BuildLoan has launched a commercial mortgage proposition to intermediaries nationwide following a pilot programme designed to test demand, processes and broker engagement.
The specialist property finance distributor said the commercial finance pilot ran during the first quarter of this year and was used to assess market appetite while continuing to expand its lender panel.
The business said feedback from intermediary partners highlighted strong demand for a specialist commercial proposition supported by its experience in development finance, bridging, renovation and self-build lending.
The commercial finance offering is available immediately and is designed to support a range of transactions, including owner-occupied premises, investment assets and mixed-use properties.
BuildLoan said the proposition complements its existing development finance and specialist lending capabilities, allowing brokers to access a broader range of funding solutions through a single relationship.
Raymond Connor, chief executive at BuildLoan, said: “BuildLoan is already the UK’s leading provider of residential mortgages for self build, custom build, renovations and home improvements.
“We have created many unique, exclusive solutions-based mortgage products in our time and we have always prided ourselves on providing certainty and flexibility through unique mortgage solutions. But this is the first time we have ventured into the world of commercial mortgages.
“Following a successful pilot – which saw plenty of demand from specialist brokers for funding for office blocks, business premises and investment properties for business clients – we are now rolling this out on a permanent basis.
“The pilot allowed us to test the proposition in live conditions and make targeted improvements before committing to a full launch. The response from brokers was encouraging, both in terms of enquiry levels and the quality of cases submitted.
“That feedback has helped shape a proposition that is as practical, responsive and suited to the realities of the market as you would expect from BuildLoan.
“We are now going for a full-scale launch given the success of our pilot. We can do commercial lending, too.”
During the pilot period, BuildLoan supported a range of transactions, including a £223,000 loan provided through Allica Bridging Finance to fund the purchase of a business centre for renovation and long-term letting.
Scott McClymont, BDM at Allica Bridging Finance, said: “This case highlights how brokers can help clients see the bigger picture with commercial property. By partnering with BuildLoan, we were able to keep the approach practical and get a deal in place that gave the client the confidence and clarity to press on with plans.”
BuildLoan said it worked with a selected group of intermediary partners and lenders during the pilot to assess lending criteria, turnaround times and case complexity. The firm said the process led to adjustments in areas including documentation requirements and underwriting flexibility.
Connor said: “Commercial lending often requires a pragmatic and informed approach, particularly where deals fall outside standard models.
“Our intention is to provide brokers with a dependable route for commercial cases that need careful assessment and tailored structuring. Moving from pilot to launch reflects our confidence in the proposition and the demand we are seeing across the market.”
The launch forms part of BuildLoan’s wider strategy to grow its presence in specialist property finance and strengthen relationships with intermediary firms seeking solutions beyond conventional residential lending.
Brokers can now submit commercial mortgage, commercial bridging, commercial development and semi-commercial enquiries through BuildLoan’s specialist lending team.
