We’re encouraging brokers to consider regulated bridging loans, as a solution for delayed property purchases, if a chain has broken or completion is looking unlikely to be achieved before the end of the Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) holiday.
Our team believes regulated bridges are a great short-term solution to make sure delayed transactions are complete – and new purchases can be made – in time for when the scheme ends.
Paul Day, our Director of Business Development, said: “The property market has been extremely buoyant over the past six months, with people taking advantage of the Government’s SDLT break.
“Although we don’t know if this will be extended, there are reports that there are up 50% more homes in the sales process than there were this time last year, we are also getting messages from lenders and particularly solicitors saying they’re very busy and getting booked-up as the deadline looms.
“A bridge could come in here and save the day, by providing quicker short-term finance to secure new properties now and save the SDLT. A bridge could even help the property chain move and achieve the deadline, with the exit being a traditional mortgage.”
Richard Deacon, Sales Director at Masthaven, said: “Clever Lending are one of a rare breed of introducers who tick every box on a lender’s wish list. They understand the bridging market – as well as each specific bridging loan they undertake. We have worked with them for over many years now and the relationships we have are as strong as ever.”
Paul continued: “The latest Bridging Trends report, which Clever Lending contributes to, shows a 46 per cent rise in gross bridging loan volumes in Q3 2020, as activity recovers from the Covid-19 lockdown.
“This type of finance is a great solution for home buyers, and I would urge brokers to get in touch if they have clients who are looking to take advantage of the SDLT holiday while they can. Clever Lending are happy to take on the advice process or package the case with the introducer giving the advice.”
