It’s that time of the year when last years Tax Information expires. The normal reaction is “I don’t have to submit it until next January”. You are correct, but last years information is now 18 months old to a lender and if you don’t have the current figures you may not get your first choice of… Read More »
You may think it’s comparing one rate with another and that’s it, but there are so many other factors to consider when choosing a BTL mortgage. The more of these you want, the less choice you will have. -Overall Cost. Look at all the costs including lender set up fee, interest over the term, interest… Read More »
We’ve had legislation where a rental property needs an EPC of E or better and now the government has issued a consultation paper to get that to C. This consultation seeks views on the government’s proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015. They think the proposed amendments would… Read More »
This is ideal for professional developers. You have the deposit, can cover the interest and fees, but could do with some help on the refurbishment costs. This product may be perfect for you. A minimum loan size of £200,000 with a Day 1 loan of up to 75% LTV and a projected gross development value… Read More »
As a professional landlord it’s not just about the rate when choosing a BTL remortgage, it’s also speed if you are approaching your current lender’s variable rate. If you have a quick lender and competitive rates you are on your way to a speedy completion for your Buy to Let Remortgage. These are some of… Read More »
Lenders will always ask their valuers to consider the minimum room size and communal space standards in accordance with current RICS guidance. The HMO must have the correct level of communal space, amenities and fire precautions as set out by the respective local authority. The spatial requirements are as follows: Single bedroom: floor area 6.51m2… Read More »
What is BTL portfolio lending and what are the benefits? It’s not to be confused with a portfolio landlord (four or more mortgages). It’s when one lender takes multiple properties on one loan. Very few lenders can do this and it tends to be the banks, both high street and challenger and a few specialist… Read More »
Would you buy a new car without researching the model and having a test drive? Would you get married by just seeing a picture of your potential partner? No, you wouldn’t so why are so many looking to buy property from an email which has a headline of “25% BMV “ Now I understand that… Read More »
Always look at the yield as one of the comparisons when viewing a BTL property and if its high for the area ask yourself why? Once you start investigating you realise that the return is high because the property or location has potential issues. Ones I’ve seen recently include next to a pub, takeaway, massage… Read More »
Criteria Initial Loan 70% of the value Refurbishment costs 100% Gross facility up to 70% of end sales value Loan size £250,000- £1.5m Term – up to 18 months Minimum value £300,000 Works must be lower of 50% of current value or £500,000 Experience essential Suitable for Extensions Conversions Planning Permitted development Heavy refurbishment Structural… Read More »
Background An established residential landlord in Birmingham wanted a commercial mortgage to buy his first commercial property which was rented out to a supermarket. His bank had said no as the existing tenant only had two years left on the lease and they wanted a longer lease. He had approached other brokers who had found… Read More »
Today I have come across one of the worst structures implemented by an accountant for a BTL landlord I have seen. The client owns properties personally and he has been told to put all the rental income through a limited company and then create a deed of trust as part of this process. Land Registry,… Read More »
Simon is great to work with, very knowledgeable and always helpful. He’s made my first property investment very easy! I couldn’t recommend him enough. Andrew
Second time using Simon and Searchlight Finance’s services, and just as helpful, friendly and efficient as the first. Simon is very knowledgeable and provides great advice on the type of product and lender that suits your finances, goals and lifestyle. Everything is done online which makes it efficient. Will definitely use again for the next… Read More »
£330,000 refinance from a bank that says No! Due to the age of the applicants, their existing lender had given notice to a long-established Lancashire property company to move it’s property portfolio to another bank or sell. The directors were in their 80’s and spent most of their time overseas and didn’t own a main… Read More »
Has your BTL mortgage been refused due to the condition of the property? Improve the value and the rent on a tired property. Whether it be a new kitchen, bathroom, damp, electrics we have lenders for all of them at competitive rates up to 85% LTV with experience and 75% without. Contact us for refurbishment… Read More »
I have used Simon a few times and I have always found him very thorough and he is always happy to talk you through any questions you may have. I would happily recommend him. Kelly
Simon has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the market and gives his best personal attention to all aspects of the service. He has a good relationship with lots of lenders, understands all the key issues faced by landlords and keeps a keen eye on future trends. We were on a tight timescale and he really pushed… Read More »
Excellent service. Very responsive at all hours of the day. Luke
Simon is extremely knowledgeable of the whole of the market, and has a very clear idea of which lenders are suitable for which kinds of properties. This advice is priceless to me as it means that I can look at deals and have a good idea in advance of whether finance will be obtainable and… Read More »
Very happy with the service received. Excellent communication/customer service/advice. Will definitely be using Searchlight Finance again. Gareth
