Bridging & Property Finance Guides
Plain-English guides to UK bridging finance, development finance, mortgages and international property lending. Written from a broker's seat, updated for the 2026 market.
Every guide below is written by the brokers who actually place cases, not by marketers. They cover what borrowers genuinely need to know before taking a loan: the products, the costs, the criteria, the process, and the mistakes that catch first-time borrowers out.
Rate guides, updated on a published review cycle
Bridging Loan Rates 2026
UK bridging loan rates in 2026 start from 0.55% per month for prime residential cases (sub-55% LTV, clean credit, confirmed exit) and run to 1.5%+ per month for complex or high-LTV scenarios. The advertised "from" rate applies only in the best possible circumstances. Most real-world cases price between 0.65% and 0.95% per month — the average secured in Q1 2026 was 0.82%/month (MT Finance / Bridging Trends data). This guide explains where you are likely to land — and why.
Read the guide →Commercial Bridging Loan Rates 2026
Commercial bridging loan rates in 2026 run from 0.75% per month for prime commercial assets to 2.0%+ per month for complex or secondary assets. The range is wider than residential bridging because commercial property carries more variable risk — asset quality, covenant, location, and the exit (sale or refinance to commercial mortgage) all significantly affect where the rate lands.
Read the guide →Development Finance Rates 2026
Development finance rates in 2026 start from 6.5% per annum for senior debt on prime residential schemes with experienced developers. Most standard residential deals price between 7%–9.5% p.a. (Construction Capital, May 2026). Specialist, first-time developer, and commercial development schemes price higher at 9%–12% p.a. Mezzanine finance to stretch leverage beyond the senior debt cap costs 12%–18% p.a. This guide explains how rates are structured, what LTGDV means for pricing, and what the total cost of a development loan actually looks like.
Read the guide →Buy to Let Mortgage Rates 2026
Buy-to-let mortgage rates in 2026 range from below 3.5% at the sharp end for established landlords with large deposits to 6%+ for complex profiles or specialist asset types like HMOs and holiday lets. The current best buy 2-year fix is 3.09% from Molo Finance at 65% LTV (note: carries a significant arrangement fee — compare on total cost). Average rates across the market sit at approximately 5.44% for 2-year fixes and 5.75% for 5-year fixes (Moneyfacts, September 2026) — elevated from the March 2026 lows due to Middle East energy price pressures on swap rates.
Read the guide →Residential Mortgage Rates 2026
UK residential mortgage rates in 2026 range from 4.33% for the best 2-year fix (Danske Bank, 60% LTV, September 2026) to above 6% for high-LTV or complex income cases. The overall range across the market is 3.9%–6.4%. The Bank of England held its base rate at 3.75% on 30 July 2026 in a divided 6-3 vote, with three MPC members voting for a rise — cuts are no longer the base case for September 2026. This guide covers current rates by fix term and LTV, what affects your rate, and how the rate outlook looks through the rest of 2026.
Read the guide →Commercial Mortgage Rates 2026
Commercial mortgage rates in 2026 range from 6.0% per annum for prime investment assets (industrial/logistics, long lease, strong tenant covenant) to 9.5%+ for secondary assets, specialist properties, or weaker covenants. Unlike residential mortgages, commercial mortgage rates are highly bespoke — the lender's assessment of the property, tenant, lease, and borrower all feed into a rate that is not published on a product sheet but negotiated on each deal.
Read the guide →Holiday Let Mortgage Rates 2026
Holiday let mortgage rates in 2026 start from 5.69% from Keystone Property Finance at 65% LTV (September 2026) — notably higher than equivalent standard BTL rates at the same LTV. The rate premium reflects the more variable nature of holiday rental income (seasonal, demand-dependent) compared to the stable rental income of an assured shorthold tenancy. This guide explains the rate landscape and how holiday let lenders assess income.
