Refinance and conversion of a former commercial unit to create three residential flats in Leeds

Location:

North

Property Type:

Commercial, Residential

Funding:

Bridging Loan, Development Finance

The Project

To support a property developer to refinance and convert a former commercial unit to create three residential flats in Leeds. The property was already owned by the developer who had obtained planning permission to convert the property earlier in the year.

The Approach

Seneca advanced funds to refinance the existing lender and provide a funding package to support the conversion costs. The borrower is employing a main contractor to do the works. The developer aims to achieve a GDV of £360k upon completion of the conversion.

The Outcome

We worked closely with the broker and the borrower on this deal to support the purchase and fund the conversion costs. Once complete the property will consist of three modern residential flats in a residential area just outside of Leeds city centre, ideally suited for young professionals in the area.

Bridging Loans – Key Features

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  • Fast Decisions: Initial responses typically delivered within hours—perfect for time-sensitive situations like auction purchases.
  • Loan Size: £100,000 – £2.5 million.
  • Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 75% of the end value (Gross Development Value or market value), with flexibility available on a case-by-case basis.
  • Desktop valuations are available
  • Term: Usually up to 12 months, but occasionally longer if LTV can support it.
  • Interest Roll-Up: Interest can be “rolled up” and repaid at exit, easing cash-flow pressure during the loan term.
  • Interest Serviced: Interest can also be “serviced” allowing a larger day 1 cash drawdown (subject to serviceability).
  • Exit Strategy Required: Clear repayment strategy—such as sale or refinance—must be established at the outset.
  • Security: First legal charge on the property is required.
  • Transparent Costs: Arrangement fees typically start at 1%. No early repayment or exit fees, and no hidden admin charges.
  • Unregulated Product: these Bridging loans are not FCA-regulated, they are not available for owner-occupied residential properties.
Learn more about our Bridging Loans

Development Finance – Key Features

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  • Comprehensive Coverage: Funds typically cover land purchase, professional fees, and build costs.
  • Staged Drawdowns: Capital is released in phases, usually against certified expenditure.
  • Tailored Structures: Designed around project timelines, often short- to medium-term in duration.
  • Market leading LTV’s up to 75%.
  • We typically fund 75% of land purchase costs and 100% of construction/development expenses
  • Loans from £100,000 to £2,5m.
  • Expert Team & Relationships: We work with expert surveys who work closely with Developers to ensure funds are delivered promptly through the construction phase aiding cashflow.
  • Transparent and Responsive Service: With fast decision-making and clear dialogue, we support borrowers from initial enquiry through to delivery and repayment.
  • Unregulated Product: these Bridging loans are not FCA-regulated, they are not available for owner-occupied residential properties.
Learn more about our Development Finance

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