My experience with Searchlight has been excellent. They took all of the complication out of finding the right product and making the application. Obtaining the finance was hassle free and efficient. Mike
Simon was excellent to work with. Helpful, informative and responsive. With his experience and knowledge he was a great asset to have in our corner. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or work with again. Tom
Searchlight Finance have repeatedly found me excellent mortgage deals for my properties, saved me a great deal of money and made the whole process straight forward and virtually stress free. I would highly recommend their services to other investors and home owners. GB
Searchlight Finance are a great company. They have now arranged three of my mortgages and the team have a great knowledge of the mortgage market. They will always ensure sufficient time is allocated to your application and Simon is easy to get hold of for any questions or to offer advice. I thoroughly recommend! Tom
Searchlight has been working with us for many years and throughout that time has consistently demonstrated all the qualities that set them apart amongst their peers for service and expertise. Simon and the Searchlight team have a close relationship with our underwriting team and can pick up the phone to talk through any roadblocks, shaping… Read More »
I can’t recommend Searchlight Finance enough. Simon is the most knowledgeable person I’ve met when it comes to property finance. I’ve worked with many people and nobody else comes close. His breadth and depth of experience are second to none and his honest approach has certainly saved me some money over the years! Jay
I have had plenty of experience with property finance brokers over the years, but Simon from Searchlight Finance stands out for me. He is now my ‘go-to’ mortgage broker for my own property investments and also a top referral from me for people within my network and community too. What makes him stand out is… Read More »
I heard about Simon through listening to The Property Hub podcast, where he discussed in depth the in’s and out’s of mortgages in relation to investment purchases. I was very impressed with his knowledge so contacted Searchlight finance to assist in the purchase of my first buy-to-let. Simon guided me through the process, taking lots… Read More »
We were recently approached by a new client who had obtained a decent 5-year fix quote from another broker for their limited company BTL. There was nothing wrong with the product but after talking to the client they wanted the following: The ability to reduce the mortgage each year by overpayments A lender that did product transfers, as… Read More »
Shawbrook initially launched this light refurbishment product to a limited panel including Searchlight. Now, normally you would fund the costs out of your own money, which can limit the number of projects you do. Shawbrook will provide additional borrowing as long as: Maximum initial loan 75% of lower of the purchase price or value. The… Read More »
Take your time to go through the Mortgage Illustration which shows you everything about the product which includes all fees including arrangement, product, broker and valuation fees and also gives you details on any exit penalties or early repayments. It also explains the rate that it will go to once the initial product is finished… Read More »
Standard bridging is ideal for customers looking to secure the purchase or refinance of a residential or investment property including: Chain break – whilst waiting for an additional property sale Raising funds for short term requirements Auction purchase Capital raising for any legal purpose Meeting tight transaction deadlines Light refurbishment: Light refurbishment is used where… Read More »
• A HMO with C4 planning use specifically relates to smaller HMOs • The classification of C4 originates from C3 with the added benefit of permitted development. • Permitted development allows for a change of use from C3, up to a maximum of 6 occupants, without a full planning application as long as there is… Read More »
Due to their withdrawal from the market their existing lender had given notice to a long established Lancashire property company to move it’s property portfolio to another bank or sell. The directors were in their 80’s and spent most of their time overseas and didn’t own a main residence in this country. To add to… Read More »
What is it? A freehold property split into self-contained flats. Make sure it has the correct planning permission if it has been converted and building regulations. Lenders want each unit to be greater than 30sqm and to have their own utilities. These can be as simple as a terraced house converted into two self-contained flats… Read More »
I deal with bridging finance risks on a daily basis. Like everything in life the vast majority of lenders and brokers are perfectly acceptable and do a good job but there are a few issues that not everyone is aware of. There is a lot of paperwork and you can’t always easily compare one lender… Read More »
We all understand why property is not flavour of the month for some lenders who have historic bad debts and we are seeing many long established landlords having their funding lines cut from certain lenders. I have seen 40 year connections told, please repay we don’t want you any more. It’s important you have a… Read More »
https://www.irpm.org.uk/consumer-leasehold-guides
The Issue – A first-time landlord with a 7 bed HMO was told by a specialist HMO broker they were not mortgageable due to lack of experience. They had a property worth £400,000 which they wanted to remortgage at 75% LTV after an extensive refurbishment. They were concerned they would have to wait two years… Read More »
“Thanks to you and your team, Simon for making the BTL process via a Ltd Co run smoothly and keeping me up to date on its progress, especially when there was the initial issue with the DIP.” Unbeknown to our clients their credit file was incorrect and we told them how to correct it. This… Read More »
