A practical answer
While a partner at an Auckland law firm, Neil Dowsett connected a property buyer who could not secure bank finance with clients seeking a first-mortgage investment.
The Kensington story
Built on a
practical idea.
Auckland, 1991
One borrower.
One investor.
A better fit.
The story began when a law-firm client could not secure bank finance over a recently purchased property. Neil Dowsett connected that borrower with clients seeking a first-mortgage investment.
The arrangement created a practical opportunity for both sides. As more clients sought the same service, an ancillary legal offering grew into a specialist finance business—and eventually Kensington Finance.
The timeline
A dedicated structure
Growing demand led to the incorporation of Skeates Simpson Dowsett Solicitors Nominee Company Ltd.
The next chapter
The business became SDM Lawyers Nominee Company Ltd as its legal and finance work continued to develop.
Kensington Finance
The finance business outgrew its origins within the law firm and Kensington Finance Limited Partnership was established.
Experience, still personal
Kensington remains independent and family run, with decisions made by a small Auckland team and relationships that often span decades.
New Zealand wide
Local knowledge, broader reach.
Kensington remains based in Mt Eden and lends against commercial, rural and residential property throughout New Zealand.
Its scale is deliberate: relationships stay personal, the people assessing the transaction remain accessible, and experience is applied directly.
Meet the team