In residential development, no two days are ever quite the same. And for Myles Butler, Assistant Manager in LRG’s New Homes Residential Development team, each day brings a fresh set of opportunities to support clients, shape schemes and guide developers towards successful outcomes.
In this article, we sit down with Myles to learn more about his daily role, the challenges he helps developers overcome and the milestones that have shaped his career so far.
Starting the day informed
For Myles, mornings are about preparation. “I start my day by catching up on the latest news, both generally and within the housing sector,” he explains. “This ensures I’m well-informed for any client conversations and can offer the most relevant guidance.”
Unlike those who swear by an early morning workout, Myles saves his exercise for the evening. “For me, it’s the perfect way to switch off an unwind after a busy day.”
A role that’s never routine
When asked what a ‘typical day’ looks like, Myles smiles “No two days are ever the same, which is something I love about my role. A typical week is a mix of valuation work, client meetings and business development. This variety keeps things interesting and has been crucial in helping me become a more well-rounded professional.”
That balance extends to time spent in and out of the office. “Some weeks are more report-focused, but that’s always balanced with site visits and client meetings. On average, I’d say I spend about a third of my week out of the office, connecting with clients and seeing projects firsthand.”
Helping developers overcome challenges
Myles plays a critical role in supporting developers through some of the most important stages of a project. “Accurate site valuations are fundamental to success. Overpaying can quickly lead to financial trouble, while undervaluing means losing out to competitors,” he explains.
But his support doesn’t stop there. “Once a site is acquired, I help developers understand the market through detailed reports and ongoing appraisals. This gives them valuable insights into potential buyers and the competitive landscape. It also allows our teams to collaborate on scheme layouts and develop a strong marketing and pricing strategy for a successful sales launch.”
Making a tangible difference
One of the most rewarding parts of Myles’ role us seeing his advice make a real impact. “I’m currently working with a client who has outline planning permission and is preparing their Reserved Matters application. We’re advising them on optimising site layout, house types, and the placement of affordable homes. By sharing our experience of what works well in the current market, we’re helping them create the most commercially viable and appealing scheme. Ultimately, our guidance directly impacts the client’s potential revenue.”
Building Strong Relationships
Relationships are at the heart of residential development, and Myles believes in keeping things personal. “Building strong relationships comes down to being proactive and engaging early in the process. While it might seem simple, making the effort to meet face to face is the most effective way to build trust and make a lasting impression.”
The best part of the job
For Myles, the real highlight is seeing projects take shape. “My favourite part is watching a site transform into a community of homes and knowing that our advice helped shape that transformation. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the tangible results of our collaboration.”
Career Milestones
Looking back over his journey so far, one achievement stands out. “Although it was just over a year ago, earning my Associate RICS qualification was a significant milestone for me. When I started my career in property, this wasn’t on my radar, but the industry has increasingly moved towards valuing qualifications. With the encouragement of my superiors, I pursued it. The experience has given me greater confidence in my abilities, and I’m proud to say I am now enrolled to become a fully chartered surveyor.”
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges of the role, Myles finds his work incredibly fulfilling. Each valuation, appraisal and client meeting play a part in shaping new communities across the region.
At LRG New Homes, we’re proud of Myles’ dedication and the expertise he brings to every project. His commitment to helping developers succeed ensures that, one site at a time, better places to live are being created.
