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How much can I borrow?- For bridging loans we can lend up to 70% of the value of the property. - For refurbishment loans we can lend up to 70% of the anticipated GDV of the project. - For development loans, we can lend up to 65% of the anticipated GDV of the project. Please note that some asset types may have a restricted maximum loan to value or loan to gross development value ratio, such as land or commercial properties. If you would like us to prepare a finance quote for your latest opportunity, please get in touch and we would be happy to assist.
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Do I need a broker?Brokers can bring significant value to the process by ensuring that any finance you are considering appropriately meets your needs, as well as offering their experience and advice throughout the process. We are happy to work with you directly though if you choose not to appoint a broker to assist you.
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Do you require personal guarantees?Yes, in most cases we will require a personal guarantee to be provided by any ultimate beneficial owners with a 20% or more shareholding in the borrowing company.
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How do you complete KYC (Know Your Customer) checks?We have partnered with Red Flag Alert to streamline our KYC checks , this saves you having to scan your ID or find copies of your proof of address, instead, the whole process can be completed from your smartphone in less than 5 minutes.
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Do I need a solicitor?Yes, you will need to appoint a solicitor to represent you. The solicitor acting on your behalf must have a practising certificate, be registered with The Law Society and the firm must be SRA regulated with a minimum of 2 partners.
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Do you accept dual representation?Unfortunately we are unable to consider dual-representation and you will need to be separately represented by your own solicitor.
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Do you accept applicants with bad credit?An applicant's credit history is one of the things that we review when assessing a case. We generally expect clients to have a clean credit file with no major blemishes, however we understand that everyone's credit history is different and if you would like us to consider your circumstances in more detail please get in touch with us to discuss.
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What happens if I am unable to repay on time?We will keep in touch with you regularly throughout your loan term to ensure that your exit strategy is on track and provide any assistance we can along the way. We understand that things don't always go to plan though and so we are able to consider loan extensions if you need a bit of extra time. You should let us know as soon as possible if you think you might not be able to repay your loan on time so that we can work collaboratively to find a solution.
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How does a bridging loan work?A bridging loan is made up of a single advance, made to you on completion. You will have an agreed term (up to 18-months) in order to repay the loan, however the flexibility of a bridging loan means that you can repay early without paying any ERCs. The process for obtaining a bridging loan is fast and straight-forward, usually following these steps: - We will prepare a quote for you based on your initial enquiry. - If you would like to proceed, you can submit a full application to us for assessment. - Credit-backed terms will be issued once the application has been reviewed. - The property valuation can be instructed. Solicitors can also be instructed at this stage, or you can choose to wait until the loan documents have been issued. - Once a satisfactory valuation has been received, we will be able to issue your loan documents. - Once all underwriting and legal points have been satisfied, we can then proceed to completion.
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What information do you need for a bridging loan?Every transaction is different and so in some cases we may need some additional information, however in most cases, we will require the following: - A completed application form with asset & liability schedule. - A property schedule detailing any other properties that you own. - A valuation of the property (which we will arrange for you). - A strategy of how you intend to repay the loan. - For purchases, we will need to see evidence of the funds you will be contributing. - If you would like to service the interest we will also need a completed income & expenditure form and evidence of your income. We know that transparency and dependability are important if you have a deadline to meet and so we will always let you know what our loan conditions are when we issue you with credit-backed terms.
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How long can I take a bridging loan for?Our maximum loan term for bridging is usually 18 months.
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How much interest will I pay and how do I pay it?The amount of interest to be paid will always be clearly shown in any loan quotes, credit-backed terms or loan offer documentation so you know exactly how much interest you will pay on your loan. Interest can either be serviced monthly, retained or part & part. If you choose to service the monthly interest you will need to make monthly payments to us. Retained interest means that we calculate the amount of interest for the loan term and this is deducted from the total loan up-front, we then apply it to the account on a monthly basis. With part and part, you can choose to retain interest for a period of the loan term and then service it for the remainder. As the rate on your loan will be variable, the total amount of interest payable could go up or down.
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What fees might I have to pay?Transparency is key so that you understand the total cost of the loan. For bridging loans, there is usually a £175 application fee which is charged on submission of a full application. The credit-backed terms and loan documentation that we issue to you will detail all expected fees for the loan (including any relevant broker fees, valuation fees and legal fees). We will also issue you with a copy of our tariff of charges document which details any other fees or costs for additional documentation or services. A copy of this document is also available on our website here.
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How long does it take to get a bridging loan?Bridging loans can be completed very fast as we are able to review information and make decisions quickly. We have access to a large panel of surveyors to get valuations completed in a short time-frame and can use a fast-track legal process to streamline the conveyancing. If you have a particular deadline to meet for a transaction please make us aware so that we can do our best to make it happen.
