Last week, Pallas Capital’s Origination team hosted its premium brokers lunch and fireside chat at the Park Hyatt Sydney, overlooking the Opera House. The event brought together leading brokers and industry professionals for a focused discussion on market trends, lending shifts, and the role of technology in property finance.
Attendees heard from Jason Arnold and Dan Gallen of Pallas Capital, Kim Gower of VG Project Group and Giamol Pasin of Valworx. Each speaker brought a distinct perspective, yet a common theme emerged: brokers are not just intermediaries but trusted advisors navigating increasingly complex terrain.
Michael Riitano from Penfolds curated a wine tasting experience, guiding guests through a journey that was both gastronomic and educational.
The discussion opened with a look at market conditions. Urban centres continue to attract demand, especially for larger unit sizes, while regional hubs like Wollongong and Tamworth are gaining momentum due to affordability and lifestyle appeal. Rising construction costs, now averaging $1,200 per square metre, are placing pressure on feasibility, prompting developers to rethink delivery strategies.
In lending, non-bank lenders are playing a growing role, though regulatory tightening may consolidate the field. Pallas Capital reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and rigorous due diligence, particularly in private credit. The shift toward commercial lending was also highlighted, with brokers seeking more structured education to navigate this space.
Technology and AI are reshaping workflows, streamlining repetitive tasks like inspections and compliance checks. Yet speakers agreed: complex transactions still require human expertise. When paired with smarter procurement strategies, technology can help de-risk projects and improve outcomes, without replacing relationships.
Practical advice for brokers included submitting complete, itemised packages and maintaining proactive communication to improve funding certainty. The quality of submissions directly impacts turnaround times, and collaboration with experienced peers was encouraged to sharpen strategy.
Cultural values were woven throughout the afternoon. Transparency, integrity, and inclusivity remain central to Pallas Capital’s broker-first model. In a tightening regulatory environment, reputation matters more than ever. We continue to invest in broker education, mentorship, and long-term partnership.
Looking ahead, innovation is driving new lending products, particularly in the underserved sub-$10 million segment. The mid-market remains Pallas Capital’s core focus, with refinancing opportunities on the rise. As the event drew to a close, one message stood out: in a market defined by complexity and change, brokers who invest in relationships and insight will be best positioned to lead.