Read the guide →Equity Release Rates 2026
Lifetime mortgage (equity release) rates in 2026 range from approximately 6.2%–7.5% AER for lump sum plans and 6.5%–8.5%+ AER for drawdown plans. The lowest rate currently available is approximately 6.20%–6.43% MER (Equity Release Wise, July 2026); higher-LTV plans, older applicants, and plans with enhanced features price up to 10.1%+ AER. All rates are expressed as Annual Equivalent Rates (AER) to account for compounding. Unlike standard mortgages, equity release rates are fixed for life — the rate agreed at the outset stays the same for the entire plan. This makes the rate comparison at the time of application especially important.
Read the guide →RIO Mortgage Rates 2026
Retirement Interest Only (RIO) mortgage rates in 2026 range from approximately 5.0% to 6.0% from specialist later life lenders — broadly similar to standard residential mortgage rates at equivalent LTV. The key advantage of a RIO over equity release is that paying the monthly interest prevents the balance from growing: the same loan that rolls up to £290,000 over 20 years in a lifetime mortgage stays at £100,000 in a RIO, preserving significantly more estate value.
Read the guide →Later Life Mortgage Rates 2026 — Over 60s, 70s & 80s
Later life lending covers three distinct product types — standard retirement mortgages, Retirement Interest Only (RIO), and equity release (lifetime mortgage) — each with different rate structures and monthly payment implications. This guide presents all three side by side, showing what each costs at different loan amounts, and explaining which product is typically cheapest for a given borrower profile.
Read the guide →Expat Mortgage Rates UK 2026
UK expat mortgage rates in 2026 start from 4.18% for buy-to-let (Molo Finance, September 2026) and 4.5%+ for residential. Expat mortgage rates are typically 0.5%–1.5% above equivalent UK resident rates — reflecting the smaller lender pool rather than higher underlying risk. The biggest 2026 development: CRD VI caused Skipton International to withdraw from EU-resident applications from March 2026, narrowing the competition and sustaining rates for EU-based expats.
Read the guide →Foreign National Mortgage Rates 2026
Mortgage rates for foreign nationals living in the UK vary significantly by visa type and residency duration. ILR holders access the full mainstream market at standard UK rates — the same as UK citizens. Skilled Worker visa holders with established UK residency access mainstream lenders at near-standard rates. Recently arrived applicants or thin-file cases require specialist lenders at a small rate premium. This guide explains the rate progression by visa status.
Read the guide →Non-Resident UK Mortgage Rates 2026
Non-resident buyers of UK property — both British expats and non-British nationals living overseas — face a narrower lender pool than UK residents, which sustains a rate premium above the UK resident market. In 2026, specialist non-resident BTL rates start from 4.18% (Molo Finance) and range to 6%+ for more complex profiles. The 2% SDLT non-resident surcharge is an additional upfront cost that should be factored into the total cost of purchase.
Read the guide →Supercar Finance Rates 2026
Specialist supercar finance rates in 2026 range from 5.5% to 8.5% APR depending on the vehicle value, loan-to-value ratio, the borrower's profile, and whether the finance is hire purchase (HP) or a bespoke structured product. This is the only dedicated supercar finance rate guide published by a UK broker — mainstream lenders do not offer this product and competitor content is thin or absent.
Read the guide →Aircraft Finance Rates 2026
Aircraft finance rates in 2026 range from 5.5% APR for new, prime aircraft with a strong borrower to 12%+ APR for large or aged aircraft, complex international structures, or weaker borrower profiles. Finance is highly bespoke — every transaction is priced individually. Sub-5.5% pricing is generally only available through manufacturer finance schemes, which are not broker-accessible products. Aircraft finance is more specialised than most asset finance — the aircraft registry (UK CAA or overseas registry), age, maintenance status, and the aircraft's marketability all affect the lender's risk assessment and rate. This guide covers all aircraft types from light aircraft to private jets.
Read the guide →Asset Finance Rates 2026
Asset finance rates in 2026 range from 5.5% to 9.5% APR for hire purchase (HP) and 5.0%–8.5% for finance leases, depending on the asset type, business credit profile, loan size, and term. The choice of finance structure — HP, finance lease, or operating lease — affects not just the rate but the accounting treatment and ownership at the end of the term. This guide covers rates and structure for plant and machinery, vehicles, technology, and general business equipment.
