
Loan Amount:
£450,000
Property Value:
£784,000
LTV:
56%
A borrower required our funding to help with a complicated investment in a commercial property, while also covering an existing charge.
The property, while in need of some modernisation, held a lot of potential. It could generate relatively high rents from tenants, and may also have been sold on fairly quickly should the need arise.
But, while the property was solid, it was the borrower’s background which potentially may have held back the investment. Our underwriter had to go through each of the issues to find a way forward.
Dealing with missed payments
Some years prior, the borrower faced challenges in their finances. In analysing their details, we found they had missed several payments with external vendors and service providers. Fortunately, we found that these were isolated incidents, despite occurring relatively close together. The borrower’s current credit record was clean.
Also, they had a CCJ in their background. But, we discovered that this CCJ was disputed and was essentially written off from their record by the time they approached us.
The borrower was clearly very organised with their affairs and, with a thought-out refinancing exit strategy at the ready, we were confident the investment sat on solid foundations.
Looking beyond the blips
Financial challenges – such as missed payments, CCJs, and bankruptcies – can be devastating for any property investor. Even where they may not be entirely fair, or have already been resolved.
A person’s credit history can follow them for a long time, often emerging at the most inconvenient time during an investment process. And with arrears expected to rise to 128,800 cases by the end of this year, chances are many property investors could see their plans upended over the coming months.
Fortunately, Market Financial Solutions understands that investors are more than just their latest credit report. We know that investors have plenty to offer the wider economy, even with defaults, IVAs, hefty liabilities or anything else to their name. No matter how challenging your cases may be, we want to help you find a way forward.
FAQs
Can you help if I’ve had credit issues in my previous semi-commercial deals?
Yes. We can support semi-commercial investors with imperfect credit. In this case, the borrower had missed payments and a CCJ, yet we refinanced their loan to enable renovation work and future investment. We investigate the bigger picture to prioritise current cashflow ability and project viability over historic credit errors.
Why do investors choose semi-commercial property to invest in?
These properties can offer attractive rental yields and diversified income streams, which appeals to investors looking to balance residential demand with steady commercial rent. At Market Financial Solutions, we understand that funding these assets can be more challenging with high street lenders, so we step in to deliver bridging solutions that work for real-world scenarios.
Why do semi-commercial deals sometimes need bridging finance?
High street banks often have strict rules about mixed-use assets, especially if the commercial element makes up a large percentage of the property or if the tenant profile is unusual. Bridging finance provides a fast, flexible alternative – helping investors buy or refinance semi-commercial properties without delays. In this case, the borrower needed to complete within a tight timeframe and couldn’t risk losing the property. By starting underwriting from day one, we ensured the funds were ready when they were needed most.
How did Market Financial Solutions structure this facility for a semi-commercial asset?
Every mixed-use property is different. The commercial lease terms, the residential occupancy, and the borrower’s exit plan all need to be considered carefully. We took the time to review the property’s income streams, condition, and the borrower’s strategy for refinancing or resale. By tailoring the loan to fit these factors, we provided a bridging facility that gave the client the confidence to move ahead without roadblocks.
Further reading:
- Featured Product: Commercial & Semi-Commercial Bridging Loans
- Explainer Video: Commercial Bridging Loans
- Tool: Bridging Loan Calculator
- Guide: Commercial Property – The Complete Guide
- Blog: Commercial property tax guide – what taxes do investors need to pay and what are the allowances?
- Blog: Commercial property valuation: The key elements
- CPD Course: Commercial Property Training Certification