Hampshire Trust Bank Completes Rapid 43-Property Portfolio Refinance To Help Borrower Beat Costly Deadline

24 October 2024

Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has successfully completed a £6.4 million refinance for a 43-property portfolio, enabling the borrower to meet a critical deadline and unlock liquidity for future acquisitions.

Earlier this year, the borrower acquired the North West property portfolio at 30% below market value through a bridging loan. Faced with a pending bridge loan payment, they sought a refinance to meet the deadline and release additional funds for future investments.

Thanks to close collaboration between HTB and The UK Adviser, the case was completed at exceptional speed. The diligence of Wes Baker, Business Development Manager at HTB for the North of England, and Stephen Mettler, Senior Underwriter at HTB, ensured a full redbook valuation was instructed immediately, moving the case from offer to funding in just five days.

HTB’s reputation for finding creative solutions to complex challenges came through in this case, as legals were paid even before the case had been formally offered, ensuring the borrower could meet the impending bridge payment deadline.

Working closely with legal representatives, Marie Bennett-Staples from Glovers and the client’s solicitors Claudia Rubiano and Avi Barr from BBS Law, Melanie Franks, Senior Completions Officer at HTB, ensured a smooth and rapid completion process.

As a result, the client retained 43 properties, sold two, and raised a seven-figure sum for future property investments.

Andrea Glasgow, Sales Director of Specialist Mortgages at HTB, said:

"This case had all the hallmarks of a complex transaction - tight deadlines and multiple moving parts - but that’s where HTB excels. We worked closely with the broker to craft a tailored solution, meeting the client’s needs not just in terms of speed, but by unlocking the flexibility needed to expand their portfolio in a competitive market. Our ability to adapt and respond to individual client requirements is at the heart of what we do."

Wes Baker, Business Development Manager for the North of England at HTB, added:

"In cases where time is critical, communication is key. At HTB, we pride ourselves on keeping everyone connected - from the broker to our underwriting and legal teams - so that no detail is overlooked. For this deal, it was our collaborative approach that made all the difference, allowing us to complete the refinance swiftly and without compromise."

Maxim Cohen, Chief Executive of The UK Adviser, commented:

"This was a real team effort. HTB was a pleasure to work with, and the entire process was both efficient and professional. Wes Baker was always on hand to assist, keeping everything on track. Stephen Mettler and Melanie Franks also showed exceptional professionalism and speed throughout. As a responsible broker, executing a successful and timely exit from a bridging loan not only builds confidence in the process but also demonstrates the long-term benefits of bridging loans. Purchasing property at 30% below market value and then realising its true market value upon exit is a fantastic outcome for the client."