Saffron for Intermediaries has introduced a comprehensive suite of updates aimed at supporting brokers handling complex development and investment cases.

The lender has launched bridging options to create an end-to-end property development finance solution, while also broadening eligibility and flexibility across its buy-to-let products, including expat, limited company and HMO ranges.

BUY-TO-LET ENHANCEMENTS

The lender has expanded its support for expat clients with lending now available up to 80% loan to value, including for first-time buyers and first-time landlords where at least one applicant meets minimum income requirements.

The range also now includes an expat limited company option, widening the routes available for overseas clients using corporate structures.

Saffron has strengthened its limited company buy-to-let proposition more broadly by accepting newly formed companies and removing the requirement for personal guarantees up to 55% loan to value.

Across the wider range, the lender will consider first-time buyers and first-time landlords, subject to product choice, with loan sizes available up to £3 million.

Interest-only and repayment options remain available with no external exposure cap, giving brokers scope to structure larger portfolios with consistent criteria.

The buy-to-let offering has also been extended with the introduction of a new HMO product aimed at both individual landlords and limited companies.

The product responds to increased demand for higher-yield, multi-occupancy properties and sits alongside the wider enhancements across the range.

END-TO-END DEVELOPMENT FINANCE

Saffron has launched a complete property development finance pathway covering the acquisition, construction and exit stages of a project. A new pre-development bridge allows developers to secure land, including plots without planning consent.

Lending is available up to 65% loan to value where planning is in place and up to 50% before approval, with terms of up to 18 months.

This feeds directly into the lender’s updated development finance product, which offers up to 90% loan to cost and up to 70% gross development value.

Both land acquisition and build costs can be included within the facility, enabling brokers to keep the full development cycle with a single lender.

BRIDGING FOR COMPLETION AND SALE

To support the end of the project lifecycle, Saffron has introduced an exit bridge allowing lending up to 75% loan to value for up to 18 months.

The facility enables developers to refinance completed or near-completed schemes while they progress sales, providing additional flexibility and smoothing cashflow at the final stage of a development.

Together, the pre-development bridge, development finance and exit bridge form a connected proposition designed to streamline the journey from site acquisition to completion and disposal.

RESIDENTIAL CRITERIA IMPROVEMENTS

Saffron has also updated its residential criteria to accommodate more complex living arrangements. Annexes with separate utilities are now acceptable, supporting multi-generational households or self-contained spaces used by non-borrowing family members or let on a limited basis.

Properties with up to two kitchens will also be considered, reflecting the evolution of modern layouts and dual-use spaces.

Tony Hall (pictured), head of business development at Saffron for Intermediaries, said: “This is one of the most significant specialist lending developments we have delivered, and reflects the changing needs of the market.

“Our new end-to-end property development proposition gives brokers a fully connected pathway from site acquisition through to project completion, with a bridge at the start, development finance in the middle, and an exit bridge at the end.

“At the same time, we have strengthened our buy-to-let offering to provide greater flexibility for expat clients, limited companies and experienced landlords.

“At Saffron, we believe progress is achieved through continuous refinement, careful expansion and solutions that reflect how brokers are supporting clients today. These updates sit at the heart of that philosophy.”