Read the guide →Business Bridging Loan Rates 2026
Business bridging loan rates in 2026 start from 0.65% per month for prime business security and run to 1.5%+ for complex or unsecured positions. The key business use case for bridging is tax payment — VAT, corporation tax, and PAYE bills that fall due before the business can fund them from cashflow. This guide shows the rate for business bridging alongside the HMRC Time to Pay (TTP) rate comparison — to help businesses decide which is genuinely more cost-effective.
Read the guide →Invoice Finance Rates 2026
Invoice finance pricing in 2026 is structured as two separate charges: a service charge (a percentage of turnover) and a discount rate (interest on the amount drawn against unpaid invoices). Together, these form the total cost — which is often higher than it appears from either figure alone. This guide demystifies the dual-pricing model, shows what invoice finance actually costs as an annualised percentage, and compares factoring versus invoice discounting on total cost.
Read the guide →Remortgage Rates 2026
The best 2-year fixed remortgage rate in September 2026 is 4.33% from Danske Bank at 60% LTV (Mortgage Advice Bureau data, 1 September 2026). The market-wide average 2-year fix across all LTV tiers is 5.52% and the average 5-year fix is 5.64% (Moneyfacts, 1 September 2026) — the best-buy rate and the average are very different numbers. The best 5-year fix is marginally lower at around 4.15% at equivalent LTV — an unusual inversion where 5-year deals are cheaper than 2-year at several major lenders. The overall remortgage market ranges from 4.32% at 60% LTV to above 6% at 90%+ LTV. The Bank of England held its base rate at 3.75% on 30 July 2026. If you are coming off a 2-year fix taken in 2022-2024, you will likely face a higher rate today. If you are coming off a 5-year fix taken in 2019-2020, you may face a significant increase in monthly payments.
Read the guide →Second Charge Mortgage Rates 2026
Second charge mortgage rates in September 2026 range from approximately 7.5% to 14% APR depending on combined LTV, credit profile, and the lender. That sounds expensive versus a first charge remortgage — and often is. But a second charge is the right answer when: your existing first charge carries a very low rate with a significant ERC; you have a large capital-and-interest mortgage you would lose the benefit of by remortgaging the whole balance; or your income or credit has changed since your original mortgage and you cannot remortgage to the main product range. In those scenarios, the cost of the second charge is lower than the cost of exiting the first mortgage.
Read the guide →New Build Mortgage Rates 2026
New build mortgage rates in September 2026 range from 1.87% (Own New Rate Reducer, Furness Building Society, 80% LTV, 5% developer contribution — summer 2026) to 5.40%+ for 95% LTV via the Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. The standard best buy 2-year fix for a new build house without a scheme is approximately 4.32%–4.52% at 80%–90% LTV. The Own New Rate Reducer scheme significantly undercuts the standard market during the initial fixed period by routing a developer contribution of 3%–5% of the purchase price through the lender as a rate subsidy. DBF works with Own New participating developments to access Rate Reducer for buyers.
Read the guide →Self-Employed Mortgage Rates 2026
Self-employed borrowers can access exactly the same mortgage rates as employed borrowers — if their income evidence is presented correctly and they are matched to the right lender. The rate differential is not intrinsic to self-employment; it comes from being directed to the wrong lender, or from the wrong income being presented. A sole trader with 3 years of clean SA302s and an upward income trajectory will access standard market rates at the right specialist lender. The rate premium for self-employed borrowers in September 2026 is typically 0%–0.40% above equivalent employed rates when placed correctly, and 0.50%–1.50% when placed with the wrong lender (or declined entirely by mainstream underwriting).
Read the guide →Bad Credit Mortgage Rates 2026
A mortgage with bad credit is possible in September 2026 — but the lender panel is smaller and the rate premium is real. The premium over clean-credit equivalent rates ranges from approximately 0.20% (minor adverse, 3+ years ago, satisfied) to 2.50%+ (recent bankruptcy or IVA). The single most important factor in bad credit mortgage pricing is not what happened, but when — adverse credit from 3+ years ago is viewed significantly more leniently than recent adverse. The second most important factor is whether it has been satisfied. A satisfied CCJ from 4 years ago may add only 0.30% to your rate. An unsatisfied CCJ from 18 months ago may add 1.50%+.
