Know what will make the property mortgageable
Missing facilities, significant defects, unusual construction and legal issues call for different responses. A bridge does not fix the underlying issue. A credible refinance exit requires a clear route to a property and borrower a long-term lender can accept.
Unusual does not automatically mean unmortgageable
A large home, listed building, annexe or extensive grounds may need a closer look without needing short-term finance. Read the complex property types section first. This page concerns cases where an identified condition, works or legal issue prevents the intended mortgage route at the outset.
How I approach the case
We begin with what you want to achieve, your timescale and any part of the case that needs explaining. I review the evidence and suitable lender routes, then explain the available options and their costs. A recommendation follows the individual assessment; an initial conversation does not commit you to an application.
Where legal, tax or other specialist advice is needed, we identify it early so the finance fits the wider transaction. Tell me about any change in employment, borrowing, deposit or property details before proceeding.
What to prepare
- Survey or property condition report
- Title issue details if relevant
- Works plan and cost
- Evidence supporting the long-term exit
You do not need every document before saying hello. Start with a short outline; detailed or sensitive records should follow through an agreed secure route.
Specialist funding does not guarantee a later mortgage. Obtain survey and legal advice on the defect before committing.
Your questions, answered
What does the lender need to understand about the exit?
Explain how and when the short-term loan will be repaid, and the evidence behind that plan. A sale, refinance or other repayment source has different dependencies. Consider what happens if the property takes longer to sell, works run late or a refinance valuation is lower than expected.
Which costs should I ask to see in writing?
Ask for the interest basis, facility term, arrangement fee, legal and valuation costs, any retained interest and the amount actually available at completion. Where applicable, check exit charges and extension terms. The headline facility and the money available to use can differ.
Can we discuss an auction or urgent deadline?
Yes, but share the actual contract deadline and available documents immediately. The valuation, legal work and underwriting still need to be completed. An initial conversation or indicative terms should never be treated as a commitment that money will arrive by a particular date.
Larger loans & individual properties£1m+ borrowing, substantial homes & landOpen the group to explore the loan, property and project pages relevant to your plans.8 routes +
- £1m+ mortgagesLarger purchases, refinancing and the evidence behind the borrowing.↗
- Large homes & country estatesSubstantial houses, outbuildings, annexes and the wider estate.↗
- Complex property typesListed homes, unusual construction, conversions and multiple titles.↗
- Land, acreage & sitesSeparate land purchases, planning, access and the proposed exit.↗
- Mixed-use propertyA property combining residential, business or rental uses.↗
- Development financeLand acquisition, construction, funding stages and project exit.↗
- High-net-worth mortgagesIncome, assets, liabilities and available liquidity.↗
- UHNW mortgagesSubstantial wealth, ownership structures and international circumstances.↗
Further reading: MoneyHelper: mortgages and homebuying. Content reviewed 9 September 2026. General information; availability depends on the individual case.