Zahira Fayyaz

What do you enjoy about the specialist finance market?

“It’s so much more flexible, and the speed – having access to credit on a daily basis, having access to decision makers and being really creative in structuring deals, I love it.”

Indeed, in Zahira’s patch, she regularly has to find unique ways forward for her clients. Often this requires “out of the box thinking” which is where she thrives.

Thankfully, specialist finance, and our ethos specifically is built on thinking outside of the box. It’s why borrowers come to us in the first place, and continually turn to Zahira for support.

What is it that you offer to the brokers you work with?

As mentioned, Zahira is an expert at structuring deals – but it’s her speed that truly sets her apart.

“I can structure a deal effectively within the first minutes, based on the requirements. But also, my ability to say ‘no’ quickly is really important.

“I know the difference between a good deal and a bad deal, I would say”.

We offer a great deal of optionality and flexibility to our borrowers but at the same time, we don’t want anyone to waste their time or resources. If a deal doesn’t fit in with our criteria, we will make it clear as soon as possible.

A quick no is always preferable to a prolonged one.

What would you like to see introduced or prioritised within the specialist finance market?

This, Zahira said, was a tough question to answer, just because there are countless ways in which we can all improve on things.

Still, there a few notable improvements we could all make in the property investment market.

“I think some brokers could embrace a bit more flexibility in the different types of lenders they work with,” she said.

“I know they have their preferred ones, but they could explore who else is out there, who may be a better fit for their clients.

“On the other hand, lenders could take a stronger view on the client, rather than overly rely on their relationship with their broker. Rather than being confined to their criteria preferences, they could, for example, look more at the borrower’s track record, ensure the exit is well planned, ask themselves if the deal makes sense, etc.”

Overall, Zahira believes communication among all the stakeholders involved could be better focused on the bespoke scene. Better communication can only lead to good things.

Where do you think there could be opportunity for property investors in the current market?

When looking at the direction of travel, Zahira believes there is one area of the property investment world which will dominate over the coming months.

“Commercial real estate. I think commercial real estate holds a lot of potential as we’re seeing such a big push to get back into these spaces.”

The commercial property market struggled post Covid-19 but, now that the pandemic is several years behind us, fortunes may be turning.

“With commercial, you can buy properties cheaper, but actually get high yields,” she explained.

Elsewhere, Zahira believes there’s opportunity for those who may be willing to expand with HMOs, and/or structure their deals withing certain corporate set-ups to try and take advantage of potential tax benefits. On this, we cannot offer tax advice, but we are able to work with limited companies, LLPs, SPVs, and more.

Are there any typical borrowers or cases that you tend to work with?

Given the region Zahira covers, she primarily works with larger investors who have already have a lot of skin in the game.

“The type of clients I work with typically have a strong background in property investment, development, and managing portfolios.” she said.

“The brokers I’ll be dealing with will work with particularly astute borrowers I would say.

“It’s very relationship led in this space.”

Zahira has plenty of experience handing substantial projects and investments. With bridging finance of up to £50m available, she’s there for prime purchase in the capital and the commuter belt.