At Colecar Strategic Land, relationships matter and for Strategic Land Director Daniel Lewis, understanding landowners is more than just part of the job. It’s something he’s grown up around.
With a family background rooted in agriculture and land promotion, Daniel understands the pressures, priorities and emotions that often come with land decisions. That insight, combined with experience across the property and housebuilding sectors, allows him to approach every opportunity with both commercial understanding and a genuine appreciation for the people behind the land.
Daniel began his career in the Development Team at Savills in Cambridge before moving into the private development sector with Latimer, Clarion Housing Group’s development arm. He then spent four years with Vistry Northern Home Counties, gaining valuable experience delivering residential developments and working closely with landowners, planners, consultants and local authorities.
This broad experience across consultancy, affordable housing and private housebuilding gives Daniel a well-rounded and unique understanding of the development process from every angle, something that benefits both landowners and agents looking for clear, realistic and commercially informed advice.
“What I enjoy most is the variety,” says Daniel. “No two sites, landowners or deals are ever the same. Every conversation is different, and building relationships is a huge part of what makes the role rewarding.”
Daniel believes one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today is balancing government housing ambitions with the increasing costs placed on development.
“There’s growing pressure around affordable housing delivery, Section 106 obligations and long-term management responsibilities on schemes. The challenge is ensuring developments remain viable while still delivering best value for landowners. If landowners feel they aren’t achieving fair value, many simply won’t bring land forward — which ultimately restricts housing supply.”
For Daniel, this is where a more personal and agile approach matters. Unlike some of the larger strategic land promoters, Colecar Strategic Land prides itself on being approachable, transparent and relationship-led; working collaboratively with landowners and agents to create tailored strategies rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Outside of work, Daniel enjoys country pursuits, rugby, sailing and skiing; interests that reflect both his rural background and his love of the outdoors.