I’m surprised how many just focus on the monthly rate. The way interest is charged is equally as important as it can make a big difference in how much you pay. Firstly you should have been made aware of this before the application stage. There are three ways for lenders to calculate interest: Serviced This… Read More »
We have direct access to lenders that will consider:- Limited Company applications Single Freehold split into multi-unit Multi Lets HMOs of all sizes Portfolio Finance Student Tenants DSS/LHA Tenants Flats above shops, restaurants Rental valuations on HMOs No minimum income Limited Company applications Pension and Trust applications Professional landlords
A Cheshire based company had built four apartments with total land and build cost of £200,000 and the properties were valued at £440,000. Lenders had been approached by our clients and all were either not interested as they were property developers, or wanted them to leave some of their money in the project so they… Read More »
A flip is buying a property and then selling quickly, hopefully at a profit. It may be a refurbishment to increase the value or you may just be trading property. There are only two ways to finance these: Cash, which may be from a remortgage of another property Bridging Finance Don’t use a mortgage… Read More »
Refurbishment Finance is not for everyone as there are strict criteria but it does show there can be an alternative to bridging. For a property that requires a level of light refurbishment which doesn’t involve any structural work or change in planning then it’s a very cost-effective way of adding a property to your portfolio.… Read More »
An experienced developer had been declined by their bank as they felt they were doing too many developments (this was the third!) so refused to lend. Based on the previous track record and their professional team a loan of £500,000 was agreed which was 65% of the current value and 100% of build costs and… Read More »
What can Bridging Loans be used for? Bridging loans are used for a number of reasons. These range from conventional bridging, where a homeowner wishes to purchase a new home but hasn’t sold their current property, to auction finance, refurbishment and conversion. What Can Go Wrong? It’s a short time loan and not suitable for… Read More »
These are the most common reasons we see for remortgaging within 6 months with our lenders that do this – Repay bridging finance, raise funds for another project or get a lower rate.
Already started a project and run out of time or money? Talk to us as we have lenders who will do this for the right developer and project.
Have you found a property with permitted development that needs funding? Call Searchlight as we can arrange competitive finance for you.
You may want to develop a property to keep and rent out. We can fund the build and the long-term mortgage. Contact us now with your project.
Yes 75%. Valuation instructed same day and a fast track legal process to reduce the stress. All the lender asks is that you have at least two rental properties. Contact us now to get your purchase agreed.
I keep hearing about the 6-month rule – technically it’s not a rule as lenders view it very differently. Some enforce it almost to the minute whilst others are more comfortable.I keep hearing about the 6-month rule – technically it’s not a rule as lenders view it very differently. Some enforce it almost to the… Read More »
I deal with the Bank’s every day and its clear there is a huge difference in what they say in the media and what they do. They keep banging the drum that they are open for business and they have money to lend. But do they want to lend? Yes they do but you now… Read More »
Do all lenders care about the exit? Not wanting to be too controversial but various cases have led me to the conclusion that not all lenders look in detail on how they are going to get repaid. I must stress it is some and not all. Being the rare breed that I am of broker,… Read More »
Unusual properties that some lenders are happy with : • Japanese Knotweed- restrictions relaxed • Wimpey No Fines (If constructed post-1964 and not a bungalow or a flat) • Laing Easiform (if constructed post-1966 and not a bungalow or a flat) • Ex-local authority houses • New Build flats • Properties next door to one… Read More »
• No limit on number of properties owned • No limit on background mortgage amounts • No minimum income for existing landlords • Existing landlords don’t need to be owner-occupiers• Loans up to 80% LTV • Maximum age 85 for repayment • Professional Landlords and Developers welcome • Property Income accepted Contact us now to… Read More »
What is it? It’s two products with the same lender. The first part is a short term/bridging loan to enable you to purchase the property and refurbish it. Once complete the second part allows you to take out a long-term mortgage against the increased value and rent. Example • Purchase Price £200,000 – initial loan… Read More »
“I have used Simon’s services for several times over numerous projects. Having spoken to other brokers operating within the property sector, it is evident that Simon’s in depth knowledge of lending is second to none. He really does know the market and suitable products for individual projects. I have always found him pleasant to speak… Read More »
Always good to see a first-time landlord get their first property and great feedback is always welcome. This was a bridge to let product for a client based in Hampshire on a property worth £200,000. ” We completed the re mortgage today, funds received. I wanted to say a huge thank you for all of your… Read More »
A developer in Shropshire had built flats worth £2m and wanted £1.4m to repay an expensive development loan. They had already been turned down by a specialist lender through another broker. We went to another lender but with a more comprehensive summary of the deal and the loan was agreed “I wish I had come… Read More »
