Specialist property finance advice with Jason Hunt
Jason Hunt your Mortgage and Asset Finance Specialist, helps clients with bridging, auction and other specialist property finance cases.
If you are dealing with a time-sensitive purchase, a non-standard property, or a project that may not suit a standard mortgage, Jason can help you understand the options available and arrange finance suited to the property and your circumstances.
Part of Sun Mortgage & Protection Ltd | Directly authorised and regulated | Speak directly with Jason
07771 242345
jason@sunmap.co.uk
Who Jason helps
Property opportunities often move quickly, and in some cases traditional mortgage routes may not fit the property, the timescale, or the structure involved.
Jason works with property investors, developers and clients considering specialist finance for situations such as auction purchases, refurbishment projects, development sites and properties that may not be suitable for a standard mortgage.
Where speed, flexibility and a clear exit strategy are important, he can help you understand the options available and arrange finance suited to the property and your circumstances.
How Jason helps
Jason regularly speaks to clients who are under pressure to move quickly or whose property plans fall outside standard mortgage criteria.
This may include:
- Buying at auction and needing to complete within a fixed deadline.
- Taking on a refurbishment project where the property's condition may limit standard mortgage options.
- Moving ahead with a development after planning permission has been secured.
- Reviewing a non-standard property purchase where structure and lender appetite are important.
- Trying to avoid delays that could affect a purchase, project timetable or planned exit route.
In these situations, the challenge is often not just speed - it is finding a funding route that fits the property, the timescale and the intended exit strategy.
If that reflects your situation, Jason can help you understand the options available and the next steps to consider.
Bridging Finance
When timing matters more than the interest rate
Many investors focus first on rate.
Experienced investors know that, in the right circumstances, speed can be far more valuable.
Missing a profitable opportunity because funds were not available in time can cost far more than paying a higher rate for a short-term solution.
Bridging finance is commonly used for auction purchases, below-market-value opportunities, chain breaks, refurbishment projects, and properties that fall outside mainstream mortgage criteria.
Used well, it allows investors and developers to move when the opportunity is there – not after it has passed.
Development Finance
Turn planning permission into profit
In property development, value is often created long before construction begins.
Securing planning permission can significantly increase the value of a site before any work starts. The next challenge is securing the funding needed to move the project forward.
Development finance can support new-build schemes, conversions, major refurbishments, mixed-use projects, and commercial-to-residential opportunities.
Lenders will look beyond the site alone. They will assess the viability of the project, the strength of the figures, the experience behind the scheme, and the strategy for delivering a successful outcome.
Auction Finance
Because 28 Days Pass Very Quickly
Buying at auction can create exceptional opportunities, but it also creates immediate pressure.
Once the hammer falls, contracts are exchanged and completion is usually required within 28 days.
Failing to complete can mean losing your deposit and facing additional costs.
That is why experienced auction buyers think about finance before they bid, not after. They understand their funding options, know what deposit is required, and have a clear strategy for completion and exit.
The right preparation helps investors move quickly and bid with confidence when the right opportunity appears.
Refurbishment Finance
Unlock Value Through Renovation
Some of the best property opportunities require work before they can achieve their full potential.
Whether you are purchasing a tired buy-to-let, converting a property for a different use, or carrying out a major renovation, refurbishment finance can provide the funding needed to move the project forward.
Many investors encounter properties that are difficult to mortgage in their current condition. Others need access to funds for improvement works before refinancing onto a longer-term solution.
Refurbishment finance is commonly used for light and heavy refurbishments, buy-renovate-refinance projects, property conversions, HMOs, multi-unit schemes, and other value-add investment opportunities.
The right funding structure can help unlock value, increase rental income, and create stronger refinancing options once the works are complete.
Explore common funding scenarios
Before You Speak To A Lender, Read This
Most investors and developers come to us after:
✔ Missing opportunities because funding wasn't ready
✔ Being declined by a traditional bank
✔ Purchasing at auction
✔ Securing planning permission
✔ Finding a property that doesn't qualify for a standard mortgage
The answers below address some of the most common questions we receive
How quickly can finance be arranged?
When Timing Matters More Than The Interest Rate
A straightforward bridging loan can often be completed within 5-14 days, although some lenders can move faster where circumstances allow.
The biggest factors affecting timescales are:
- Valuation requirements
- Legal work
- Complexity of the property
- Borrower structure (individual, limited company, trust etc.)
If you’re buying at auction, it’s usually advisable to have discussions before bidding rather than after contracts have been exchanged.
How much can I borrow ?
Most lenders will lend up to 70-75% Loan to Value (LTV) on residential and commercial property.
Some lenders may lend more where additional security is available.
For example:
Property Value: £500,000
75% LTV Loan:
£375,000
Required Deposit:
£125,000 plus costs
The exact amount available depends on the property, the exit strategy and the lender’s criteria.
Can I get finance if the property isn't mortgageable?
Often, yes.
Bridging lenders will frequently consider properties that traditional mortgage lenders won’t.
Examples include:
- No functioning kitchen
- No bathroom
- Structural issues
- Short leases
- Commercial property
- Mixed-use property
- Properties requiring major refurbishment
Many investors use bridging finance specifically because a property falls outside standard mortgage criteria.
What will it cost?
Costs vary between lenders and projects.
Typically, borrowers should budget for:
- Arrangement fees
- Valuation fees
- Legal costs
- Interest
- Exit fees (where applicable)
The cheapest rate isn’t always the most important factor.
For many investors, speed, flexibility and certainty of funding are more valuable than marginal differences in pricing.
A detailed illustration can be provided once the project is understood.
Do I need an exit strategy?
Yes.
One of the first things a lender will assess is how the loan will be repaid.
Common exit strategies include:
- Sale of the property
- Refinancing onto a mortgage
- Sale of another asset
- Sale of completed development units
A strong exit strategy often has a significant impact on lender appetite.
What types of property can be funded?
Depending on the lender, finance may be available for:
- Residential property
- Commercial property
- Mixed-use buildings
- HMOs
- Semi-commercial property
- Land with planning permission
- Development sites
- Conversion projects
Each lender has different criteria, which is why sourcing the right lender is an important part of the process.
Speak To Your Specialist
How It Works
1. Initial Discussion Tell us about your project, funding requirements and timescales.
2. Assess The Opportunity We’ll review the property, proposed funding structure and exit strategy to understand the most suitable options.
3. Identify Suitable Lenders We approach lenders that are best aligned with your project and circumstances.
4. Secure Funding Once a suitable solution has been identified, we’ll guide you through the process and support you through to completion.
Our insights
Whether you’re in need of guidance for a general concern about mortgages, or just want to keep up with our thoughts on interesting developments in the market, our blogs and news posts are here to lend a helping hand.
