Helping an Investor Bring an Uninhabitable Property Back to Life

Loan Amount:
£496,000

Property Value:
£663,000

LTV:
75%

Refurbishments can be relatively straightforward to assess. A cosmetic upgrade to raise a portfolio’s value is easy enough to underwrite. But where a property needs a complete overhaul to be habitable, more robust reviews are needed.

A borrower turned to us with an investment in a debilitated property. They needed our funds to acquire the home, while putting in plans to get a refurbishment started ahead of renting it out.

Our underwriter needed to make sure this deal fitted in with our parameters. To do this, they’d need to thoroughly go over the details.

Making sure the refurbishment matched up with the exit strategy

The borrower planned to cover most of the refurbishment with their own resources. As such, we determined as soon as possible that this was feasible, allowing us to focus on the acquisition.

For the exit strategy, the borrower planned to refinance with a long-term lender. Given the state of the property at the time, it may have been difficult to find another lender who’d be willing to work with the investor.

Fortunately, the underwriter confirmed that there were plenty of lenders that would be able to help once the work was done, reassuring us there’d be a way forward once the property was fully refurbished and gaining interest from tenants. Despite the risks involved, we found that the investment held a lot of long-term potential, which allowed us to deliver funding.

There’s a lot of properties out there in need of some TLC

Refurbishment, renovations, and conversions hold a lot of potential in our market. There has been a clear and accelerating rise in the number of empty residential buildings in England. The pressure is on to utilise these assets properly.

We’re ready to help investors who realise this. Our loans can help with refurbishments (including those that need planning permission), conversions of all kinds, development exits, and more.

For anyone who looks at a rundown home or an empty store and sees opportunity, we’re here to facilitate action.

FAQs

What challenges can arise when refinancing multiple properties at once?

For many investors, refinancing a mixed portfolio can feel daunting. Different properties can have different values, income streams, or tenant arrangements, which makes high street lenders cautious. At Market Financial Solutions, we understand how important it is to release equity efficiently, especially if the funds are needed for new investments or to pay off existing commitments. By taking a practical, open-minded view, we can help clients access the capital they need, even when a portfolio has varied properties.

How did you ensure a smooth process for this borrower’s refinance?

We know that timing can make or break a refinance, particularly if there are redemption penalties looming or a new purchase is waiting in the pipeline. In this case, we began underwriting on day one, reviewing each property’s details and the borrower’s goals from the start. This approach allowed us to address potential issues early and avoid last-minute delays.

Why does flexibility matter for landlords with a mix of residential and buy-to-let properties?

Investors don’t want to be forced into rigid structures that don’t suit their real-world plans. At Market Financial Solutions, we tailor each bridging loan to reflect the borrower’s wider strategy. In this scenario, the client needed a funding solution that worked across both residential and buy-to-let assets – all under one facility. Our flexible mindset meant we could create a loan that met their needs, instead of forcing them to split their portfolio or accept unfavourable terms.

How do you build trust with clients during larger refinance deals?

Transparency is key, especially when significant sums and multiple properties are involved. We keep borrowers and brokers updated every step of the way – from initial discussions and valuations to legal checks and completion. By clearly explaining our requirements and being upfront about costs, we avoid surprises further down the line. This straightforward approach gives our clients the confidence to plan ahead, knowing they can rely on us.