Read the guide →Ltd Company BTL Mortgage Rates 2026
Limited company buy-to-let mortgage rates in September 2026 carry a premium of approximately 0.10%–0.50% above equivalent personal BTL rates. With BTL average rates at 5.44% (2yr fix, Moneyfacts September 2026), most limited company BTL deals price between 5.50% and 6.20% at 75% LTV. On a £200,000 BTL mortgage, that premium costs £100–£500/year in additional interest. For higher-rate taxpayers, the Section 24 restriction on personal mortgage interest deductibility means the tax saving from using a limited company typically far exceeds this rate premium — making company BTL the financially dominant structure for most landlords paying 40%+ income tax. For basic rate taxpayers, the rate premium may outweigh the tax saving, and personal ownership may be more cost-effective.
Read the guide →HMO Mortgage Rates 2026
HMO mortgage rates in September 2026 carry a premium of 0.15%–0.60% above standard BTL rates at equivalent LTV, reflecting the additional complexity of HMO properties — licensing requirements, room-by-room income assessment, higher lender due diligence, and a narrower specialist lender panel. For investors, this rate premium is typically more than offset by the significantly higher gross yield from HMO versus standard BTL — room rents of £500–£800/month per room across 5–8 rooms deliver gross yields of 8%–14% in many UK markets, versus 4%–6% for standard BTL. The rate premium is the cost of entry to a substantially higher-yielding investment class.
Read the guide →Portfolio Landlord Mortgage Rates 2026
Portfolio landlord mortgages — for landlords owning 4 or more mortgaged BTL properties — are assessed under PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) portfolio underwriting rules introduced in 2017. Lenders must stress test the entire portfolio, not just the individual property being mortgaged. This does not necessarily increase the rate, but it does significantly narrow the lender panel. In September 2026, the rate for a portfolio landlord at 75% LTV on a new BTL acquisition is approximately 4.65%–5.65% for a 2-year fix — slightly above standard BTL at the same LTV, reflecting the smaller lender pool and the additional due diligence cost.
Read the guide →Bridging Loan Rates by Lender 2026
Bridging loan rates vary significantly between lenders even at the same LTV and property type. The advertised "from" rate is only the starting point — the actual rate depends on the specific deal characteristics and how each lender assesses risk. Understanding which lenders are most competitive for your specific scenario is the core value a whole-of-market broker provides. This guide compares named lenders at specific LTV bands in September 2026, with total cost illustrations to allow meaningful comparison.
Read the guide →Auction Finance Rates 2026
Auction finance rates in September 2026 are broadly the same as standard residential or commercial bridging rates — 0.65%–1.20%/month depending on LTV, property type, and credit profile. The auction-specific premium, where it exists, comes not from the rate itself but from the legal fee premium for expedited conveyancing and the valuation cost for an urgent RICS inspection within the 28-day completion window. Understanding the total cost of auction finance — not just the rate — is essential for any auction buyer calculating their bid ceiling.
Read the guide →Refurbishment Bridging Rates 2026
Refurbishment bridging loan rates in September 2026 range from 0.75%/month for light cosmetic refurbishment at low LTV to 1.20%+/month for uninhabitable properties or heavy structural works at high LTGDV. The rate reflects the additional risk the lender takes on a property that is not in a mortgageable condition at the point of lending: the security is more difficult to value and to sell if the loan defaults. Understanding how lenders structure refurbishment finance — Day 1 advance, works tranches, and end LTGDV — is essential for maximising the facility while minimising the cost.
Read the guide →Regulated Bridging Rates 2026
Regulated bridging loans apply when the security property is or will be the borrower's primary residence — the home they live in or intend to live in. In September 2026, regulated bridging rates carry a modest premium of 0.10%–0.25% above equivalent unregulated bridging rates, reflecting the additional lender cost of FCA-regulated processing (ESIS documentation, affordability assessment, and the 7-day reflection period). The premium is small relative to the importance of the regulatory protection: regulated bridging gives the borrower the full suite of FCA consumer protections including the right to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Read the guide →Development Exit Bridge Rates 2026
Development exit finance rates in September 2026 range from 0.75%/month to 1.10%/month depending on LTV (of completed units' value) and the developer's track record. A development exit bridge is used after practical completion when the development loan needs to be repaid before all units have sold. The exit bridge replaces the higher-cost development loan (typically 0.85%–1.30%/month on most senior debt facilities) with cheaper exit finance at lower rates — allowing more time for sales without incurring the cost of extending the development facility.