Overview of proposal Collation of lender responses including comparison of indicative interest rates and fees Completion of application to chosen lender(s) Negotiation with lenders on terms and conditions of loan along with costs Liaising with lender and their legal advisers, valuer and you to ensure that completion of the transaction is as stress-free as possible… Read More »
Thanks to a Kent based landlord for these comments. ” Just come off the phone with Simon Allen from Searchlight Finance discussing financing options available following incorporation. Simon is a subject matter expert who is passionate about his profession and is a thoroughly nice bloke. Highly recommended if you need to talk to a broker… Read More »
Shawbrook Bank surveyed their clients asking what they thought of the broker that dealt with their property finance application. They published eight of these replies and we’re proud to say that two were ours. It’s all anonymous so thank you whoever you are. “Simon at Searchlight Finance was hugely knowledgeable and efficient” “Excellent communication throughout from Searchlight… Read More »
A 75 landlord was looking to refinance a portfolio valued at £800,000 he owned in Derby. The age of the applicant meant his current high-street lender rejected his application and wanted the mortgage repaid. He had to put the properties on the market in order to sell them even though he wanted it to be a… Read More »
One of our BTL lenders for professional landlords: Up to 80% LTV Standard and specialist buy-to-let products for all types of landlord (including limited companies) Single residential units, HMOs and multi freeholds Choice of competitive fixed and variable rates No portfolio limits Maximum age 85 at end of mortgage term (79 at start of the… Read More »
“We wanted to say thank you for all of your excellent help and advice in helping us to secure the finance to enable us to purchase the shopping centre and the additional assistance along the way to get it over the line! It was truly invaluable and we are very grateful”
When calculating how much you can get on a BTL mortgage rental calculations can be quite complex. One lender has eight different calculations depending on property type, loan term, rate chosen and tax status. Working out how much you can get is a bit more complicated. But we do this many times a day so… Read More »
I’m surprised at how many enquiries I get from clients who taken out bridging finance through another broker who has not got a firm exit in place. If you don’t have the funds to repay it there are only two ways it can be repaid, either the sale of the property or a remortgage. With… Read More »
Thanks to Rob Dix for putting this podcast together in which we explain the new Rental Calculation Process and the forthcoming changes.
I am extremely grateful that you have been able to obtain a loan for me on this property. After my usual broker exhausted all options available to him, I had almost resigned myself to selling the house. Had it not been for the podcast, I would not have been aware of your services.
“I have just completed on my 2nd investment property. It’s a wreck in Birmingham that will be turned around in the next 3 months. I would like to say a massive thank you to Simon Allen from Searchlight Finance for an absolutely fantastic service.” Very kind words and one we were particularly proud of as… Read More »
Support and inform you from initial enquiry through to completion and beyond. Education service on market in general and 16 years experience of being a landlord. Take the time to gain a detailed knowledge of your circumstances and aspirations Provide impartial, expert and external scrutiny of mortgage products. Identify when your circumstances do not meet the… Read More »
Shawbrook is pleased to report the completion of a short-term loan at 55% LTV, for a client of Strategic Partner ‘Searchlight Finance’. The purpose of the loan was to raise funds for the purchase of another investment property, with the client having very recently transferred ownership of a buy-to-let (BTL) property from their individual… Read More »
“I’ve been working with Simon for over a year now and frankly it’s been a revelation compared with previous experiences I’ve had. Simon has an exceptional depth of knowledge, not just of the lending market but also property investment in general. I always learn something new when discussing possible financing options with him and he… Read More »
“Special thanks to Simon Allen for sorting the re finance on my single let rental property. Highly recommended professional service. I am ready for my next project now.” Anthony-Birmingham based landlord
“You were brill!!! Just looking at another. I will keep you updated” Debbie-Stockport based investor
“It has been an absolute pleasure working with you. The only part in the purchase process that has been straight forward.” Richard-London based investor
Did you know the government have a recommended tenancy agreement for landlords to use which is updated in line with legislation? Find it here
HMRC are no longer issuing the SA302 (otherwise known as the Tax Calculation) or the Tax Year Overview by fax as they don’t class them to be secure. HMRC will continue to provide copies of the SA302 by post . Sone lenders still insist on this document whilst others accept the version that is usually… Read More »
An SPV is short for (Special Purpose Vehicle). It’s jargon for a company set up specifically for one purpose. In this case to own property. Most lenders prefer this type of company as there is no baggage from the day to day trading activities if the company carried out a business or service. We then… Read More »
It’s always been difficult to compare fees when lenders use different words for their costs. By early 2016 most lenders should have a “tariff of charges” in place that will be in a standard format. They will also be in the same order in their promotional literature. This follows a Which? campaign and will make… Read More »
