Refinance for an Expat in Need of a Large Loan

Loan Amount:
£9,780,000

Property Value:
£13,000,000

LTV:
73%

Refinancing a deal can be tricky at the best of times. In the current market, finding tolerable terms or flexibility is difficult.

But, these issues can be ramped up when the underlying borrower is investing via a company, and has multiple streams of income & wealth. This would require a lot of due diligence from a lender.

One of our underwriters had to deal with such a case, raising the details internally to ensure we could find a way forward. Fortunately, by focusing on the essentials, we managed to get funding delivered quickly.

Mitigating the risks involved

The borrower turned to us for refinance that would be put towards clearing an existing facility, and to raise capital. The case was straightforward enough, with paperwork that accounted for everything.

However, based on the borrower’s profile, appropriate due diligence still had to be carried out without the refinance being delayed, which could have made the loan requirement redundant.

To mitigate this, our underwriter raised this deal internally to ensure everyone was comfortable in progressing, and any delays could be minimised. Also, we ensured that they’d be able to move on from our loan comfortably upon exit. With everything accounted for, we provided the borrower with the refinance they needed.

Welcoming overseas investors

Despite all the negative rhetoric surrounding the property market, expats and overseas buyers still appear to have a lot of faith in the UK economy. We recognise this at Market Financial Solutions (MFS), which is why all our products remain open to expats, offshore companies, trusts and more.

What’s more, our new Bridge Fusion product was designed from the ground up to accommodate this corner of the market. As Mike Cook, our chief mortgage officer, recently detailed: “Even now, Britain, and especially London, attracts commercial investment from foreign nationals. But investors with overseas ties are likely to face an even tougher time with our banks at the moment.

“That won’t be an issue here though. Fusion will be there for foreign nationals looking to expand in the UK market for the first time, build a presence and history, with funding available for large scale renovation projects, first-time commercial landlords, and professional portfolio owners looking for large loans of £3m to £20m”

So long as borrowers want to invest in UK property, we will so what we can to offer a way forward.

FAQs

Why is it difficult in the current market to find favourable refinancing terms?

In today’s market, interest rates and tighter lending criteria have made it harder for borrowers to secure favourable refinancing options on the high street. Many traditional lenders are more cautious, especially with larger loans or complex ownership structures. We can help clients navigate these challenges by offering flexible terms and taking a pragmatic view on credit history, ownership arrangements and repayment strategies.

What is different in your underwriting process when the client is a company?

When we work with corporate borrowers, we carry out additional due diligence on the company’s financial standing, ownership structure and trading history. We look closely at the entity’s accounts, cash flow and any parent or related companies involved. If offshore companies or trusts are part of the transaction, we also ensure full transparency through KYC and Anti-Money Laundering checks, making sure all parties meet regulatory requirements. This allows us to deliver tailored solutions even for highly complex company structures.

What kind of foreign nationals do you accept?

We are open to lending to foreign nationals, including those buying through offshore companies or trusts, provided they are from jurisdictions that are not subject to sanctions or high-risk regulatory restrictions. We conduct enhanced due diligence on these cases to ensure compliance with all legal and financial requirements. Our approach gives international clients confidence that they can secure UK property finance confidently.

What are special features of Bridge Fusion?

Bridge Fusion offers a highly flexible structure designed for borrowers with complex needs. Features such as rolled-up or deferred interest options allow borrowers to minimise cash flow strain during the term. We can also combine bridging and term elements in one facility, enabling clients to transition smoothly between short-term and long-term borrowing. This product is particularly useful for larger or multi-asset deals where timing and flexibility are crucial.