Read the guide →Mezzanine Finance Rates 2026
Mezzanine development finance rates in September 2026 range from 12% to 18% per annum for standalone mezzanine sitting behind senior debt. Stretched senior facilities — which combine senior and mezzanine in a single facility from one lender — price at 10%–14% p.a. The mezzanine rate is high relative to senior debt because mezzanine lenders take a second-charge position: they are repaid only after the senior lender has been fully satisfied. In a downside scenario (development cost overrun, sales shortfall), mezzanine is the first capital to absorb losses. The risk premium is substantial — and so is the benefit to the developer: mezzanine can reduce equity commitment from 35%+ to 15%–20%, freeing capital to fund multiple schemes simultaneously.
Read the guide →Land Finance Rates 2026
Land finance rates in September 2026 range from 0.70%/month for land with detailed (full) planning permission and an experienced developer exit, to 1.30%+/month for greenfield land without planning consent. The rate reflects the lender's assessment of the land's value risk — which is directly linked to planning status. Land with planning permission has a deterministic, evidenced value. Land without planning permission has a speculative value dependent on an uncertain planning outcome. The further from planning permission, the higher the rate and the lower the LTV.
Read the guide →Bridging Rates Scotland 2026
Bridging loan rates in Scotland are broadly the same as equivalent English deals — the rate premium for Scottish property is minimal (0%–0.10%) because lenders assess the same risk factors regardless of jurisdiction. What does differ is the legal mechanism (Scottish standard security rather than English legal charge), the tax treatment (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax replaces Stamp Duty Land Tax), and the requirement for a Scottish solicitor. Understanding these Scottish-specific considerations before applying prevents avoidable delays and unexpected costs.
Read the guide →IHT Bridging Rates 2026
Inheritance tax bridging loan rates in September 2026 are the same as standard residential or commercial bridging rates — typically 0.65%–0.85%/month depending on LTV and the quality of the estate property security. The case for bridging is the timing problem: HMRC requires IHT to be paid within 6 months of death, but the grant of probate — which authorises the sale of estate assets — often takes 9–18 months. A bridge secured against estate property pays HMRC within the 6-month deadline, avoiding the 7.75% p.a. HMRC interest that accrues on unpaid IHT.
Read the guide →Corporation Tax Bridging Rates 2026
Corporation tax bridging loan rates in September 2026 are 0.65%–0.90%/month (the standard business bridging range) — equivalent to approximately 7.8%–10.8% p.a. annualised. The HMRC Time to Pay (TTP) arrangement currently charges 7.75% p.a. with no arrangement fee. In most straightforward cases, HMRC TTP is cheaper than bridging. The bridge becomes the right answer when: HMRC declines TTP (common for businesses with previous late payment history), the business needs to avoid a payment default on its credit file, the speed of cash recovery makes the bridge cost-effective, or HMRC refuses TTP and the alternative is enforcement.
Read the guide →VAT Bridging Rates 2026
VAT bridging loans in September 2026 carry the same rates as standard business bridging — 0.65%–0.90%/month. The primary use case is a commercial property purchase where VAT is payable on the purchase price and must be funded upfront, before the VAT registration and reclaim process completes. On a £2m commercial property where the vendor has opted to tax (making the transaction VATable), the VAT alone is £400,000 — which must be funded at completion even though it will be recovered from HMRC within 20–90 days. A VAT bridge funds this gap.
Read the guide →CGT Payment Bridging Rates 2026
CGT bridging loans in September 2026 — used to pay Capital Gains Tax arising from a property disposal within the 60-day reporting and payment deadline — cost the same as standard business bridging: 0.65%–0.90%/month. The 60-day rule requires UK residential property gains to be reported and the estimated CGT paid within 60 calendar days of completion. The bridge funds the CGT payment while the seller arranges longer-term funds — whether from reinvestment proceeds, drawdown from a SIPP, or the sale of another asset. Missing the 60-day deadline triggers penalties and interest; a bridge prevents this.
