by Martyn Smith, Managing Director at Black & White Bridging.
I’ve been in the specialist lending arena for over thirty-five years, and bridging finance has near enough remained close to its origins of being flexible, short-term finance which is secured against property .
A bridging loan has remained a very useful tool for property investors and developers as the repayment term can be tailored to meet the client’s needs, with most bridging loans having a repayment term of less than 12 months. Further flexibility can be found in a bridging loan, for example other properties may be considered as security in addition to the principal property if that property does not offer enough security on its own. By having a common-sense approach and looking at the bigger picture of each application, it allows Bath & West to ensure the best chance of success for each and every application we receive.
Given the recent changes of ‘Article 4’ Direction on the permitted development rights in Bristol, we see some additional obstacles to overcome for developers to obtain full planning permission prior to works in certain areas of the city, for example on change of use to HMO’s. These same areas are still producing high yield opportunities, and still allowing many of the developers we have supported take advantage of the many opportunities out there once planning has been obtained.
We’ve seen strong demand from developers in all major cities for short-term finance to convert both semi-commercial and commercial properties into residential use, whether for BTL or re-sale, catering for the demand lead by growing populations for quality and affordable housing.
Despite some market hesitation over the last 12 months , our clients are certainly seeing a greater number of regional opportunities to expand upon. Our refurbishment and conversion bridging product is in most cases offered on the basis of the main property and the proposed exit route; rather than the borrower’s ability to meet regular repayments, and our bridging products and flexible approach can assist property investors and developers in a wide variety of situations to release each property’s full potential.
See below some of the examples Bath & West have supported to allow property investors and developers achieve their goals.
