Frequently Asked Questions:

Commercial finance refers to loans and funding options available for businesses and investors.

Creditworthiness, property value, business performance, and experience affect loan approval.

Brokers help by sourcing the best deals and negotiating terms with lenders.

Credit score requirements vary by lender and finance type.

Secured loans require assets as collateral, while unsecured loans do not.

Documents include business accounts, property valuations, and credit reports.

The timeline varies but can range from days to months.

Yes, alternative lenders provide finance for bad credit applicants.

Fees include arrangement fees, valuation fees, and legal costs.

A personal guarantee means the borrower is personally liable for loan repayment.

Yes, foreign investors can obtain UK commercial finance, subject to lender criteria.

VAT may apply to some transactions but not typically to loan interest.

Alternatives include private investors, peer-to-peer lending, and joint ventures.

Brokers access the whole market, often securing better rates than direct applications.

Development finance is a short-term loan designed to fund the purchase and construction of property projects.

Property developers, investors, and landlords can apply for development finance.

It can be used for residential, commercial, mixed-use developments, and conversions.

Loan amounts vary but typically range from £500k to £50m+, depending on the project.

Loan terms usually range from 6 to 36 months.

Repayment is typically made by selling the completed development or refinancing with a long-term loan.

LTGDV is the ratio of the loan to the projected total value of the completed development.

LTC is the ratio of the loan amount to the total cost of acquiring and building the project.

100% development finance is available but usually requires additional security or a joint venture structure.

Security typically includes a first charge over the property and sometimes personal guarantees.

Lenders often prefer experienced developers, but funding is possible for first-time developers with strong proposals.

Funding approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity.

Bridging finance is a short-term loan used to 'bridge' financial gaps, typically for property purchases.

Bridging loans can be arranged in as little as 5-7 days, subject to due diligence.

Bridging finance is used for property purchases, auction acquisitions, refurbishments, and refinancing.

Terms typically range from 1 to 24 months.

Most bridging loans are repaid either through property sale or refinancing.

Some lenders offer bridging finance without credit checks if strong security is provided.

Bridging loans are secured against property, with a first or second charge.

Regulated bridging loans apply to residential homes, while unregulated loans are used for investment or commercial purposes.

Yes, bridging loans are ideal for auction purchases due to their speed.

If you can't repay on time, you may face higher interest rates, penalties, or need to refinance.

Interest rates vary but typically range from 0.5% to 2% per month.

Yes, bridging loans tend to be more expensive than mortgages due to their short-term nature.

Auction finance is a fast-acting loan designed to help buyers complete property purchases within auction deadlines.

Funding can be arranged in as little as 5-7 days.

Most lenders require at least a 10% deposit, but this is subject to the lender. 

Auction finance typically covers up to 75% LTV, though higher leverage may be available with additional security.

Yes, auction finance can be used for both residential and commercial properties.

Yes, getting pre-approved before bidding can strengthen your auction position.

Auction finance is a type of bridging loan, but it is specifically designed for rapid completions.

Failure to complete may result in losing your deposit and potential legal action.

Specialist auction finance lenders, including bridging lenders and private banks, provide this funding.

Costs include arrangement fees, valuation fees, and legal fees, in addition to interest rates.

A commercial mortgage is a loan secured against a commercial property, used for investment or business purposes.

Businesses, investors, and landlords can apply for a commercial mortgage.

An owner-occupied mortgage is for business premises, while an investment mortgage is for rental income.

Loan amounts range from £100k to £50m+, depending on the property and borrower profile.

Rates typically range from 2% to 8% per annum, depending on lender criteria.

A commercial mortgage can take 4-12 weeks to complete, depending on complexity.

Security usually includes a charge over the property, and sometimes personal or business guarantees.

Deposits usually range from 25% to 40%, depending on risk and lender criteria.

Yes, but interest rates and deposit requirements may be higher for borrowers with poor credit.

Both fixed and variable rate options are available, depending on lender preferences.

Yes, refinancing options exist to improve terms, release equity, or restructure debt.

Typical fees include arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees, and broker fees.

Buy-to-let finance is a mortgage designed for purchasing rental properties.

Individuals, limited companies, and professional landlords can apply.

Professional BTL is for landlords with multiple properties; consumer BTL applies to non-professional landlords.

Up to 75% LTV is typically available.

Yes, first-time landlords can access buy-to-let finance, though criteria may be stricter.

No, but limited company structures can offer tax advantages for landlords.

Interest rates typically range from 4% to 8% per annum.

Yes, refinancing is common to release equity or secure better terms.

BTL mortgages cover standard properties, HMOs, multi-units, and student housing.

Yes, specialist lenders provide financing for HMOs and multi-unit properties.

Mezzanine finance is a hybrid of debt and equity used to bridge funding gaps in property developments.

It provides secondary funding behind senior debt to increase project leverage.

Experienced property developers and businesses can apply.

Loan amounts typically range from £250k to £20m+.

LTVs for mezzanine finance are usually capped at 75% LTV.

Interest is typically rolled up and repaid at the end of the term.

Yes, mezzanine finance is designed to complement senior development loans.

A second charge over the property is usually required.

It is typically used for funding construction, expansion, or high-growth developments.

The main risk is higher interest costs and increased exposure if the project underperforms.

***Options include business loans, invoice finance, trade finance, and asset finance.

Yes, unsecured loans are available but usually have lower limits and higher rates.

***Funding can be secured in as little as 24-48 hours.

A business loan provides a lump sum, whereas invoice finance releases cash tied in unpaid invoices.

Yes, startups can access finance, but lender criteria will be stricter.

We provide finance across multiple industries, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare.

Yes, but interest rates may be higher for poor credit applicants.

Terms range from 3 months to 10+ years, depending on loan type.

Trade finance supports businesses in importing/exporting goods by bridging cash flow gaps.

Business asset finance allows firms to spread the cost of vehicles, equipment, or machinery.

Maximum loans vary, but funding can exceed £10m for large businesses.

Costs include interest, arrangement fees, and potential early repayment charges.

Luxury asset finance provides loans secured against high-value assets such as cars, art, and jewellery.

***Eligible assets include supercars, classic cars, fine art, high-end watches, and jewellery.

Lenders provide funding based on asset value, with loans up to 70% LTV, subject to repayment terms and additional security being provided.

LTVs usually range from 50% to 70%, depending on asset type, repayment terms and additional security being provided. 

Yes, multiple luxury assets can be financed within a single loan structure.

Interest rates vary but typically range from 8% to 30% per annum.

Luxury asset loans can be completed within days, subject to valuations.

Early settlement options depend on lender terms, but exit flexibility is often available.