Close Brothers Property Finance has appointed Aaron de Silva as Business Development Director, further strengthening its London team as the business continues to expand its support for SME housebuilders across London and the South East. Aaron joins from Relendex, where he spent six years specialising in structuring development finance for SME housebuilders and was involved in deal origination, execution and institutional fundraising.
Across his 15 year career in property, Aaron has gained experience across residential development, conveyancing and property finance. Beginning his career within leading agencies including Hamptons and Knight Frank, he advised asset managers and developers on new-build launches, sales strategy and developer positioning.
He later played a pivotal role in expanding a Northern-based legal firm’s new-build conveyancing division into London and the South, developing strategic partnerships with large regional and national housebuilders.
In his new role, Aaron will be responsible for establishing new relationships with SME housebuilders, introducers and sector partners across London and South East.
In 2025, Aaron was appointed Director of the R&B Housebuilders Forum, the UK’s largest independent network for SME developers, which aims to reverse the decline of small and medium sized housebuilders by giving them a stronger, united voice within the industry.
The appointment marks the latest senior hire for Close Brothers Property Finance as the business continues to strengthen its position as a trusted, long‑term partner for SME developers, supporting them through market cycles.
Commenting on the appointment, Daniel Joyce, MD of Close Brothers Property Finance, London said: “Aaron’s breadth of experience across the residential development ecosystem makes him a fantastic addition to our London team. His in-depth knowledge of the market and strong relationships with SME housebuilders and advisers will play a key role as we continue to support SME developers with simple, flexible funding.”
Aaron de Silva added: "I’m delighted to be joining Close Brothers Property Finance, whose relationship‑led culture and long track record of supporting SME housebuilders strongly resonate with my own values. Close Brothers Property Finance has built a strong reputation as a long-term partner for SME housebuilders, and I’m excited to help support the next phase of the division’s growth."