Read the guide →Self-Assessment Bridging Rates 2026
Self-assessment bridging loans — used to pay the January 31 self-assessment deadline — cost 0.65%–0.85%/month (standard secured bridging rates). The January 31 deadline combines the tax bill for the prior year with the first payment on account for the current year — creating a double cash hit that catches many self-employed individuals and landlords underprepared. A bridge secured against property funds the payment on time, avoiding the 7.75% p.a. HMRC interest and a 5% surcharge for payment more than 30 days late.
Read the guide →Marine Finance Rates 2026
Marine finance rates in September 2026 range from 5.0%–7.5% APR for standard leisure vessels on hire purchase, to 5.5%–8.0%+ for superyachts financed through specialist HNW marine lenders. Marine finance is a specialist asset class — lenders assess the vessel age, condition, survey status, VAT-paid status, flag and registration, and insurance coverage alongside the borrower's profile. A standard car finance provider is not appropriate for yacht finance; specialist marine lenders and brokers (like DBF) access lenders who understand the asset.
Read the guide →Classic Car Finance Rates 2026
Classic car finance rates in September 2026 range from 5.5%–8.5% APR for hire purchase on agreed-value collector cars. Classic car finance differs fundamentally from standard car finance: the vehicle is not valued at market price (which fluctuates and is difficult to determine for rare classics) but at an agreed value between the buyer, specialist valuer, and lender. This agreed value forms the basis of both the loan amount and the insurance policy — critical because classic cars can appreciate significantly, and a standard car finance policy based on market value may leave a collector significantly under-secured.
Read the guide →Motorhome Finance Rates 2026
Motorhome finance rates in September 2026 range from 5.0%–7.5% APR for hire purchase on new and used motorhomes valued at £30,000–£250,000. Motorhome finance is treated as standard asset finance by most specialist lenders — the vehicle age (typically accepted up to 15 years for mainstream lenders, up to 20 years for some specialists), condition, and make/model all affect the rate. New motorhomes attract 5% VAT (reduced rate) which must be factored into the total purchase cost and the deposit calculation.
Read the guide →Hire Purchase Rates 2026
Business hire purchase rates in September 2026 range from 5.5% to 9.5% APR depending on asset type, loan size, business credit profile, and term. HP is the most common business asset finance structure for plant and machinery, commercial vehicles, and technology — the business makes fixed monthly payments, and ownership transfers at the end of the term. Capital allowances can be claimed from year 1 for tax purposes. DBF accesses a whole-of-market asset finance panel for business HP across all asset classes.
Read the guide →Finance Lease Rates 2026
Finance lease rates in September 2026 are typically quoted as a monthly rental figure rather than an APR, but the underlying implicit rate ranges from 5.5%–9.5% for most business assets — broadly similar to equivalent HP rates. The key distinction is structural: under a finance lease, the lessee (business) does not own the asset at the end of the term (options include secondary rental, sell the asset and share proceeds, or extend the lease). Finance leases are fully off-balance-sheet for some accounting frameworks, and lease payments are treated as revenue expenditure — reducing profit and therefore corporation tax in the period they are paid.
Read the guide →Crane Finance Rates 2026
Crane finance rates in September 2026 range from 5.0%–7.5% APR for hire purchase on new and used cranes — positioned at the lower end of the asset finance rate range because cranes are high-value hard assets with strong residual values and an active secondary market. Tower cranes are retained for 15–25 years; mobile cranes for 10–20 years. This longevity supports longer HP terms and lower rates than shorter-lived assets like technology or fit-out.
Read the guide →HGV Finance Rates 2026
HGV finance rates in September 2026 range from 5.5%–8.0% APR for hire purchase depending on vehicle age, specification, and fleet size. HGV finance is a mainstream asset finance product with good lender appetite — haulage is a fundamental component of the UK economy and lenders understand the risk profile. Euro 6 engines (mandatory since 2014 for new vehicles) command significantly better rates than older Euro 5 vehicles, reflecting the lower compliance risk and broader residual value market.