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What type of properties do you lend on?We can consider all types of properties: residential, mixed-use, commercial and land. We will need to be confident that you have a viable exit strategy in place for the loan and that the asset could be refinanced or sold.
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Do you lend to first-time investors?Yes, we are able to lend to first-time investors.
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How do refurbishment and development loans work?Refurbishment & Development loans are usually made up of an initial advance which is made to you on completion, alongside further advances (referred to as drawdowns) from the development facility throughout the loan term as you complete works on site. You will have an agreed term (up to 24-months) in order to repay the loan, however you can repay early without paying any ERCs. The development facility will cover 100% of the build cost and is usually drawn in arrears against completed works which are approved by our project monitor. The process for obtaining a refurbishment or development loan is fast and straight-forward, usually following these steps: - We will prepare a quote for you based on your initial enquiry. - If you would like to proceed, you can submit a full application to us for assessment. In most cases we will also want to complete a site visit or video call to discuss your background and the project in more detail. - Credit-backed terms will be issued once the application has been reviewed. - The property valuation and project monitor initial report can be instructed. Solicitors can also be instructed at this stage, or you can choose to wait until the loan documents have been issued if you would prefer. - Once the reports have been received, we will discuss any updates with you and will be able to issue your loan documents. - Once all underwriting and legal points have been satisfied, we can then proceed to completion. - When you would like a drawdown from the development facility, just contact us and we will arrange for the project monitor to visit the site. Soon after we have received their report, we will approve a drawdown and funds will be sent to your account. If you would like to find out more, please feel free to contact us to discuss refurbishment & development loans in more detail.
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What information do you need for a refurbishment or development loan?Every transaction is different and so in some cases we may need some additional information, however in most cases, we will require the following: - A completed application form with asset & liability schedule. - A property schedule detailing any other properties that you own. - A detailed breakdown of your refurbishment/development costs. - Plans, drawings and evidence of any relevant permissions for the proposed works. - A valuation of the property (which we will arrange for you). - An initial report on the project by the appointed project monitor. - A strategy of how you intend to repay the loan. - For purchases, we will need to see evidence of the funds you will be contributing. We know that transparency and dependability are important if you have a deadline to meet and so we will always let you know what our loan conditions are when we issue you with credit-backed terms.
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How much interest will I pay and how do I pay it?Interest for refurbishment & development loans is charged on the loan account balance and applied to the account monthly. When we structure your loan, we will be able to estimate the amount of interest payable based on us modelling the amount advanced on completion, the amount of the development facility and how many drawdowns you will take. We will make you aware of this interest estimate in any loan quotes, credit-backed terms or loan offer documentation. We do not allow interest to be serviced on refurbishment & development loans, interest can only be rolled-up. As the rate on your loan will be variable, the total amount of interest payable could go up or down.
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What type of projects do you lend on?Our lending appetite means that we can consider most project types. One of the key things we will consider for the property being refurbished/developed is that there is a viable exit strategy for the loan once works have been completed. Please contact us if you would like to discuss a particular project with us in more detail to see if we can help.
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What happens if I go over budget on my project?The development facility will always include a contingency allowance to cover unexpected or increased costs, however we understand that things don't always go to plan and in some cases you may be faced with an additional cost which cannot be covered by the contingency allowance. As soon as you are aware of a funding shortfall you should let us know so that we can work together to overcome this and get the project back on track
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Do you lend to first-time developers?We are able to consider lending to first-time developers with thoroughly planned projects. Property developments are usually complex and so we will want to make sure that all matters have been well-considered and that an appropriate level of due diligence has been undertaken by the client. Please contact us if you are a first-time developer and are interested in securing finance for your first project.
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How long does it take to get a refurbishment or development loan?We are able to progress refurbishment and development loans fast and make decisions quickly. In order for your application to progress as quickly as possible, you should aim to have all information ready and prepared. Our valuer and project monitor will need a sufficient amount of information about your project to complete their review so ensuring this is readily available and detailed enough helps to avoid delays. Please see the following 2 questions 'What information will the valuer need?' & 'What information will the project monitor/Quantity surveyor need?' for more information. A good solicitor who has experience in property developments will also help to streamline the legal process. If you have a particular deadline to meet for a transaction please make us aware so that we can do our best to make it happen.
