Hampshire Trust Bank has delivered a £400,000 refinance for an experienced landlady in Egham, enabling the repayment of an existing bridging loan just before expiry and avoiding substantial penalties.

The case, introduced by Kuldip Shokar of Karaya Capital, involved a six-bed HMO bungalow valued at £650,000. The bank completed the facility at 75% loan to value on a five-year term, raising sufficient funds for the borrower to clear the bridge in full.

With only six weeks to work with, valuation and legal workstreams were initiated on day one. Capital Value Surveyors and Pure Law were appointed immediately to prevent delays, while HTB’s regional account manager Serena Grewal coordinated progress alongside underwriter Simone Thompson.

Grewal (main picture) said: “Time was tight, so we had to plan everything from the start. We instructed valuation and legals on day one and kept constant dialogue between everyone involved.

“The accessibility of our underwriting team and our focus on the outcome, not the obstacles, made the difference. The client repaid the bridge on time, avoided heavy penalties and moved straight into a long-term position that gives them stability for the future.”

Shokar said: “From the first call it was clear the team were on the front foot. Communication was clear, decisions were quick and everyone stayed accessible throughout.

“Having underwriters we could reach directly and a BDM who kept every part moving meant the case never lost momentum. That level of coordination is what brokers need when deadlines are non-negotiable.”

Andrea Glasgow, sales director, specialist mortgages and bridging finance at HTB, said: “When deadlines are this tight, structure and clarity make all the difference.

“Our teams work closely with brokers and underwriters from the very start, keeping communication open and decisions quick. That close coordination gives brokers confidence that, however complex or time-critical a case might be, we will see it through.”