AREA: Buckinghamshire
AMOUNT RAISED: £7.2 million
PRODUCT USED: Bespoke development finance
Bridging Finance London recently helped an experienced property developer secure substantial funding for an ambitious project in Buckinghamshire. The client spotted an opportunity to transform an aging 1970s mansion into a contemporary luxury home, but needed specialist financing that mainstream lenders simply couldn’t offer.
Client Scenario
Our client, a seasoned property developer with over 15 years of experience, found a large 4-bedroom property on a two-acre plot in an exclusive area of Buckinghamshire.
The existing house was outdated and needed more than just renovation. The client planned to demolish it completely and build a stunning 10,000 sq ft modern home with an estimated GDV of £12 million upon completion.
With £2.5 million of their own capital ready to invest, they needed approximately £7.2 million additional funding to purchase the property and cover all construction costs. The client wanted a straightforward solution: financing that would help with the initial purchase and then fund the entire build process in stages.
Funding Solution
We quickly spotted several hurdles to overcome.
First, the property’s location outside major cities made many lenders hesitant. Second, the size and unique nature of the single-unit development carried perceived risks. Third, the clients didn’t want to give PG’s.
Drawing on our extensive network, we identified a number of potential lenders suited to this style of project. After detailed analysis, we narrowed it down to the most appropriate option and began negotiations.
We used our established relationship with the lender’s senior underwriters to create a bespoke package. By highlighting the client’s impressive track record and providing detailed plans and projections, we secured exactly what they needed: a comprehensive development finance package covering the purchase and 100% of the build costs, with drawdowns at key construction stages.
Most impressively, we managed to arrange the loan without personal guarantees – a significant win for the client. This was achieved with the assistance of an equitable charge on other property assets.
Final Outcome
The finance was secured on competitive terms over a 22-month period – 18 months for construction and 4 months for marketing and sale. The client proceeded with the purchase and began construction without delay.
Thanks to our hands-on approach, when minor issues arose during the drawdown stages, we quickly stepped in to resolve them. We coordinated between all parties to keep things moving smoothly.
The development is now nearing completion, and the property is already attracting interest from potential buyers, with early valuations suggesting it may exceed the original £12 million estimate.
This case highlights our ability to tackle complex development finance challenges. By combining market knowledge, strong lender relationships, and persistent negotiation, we delivered a finance package that perfectly matched our client’s needs – even when those needs pushed beyond what most lenders offer.
For developers working on high-value single properties, particularly outside major cities, finding the right financial partner makes all the difference. We pride ourselves on making seemingly impossible finance requests possible.
