Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has refinanced a portfolio of 40 properties in the North West through two facilities totalling £9.8 million, allowing an existing customer to release capital for further acquisitions.
The specialist lender arranged loans of £7.7 million and £2.1 million across two separate borrowing entities, covering a combination of buy-to-let, semi-commercial and commercial properties.
Most of the assets are situated in Bolton and Manchester, with additional properties in Northwich and Cheadle. The larger facility covers 30 properties, while the second relates to the remaining 10.
As well as replacing existing borrowing, the refinancing provides additional funds for the landlord’s next phase of property investment.
STRUCTURING THE FACILITIES
The transaction required HTB to assess the relationship between the two borrowing entities and the different property types, rather than considering each loan independently.
The lender worked with introducing broker Eugen Grosz of Starglow before the applications were submitted to establish a suitable financing structure and determine how the overall portfolio would be assessed.
Aimee Amphlett, regional account manager at HTB, coordinated the transaction alongside underwriter Denis Arefyev and completions officer Chelsea Flack.
Arch Law handled the legal work, while Grant Stanley Limited was appointed as surveyor.
Amphlett (pictured )said: “With a portfolio like this, looking at each property or facility in isolation only tells you part of the story. We had 40 properties across two borrowing entities and a mix of buy-to-let, semi-commercial and commercial assets.
“Getting involved early meant we could understand how the different elements fitted together and work through the structure with the broker before submission.
“That is where a specialist approach matters. It is about understanding what the customer is trying to achieve and being able to structure the lending around the portfolio in front of you.
“This was a significant refinance and capital raise for an existing customer. By working through the structure early and keeping close to the broker throughout, we were able to deliver the funding needed to support their next acquisitions.”
REFINANCING TO SUPPORT EXPANSION
HTB says the transaction illustrates how portfolio refinancing can serve a broader purpose for professional landlords, particularly where their holdings include several asset classes and ownership structures.
Andrea Glasgow, sales director, specialist mortgages & bridging finance at HTB, said: “For established landlords, refinancing is not simply about replacing existing debt. It is also an opportunity to review how their funding is structured and whether it supports their plans for further investment.
“Where landlords hold different property types across multiple borrowing entities, it is important to have a lender that understands the wider property business and how the financing fits with their longer-term objectives.”
Glasgow added: “This is a good example of how specialist lending can support that next stage of growth. We have helped an existing customer refinance a substantial portfolio while releasing additional capital for further acquisitions, with the facilities structured around the wider portfolio.
“That is the kind of long-term relationship we want to build with professional landlords. We want to understand their plans, engage early and provide the specialist funding they need as their businesses develop.”
