebuilder)

• Forecasting project cash flow and assessing finance impacts

• Maintaining viability models through planning to commencement, with regular updates for design and cost changes

• Supporting development budgets, procurement strategies, and value engineering exercises

• Collaborating with Commercial, Land, Technical, and Finance teams to ensure accurate inputs

• Monitoring construction costs and contractor performance to help control risk

• Preparing clear reports for senior stakeholders and contributing to board/investor presentations

Candidate Requirements:

• 5+ years in land acquisition, development appraisal, or residential real estate
• Track record of identifying or supporting acquisitions in London/South East
• Strong financial modelling (Excel) and cost estimation skills, including cash flows and residuals
• Familiarity with viability and budget platforms such as Eque2
• Excellent communication skills and experience presenting to senior teams
• HNC/HND minimum in Construction; degree in Real Estate, Planning, or Finance preferred
• RICS pathway/accreditation advantageous

Ref: 3893IG