Read the guide →Merchant Cash Advance Rates 2026
Merchant cash advance (MCA) pricing uses a "factor rate" rather than an interest rate — making true cost comparison with other business finance difficult. A factor rate of 1.20 means you repay £1.20 for every £1 borrowed: £50,000 borrowed = £60,000 repaid. The factor rate does not change regardless of repayment speed, but the effective APR changes significantly based on how quickly you repay. The faster you repay, the higher the equivalent APR — because the same fixed cost is spread over a shorter period. Understanding this is essential for evaluating whether an MCA is competitive with alternatives.
Read the guide →Revolving Credit Facility Rates 2026
Revolving credit facility (RCF) rates in September 2026 are quoted as a margin over the Bank of England base rate — typically base + 2.5%–5.5%, giving effective rates of approximately 6.25%–9.25% at the current base rate of 3.75%. Unlike a term loan (fixed amount, fixed repayment schedule), an RCF allows the business to draw and repay repeatedly up to an agreed limit — paying interest only on the drawn balance. This flexibility makes RCFs highly cost-effective for businesses with variable funding needs, but the commitment fee on the undrawn portion adds to the true cost.
Read the guide →Business Loan Rates 2026
Business loan rates in September 2026 range from 6.0% APR for secured property-backed business loans to 20%+ for unsecured high-risk business lending. The single most significant factor in business loan pricing is security: a loan secured against commercial or residential property accesses a fundamentally different rate band than an unsecured facility. The second most important factor is trading history and business credit profile. A business with 5+ years trading and property security can access rates comparable to commercial mortgage rates. A start-up business without security faces rates 3–4× higher.
Read the guide →Shared Ownership Mortgage Rates 2026
Shared ownership mortgage rates in September 2026 range from approximately 4.35% for a 2-year fix at 60%–75% LTV (of the purchased share) to 5.20%+ at higher LTV. The mortgage covers only the share purchased (typically 25%–75%); rent at 2.75% of the unsold share's value is paid to the housing association. Combined monthly cost — mortgage plus rent — is lower than a full purchase mortgage on the same property, making shared ownership an accessible route for buyers who cannot afford a full purchase deposit. The key decisions: how large a share to buy initially, when and how to staircase to a larger share.
Read the guide →Bridging guides
The Complete Guide to Bridging Loans in the UK (2026)
A definitive, in-depth guide to bridging finance in the UK. Written for property professionals, developers, investors and homeowners who want to understand the product before they take it.
Read the guide →Bridging vs Mortgage - When to Use Each
A clear decision guide for choosing between a bridging loan and a standard mortgage. Costs, speed, flexibility, and the scenarios where each is the right answer.
Read the guide →How Bridging Loan Exit Strategies Work
The exit strategy is the most-overlooked, most-important part of a bridging loan. A complete guide to how exits actually work, how lenders test them, and how to make yours fly.
Read the guide →First-Time Bridging Borrower's Checklist
A practical, no-nonsense checklist for borrowers taking out a bridging loan for the first time. What to prepare, what to ask, what to watch for and how to avoid the common traps.
Read the guide →Bridging Finance for the Care Sector
The broker's guide - CQC, EBITDA, and how care home bridging actually works.
Read the guide →The Investor's Guide to HMO Bridging Finance
From purchase through conversion to BTL refinance - how bridging works for HMO investors.
Read the guide →Refurbishment Bridging Finance - The Complete Guide
Light vs heavy refurb, works advances, LTGDV, and exit strategies - everything you need to know.
Read the guide →Pre-Planning Bridging Loans - The Developer's Guide
Acquiring sites before consent - how pre-planning bridges work, what lenders assess, and how to structure the exit.
Read the guide →Development Exit Finance - The Complete Guide
When to use it, how it works, and how much you can save versus extending your development loan.
Read the guide →Development guides
Complete Guide to Development Finance in the UK
Everything experienced and first-time UK developers need to understand about senior debt, mezzanine, JV equity, drawdown cycles, monitoring surveyors and exits. Updated for 2026 market conditions.