JV Finance is two or more people getting together on a project with skills and finance pooled. Quite often there is no bank or lender involved. If there is a lender then all parties who are putting in the money need to be disclosed to the lender. Other points to consider include: Speaking to your… Read More »
When going into bridging always work backwards. How will it get repaid? If you only have one or two lenders then be very careful as those lenders may change their criteria and you may not be able to remortgage to repay the bridging loan. The implications if you are not able to refinance, are higher… Read More »
A flip is buying a property and then selling quickly, hopefully at a profit. It may be a refurbishment to increase the value or you may just be trading property. There are only two ways to finance these: Cash, which maybe from a remortgage of another property. Bridging Finance. Don’t use a mortgage to finance them.… Read More »
If you looking to pay for property education then time in front of a computer could potentially save you thousands. Education- we never stop learning but with any subject sometimes we want a head start. So you want to learn about flipping, development finance, HMOs etc. Where do you go? Firstly don’t part with any… Read More »
HMRC give you from the start of the tax year April 6th until the 31st January of the following year to complete and submit your tax return. However lenders need an updated return after the 5th October so instead of having almost 10 months to complete it you have 6 months. If the return hasn’t… Read More »
A Cheshire based company had built four apartments with a total land and build cost of £200,000 and the properties were valued at £440,000. Lenders had been approached by our clients and all were either not interested as they were property developers, or wanted them to leave some of their money in the project so… Read More »
Anytime I get asked for bridging I ask is there an alternative? If you don’t have to complete quickly and the property has a kitchen and bathroom there may be BTL refurbishment mortgages out there as an alternative. It is provided in two amounts. The lender will provide a loan of up to 80% of… Read More »
We have direct access to lenders that will consider: Limited Company applications Single Freehold split into multi units Multi Lets HMOs of all sizes Portfolio Finance Student Tenants DSS/LHA Tenants Retail with flats above Rental valuations No minimum income Limited Company applications Pension and Trust applications Professional landlords Adverse credit Ex Pat applications Foreign Nationals
Due to their withdrawal from the market Yorkshire had given notice to a long established Lancashire property company to move it’s property portfolio to another bank or sell. The directors were in their 80’s and spent most of their time overseas and didn’t own a main residence in this country. To add to this their… Read More »
We have lenders for UK nationals residing outside of the UK, providing you have a relevant satisfactory UK financial track record and other UK property assets. You need; UK bank account a minimum of two UK investment properties with at least one mortgage outstanding Independent personal income to support your other financial commitments In a position… Read More »
Experienced developer had been declined by its bank as they were not lending in the sector. Based upon previous track record and his professional team a loan of 100% of build costs and fees was agreed with a specialist property lender.
I deal with bridging finance risks on a daily basis. A lot of landlords don’t like bridging, others do and the purpose of this post is not to sell the concept but to make people aware of some of the pitfalls when signing an agreement. Like everything in life the vast majority of lenders and… Read More »
We were approached by a residential mortgage broker who had a client that had purchased a residential investment property at auction. They thought they would be able to obtain finance from their bank but their request was declined. Due to the tight deadline bridging finance was considered but we were confident that we could raise… Read More »
A corporate finance house in Manchester had a client who was buying a business in the South West. They had been let down by a Venture Capital company and were looking for alternative funding. The purchaser had a property with no mortgage and wanted to obtain a bridging loan of £900,000 quickly. Other lenders and brokers had… Read More »
We were approached by an IFA who had tried to obtain bridging finance of £350,000 on a property bought at auction. The client and IFA had approached lenders direct and the IFA had gone to a specialist bridging firm who couldn’t help. A 10% deposit had been paid at auction and we had less than two weeks to obtain the finance. The buyer was very anxious about losing the deposit and being sued… Read More »
Getting the business finance you need can be stressful enough and when agreed the automatic reaction is one of relief and lets get it done as quickly as possible. If you have just approached your own bank then you may be in for a surprise later down the line. To most people a 15 year loan is a… Read More »
Manchester based property investor required a buy to let loan to repay bridging finance. Due to his profession and the large number of properties he owned within his existing portfolio he had been turned down by lenders. The bridging company was putting pressure on the client for repayment. We quickly sourced an alternative lender from… Read More »
Searchlight Finance Limited is registered in England and Wales No.07929050 Searchlight Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register (http://www.fca.org.uk/register) under reference 743220. The FCA do not regulate Business Buy to Let Mortgages or most Commercial Mortgages and Bridging Finance. ICO Number Z3109319. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any debt secured on it.