Team

A Team Built on Lived Experience and Trust

We bring together lived experience, social care insight and property know-how to create safer homes for people who need them most.

Our People

Combining Property, Social Care and Lived Experience

Our core team blends lived experience of mental health, hands-on work in health and social care, and real-world property and deal sourcing skills. We councils, housing associations and support services to turn good intentions into safe, sustainable homes that actually work for the people living in them.

Ledership

Dwayne Smith

Founder & CEO

Lived experience practitioner and social impact housing lead

Tiago Garcia

Head of Business Development & Deal Sourcing

Oversees new opportunities and our UK & international deal sourcing team
Advisors

Lived Experience & Safeguarding Advisors

Support our work with trauma-informed, person-centred insight so every home feels safe and respectful.

Housing Law & Compliance Solicitors

Advise on tenancy law, contracts and enforcement so our agreements stay aligned with current UK housing regulations.

Finance, Tax & Accountancy Advisors

Help landlords and investors structure deals, manage cashflow and stay on top of tax and compliance.

Mortgage & Finance Brokers

Source lending options for purchases, BRRR projects and refinances, with a focus on sustainable rental models.

Refurb & Development Project Advisors

Support layouts, costings and schedules so refurbishments and conversions are safe, compliant and value-adding.

Architect & Planning Advisors

Guide us on design, space optimisation, HMO layouts and planning considerations to maximise both safety and returns.

International Partnerships & Market Advisors

Help us assess ethical social-impact opportunities in markets such as Portugal, Dubai and South Africa.

“At District Nest, our culture is built on lived experience, honesty and real social impact. We care about the people behind every property and we work hard to make sure our homes feel safe, stable and respectful.”

Dwayne Smith
Founder & CEO
Careers