Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has provided £14 million in development finance to support the construction of a 95-unit purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol.
The funding package will enable the delivery of high-specification student housing on a freehold site, with practical completion targeted for June 2026 in time for the start of the academic year.
The borrower, who has an established track record in delivering student accommodation, selected HTB on the strength of its sector knowledge and ability to meet tight timelines inherent to the academic calendar. The scheme will exit onto term finance upon completion, with the lender’s specialist mortgages division expected to manage the transition.
Tim Mycock, lending director at HTB and a key figure in the deal, said the ability to hit critical delivery deadlines was essential in this market.
“PBSA developments demand absolute precision around timing, and that’s where lenders can either add real value or become a blocker. The cyclical nature of student intake means missed deadlines simply aren’t an option. With this deal, we were able to structure a facility that gave the developer confidence and allowed for the right build programme to hit key dates.
“My own background in this sector helped us anticipate the pressure points and move quickly when it mattered. It’s a great example of how our sector experience translates into practical, reliable funding,” he said.
The bank, which has funded PBSA schemes across several UK university cities, has built a reputation for tailoring facilities to the fast-moving requirements of the sector. Despite increasing demand for student housing, many lenders remain cautious, citing planning risk and delivery uncertainty. HTB, by contrast, has used its track record to move swiftly where others hesitate.
Scott Apps, head of distribution at HTB, said the deal reflects the bank’s broader development finance strategy.
“This deal reflects exactly what HTB stands for in development finance. We’re here to support experienced, regionally active developers with tailored funding that moves at their pace and meets the demands of the local market. This isn’t a one-off transaction – it’s part of a long-standing relationship that has seen us fund the land, provide interim finance, and now deliver a significant PBSA facility,” he said.
“In due course, we expect the scheme to transition onto a term facility with our Specialist Mortgages team, continuing that relationship through the next phase. That joined-up approach across the bank is what sets HTB apart and is something that our developers and broker partners really value.”
