If, however, the lenders are actually lending their own money, with no one in the background that they have to report to or get a formal sanction from, then that’s where the real ‘commercial decisions’ can be made, and quickly.
Positive Commercial Finance works with a number of private, specialist funders who are lending their own money. Yes, they often have guidelines they like to work within, and that’s predominantly to give us as a broker some ground rules to work to, but when a deal comes along which needs that little bit more, or commands some real hands-on attention from a decision maker, then these are the lenders we rely on. And let’s face facts, most deals come with a quirk, or a ‘story’, and those are the deals which as brokers we should be able to add most value to for our client, the borrower.
- Plugging the gap for developers
- Positive arranges £2.2m facility for second development phase
- The full circle of property development finance
Here are a few added extras which some specialist lenders can provide:
- Proof of funds. If a vendor or their agent requests to see evidence that the buyer is able to complete, funds can be transferred to the vendors solicitor, held to order. Clearly this not only demonstrates to the vendor that this is a ‘real’ buyer (which, in itself can then leave any other potential bidders behind), but it also helps in negotiating discounts.
- Pre-sales. The safety net of a developer knowing he has already sold the units he is about to build, takes a massive amount of uncertainty away from the deal. The developer is not obliged to accept those sales if they do not wish to and can market the properties and choose which ones are ultimately sold on the open market. If the developer does want to accept some pre-sales at the start of the development, deposits are paid and those monies can be used as cash flow, which in turn reduces the facility amount required.
- Switch to cheaper rates at practical completion. Yes, we know other lenders can do this, but can they do it without further arrangement fees, and for up to five years on an interest-only basis? Furthermore, a borrower can have a commitment to this prior to the start of the development. One client has suggested this gives him a ‘risk-free’ deal. I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s probably as close as you will get.
Such lenders will also work off open market value, so in instances where there has been an uplift in value – for example, after an option was secured on some land and then detailed planning consent is secured – that value uplift is recognised. Alternatively, if a developer has been able to negotiate a deal whereby some of the land purchase price is deferred, then that benefit is also recognised.
The role of the truly specialist, independent lender cannot be underestimated. If you need surety of a decision, in a timely fashion, and are tired of cases being underwritten almost to death, then we’d be happy to hear from you.