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What information will the valuer need?The valuer will need to have a thorough understanding of your project so that they can determine the likely GDV once completed. As a guide, they will likely need the following: - Full site details including address, site area/boundaries and access details. - Drawings for the project including site plans, floor plans, elevations & sections etc. - Copies of any relevant planning decision notices and any subsequent approvals, i.e. condition discharges, amendments etc. - Schedule of accommodation showing the proposed GIA of the proposed units (if not obvious from the drawings). - A specification of the proposed level of finish. - Details of any restrictions placed on the site either by way of planning conditions, S106 etc. - Details of any easements affecting the site, access restrictions etc. - Your anticipated GDV figure. - A breakdown of the costs required to complete the project.
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What information will the project monitor/quantity surveyor need?The project monitor/quantity surveyor will need to have a thorough understanding of your project so that they can assess whether the development budget and programme are sufficient to complete the project. The information needed by the QS will vary depending on the scheme that is being considered, although as a guide, they will likely require the following: - Full site details including address, site area/boundaries and access. - Drawings for the project including site plans, floor plans, elevations & sections etc. - Copies of any relevant planning decision notices and any subsequent approvals, i.e. condition discharges, amendments etc. - Copies of any Listed building, conservation or environmental approvals. - Utilities/Services plans. - Schedule of accommodation showing the proposed GIA of the proposed units (if not obvious from the drawings). - A specification of the proposed level of finish. - Details of any restrictions placed on the site either by way of planning conditions, S106 etc. - Details of any easements affecting the site, access restrictions, party wall notices required, rights to light or oversailing requirements. - Evidence of any buildings regulations initial notices and amendment notices submitted. - CDM details including pre-construction information, F10 notification and construction phase plans. - Details of any site investigations completed so far, including asbestos surveys, ground investigation reports, environmental & contaminated land reports, arboricultural and tree surveys, ecology and habitat surveys etc. - A breakdown of the costs required to complete the project, this should broadly include: - Demolition costs - Construction Costs - Contingency amount - Professional fees - Any S106/CIL costs Note that the QS will need an elemental breakdown of each part to ensure that the budget is appropriate. - A project programme detailing the timeline for completion of the works. - A cashflow forecast for the development. - Details of the proposed New build warranty or insurance being used, i.e. NHBC. - Details of the contractor who will be completing the works. - Contractor background and experience of completing similar type schemes. - Details of the professional team involved with the project (Architect, Structural Engineer etc.). - Insurance information for the contractor and professional team. The contractor will need to supply both evidence of sufficient public & employers liability insurance as well as an all risks/contract works insurance. The professional team will need to supply evidence of professional indemnity cover. - The form of contract (and a draft copy if available) under which the contractor will be appointed i.e. JCT Design & Build.
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What fees might I have to pay?Transparency is key so that you understand the total cost of the loan. For refurbishment & development loans, there is usually a £495 application fee which is charged on submission of a full application. The credit-backed terms and loan documentation that we issue to you will detail all expected fees for the loan (including any relevant broker fees, valuation fees and legal fees). We will also issue you with a copy of our tariff of charges document which details any other fees or costs for additional documentation or services. A copy of this document is also available on our website here.
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How quickly are drawdowns released?We understand the importance of getting funds over to you as soon as possible to keep your project moving which is why we prioritise the review of interim reports from our project monitor. We generally say that funds will be released within 48 hours of receipt of the interim report although in most cases we hope that funds are with you within 24 hours after we have received the report. In order for the report to be completed as quickly as possible by the project monitor, you should aim to have all relevant information prepared and readily available. When visiting site and preparing their report, the project monitor will be looking to establish the following: - That the build is on budget so far and that the remaining development facility is sufficient to complete the outstanding works. - That the build is on programme so far and whether there are any expected delays. - That all consents have been obtained and that the property is being built out in line with the approved permissions. - That insurances for the build team remain valid and up to date. - That the works completed on site so far are to a satisfactory standard. - That regular visits have been made by building control and your warranty provider.
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How do I request a drawdown on my refurbishment or development loan?Once you are ready for a drawdown (or close to), just contact us to let us know and we can arrange for the project monitor to contact you to arrange this and they will also let you know what information they will require.
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How often can I take a drawdown?There is no limit on how often you can take a drawdown from your development facility, however we do have a minimum amount that can be drawn of £20,000. We generally expect monthly site visits & reports from our project monitor, however if you have a specific payment arrangement with your contractor or need more regular site visits then you can make arrangements directly with the appointed project monitor to accommodate these.
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What's the difference between refurbishment & development finance?Both refurbishment & development loans are structured in a similar way. We consider refurbishment loans for smaller projects, or as a general rule, where the cost of refurbishment/conversion works are less than the current value of the property. Development loans are for new-build projects or where the refurbishment/conversion works are more complex or in excess of the current value of the property.
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