Napthens Real Estate Club brings market realities into focus

Napthens welcomed property professionals from across the north west to its latest Napthens Real Estate Club (NREC) event, held at Brindle Distillery on Thursday 25th June 2026.

The event, titled Real Estate Realities – how deals are really playing out in 2026, brought together experts from across the sector to discuss how the market is evolving and what this means for those funding, delivering and managing real estate transactions.

The evening was delivered in partnership with Preston and East Lancashire Handelsbanken branches, who supported the event.

The evening featured two focused panel discussions. The first, The 2026 deal room: who’s funding what – and why, examined how funding dynamics have shifted, the growing role of alternative and structured finance, and the increasing importance of certainty, track record and evidence in securing deals.

The second panel, When it works – and when it doesn’t: lessons from the market, explored what happens after completion, including the factors behind both overperforming and underperforming assets, and how investors and lenders are responding when schemes no longer align with original expectations.

Across both discussions, three themes emerged: greater discipline from funders, more complex funding structures and an increasing focus on asset quality and long-term performance.

The panels also highlighted the continued strength of the north west market, where demand, affordability and supply constraints continue to support activity despite wider economic pressures.

Jamie Allison, Head of Real Estate at Napthens, said:

‘What came through clearly from both panels is that deals are still getting done, but only where there is clarity, credibility and a well-structured proposition. Funders are engaged, but expectations are higher, and the market rewards those who are prepared and realistic about both risk and opportunity.’

This focus on long-term performance and disciplined decision-making was echoed by panel speakers, including Gill Newman, Head of Real Estate and Housing Business Origination at Lloyds Banking Group, who added:

‘We’re seeing a clear link between long-term asset performance and the quality of original decision-making, from sustainability considerations to funding structure. The assets that are outperforming are typically those where that thinking was built in from the start.’

Attendees also had the opportunity to connect informally with peers from across the real estate sector, reinforcing the role of NREC as a forum for practical insight, open discussion and relationship-building within the market.

Napthens will continue to host NREC events throughout the year, bringing together clients, contacts and industry professionals to share perspectives on the issues shaping the real estate landscape.