Read the guide →How LTGDV Works - Development Finance Explained
Loan-to-Gross-Development-Value is the dominant leverage metric on UK development finance. This guide walks through how it works, how it interacts with LTC, and how to use both to maximise leverage on your scheme.
Read the guide →Development Finance vs Bridging - Which to Use?
Both are short-term, both fund property, both come from specialist lenders. But the structure, leverage maths, drawdown mechanics and lender panel are fundamentally different. This guide walks through when to use which.
Read the guide →How to Prepare a Development Finance Application
What lenders actually need to see, in what format, in what order. The application pack walkthrough that gets indicative terms back in 24-48 hours instead of two weeks.
Read the guide →Development Finance for the Care Sector
Funding care home development, conversion, and extension - LTGDV, EBITDA, and specialist lenders.
Read the guide →Development Finance for Hotels & Hospitality
Funding hotel builds, pub conversions, and serviced accommodation developments.
Read the guide →Industrial Property Development Finance
Funding new-build industrial units, warehouse development, and trade park schemes.
Read the guide →Office Development & Conversion Finance
Development finance for office new build, PD conversion, and office-to-residential schemes.
Read the guide →The BRRRR Strategy - Complete Finance Guide
Everything you need to know about financing the Buy, Refurbish, Rent, Refinance, Repeat strategy - from deal sourcing through to capital recycled.
Read the guide →Property Flipping Finance - Complete Guide
How to finance a buy-refurbish-sell property flip - from bridging structure to profit calculation, with worked examples and the mistakes that kill flip margins.
Read the guide →Buying Below Market Value - Finance Guide
How to find BMV properties, finance the purchase faster than any mortgage, and structure the exit - the complete guide from a bridging specialist.
Read the guide →HMO Conversion Finance - Complete Guide
How to finance an HMO conversion from purchase through to licensed, tenanted, and refinanced - planning, finance structure, licensing, and the numbers that make it work.
Read the guide →Commercial to Residential Conversion - Finance Guide
How to finance a commercial-to-residential conversion - from prior approval through to sale or refinance exit. Permitted development rights explained, development appraisal, and finance structure.
Read the guide →Holiday Let Investment - Finance Guide
How to finance a holiday let investment - HMRC furnished holiday let rules, income-assessed mortgage structure, bridging acquisition, and how to model the returns.
Read the guide →Property Portfolio Refinancing - Strategy Guide
How to release equity from a property portfolio to fund further acquisitions - PRA portfolio rules, cross-charge bridging, and the tax-efficient structures that make it work.
Read the guide →Permitted Development Finance - Complete Guide
Financing permitted development conversions - Class MA commercial, Class Q agricultural, and residential extensions. Prior approval, development appraisal, and bridging structure.
Read the guide →Auction Property Strategy - Finance Guide
How to finance a property auction purchase - pre-arranged bridging, the difference between traditional and modern method auctions, and what you need in place before the hammer falls.
Read the guide →Ground-Up Property Development - Finance Guide
How to finance a ground-up residential development - from site acquisition and planning through to development finance structure, monitoring, and exit.
Read the guide →Mortgages guides
The private bank mortgage guide
How private bank mortgages work in the UK - which banks lend, how they underwrite, when they are the right answer and when they are not, and what assets-under-management actually means in practice.
Read the guide →The complex income mortgage guide
A detailed look at how UK lenders treat self-employed, partnership, dividend, bonus, RSU, carried interest and multi-currency income, and how to find the lender whose policy actually fits your income shape.
Read the guide →The commercial mortgage guide
How commercial mortgages work in the UK. Owner-occupier vs investment underwriting, ICR explained, lender categories, use class restrictions, term and amortisation choices, and how to structure the right deal for the asset.
Read the guide →Buy-to-Let Mortgage Guide: Everything Landlords Need to Know
Complete UK buy-to-let mortgage guide for 2026: ICR stress tests, Ltd Co structures, HMO, portfolio landlord rules, and how to find the right BTL lender.
Read the guide →Expat Mortgages: How to Buy UK Property from Abroad
Complete guide to expat mortgages in the UK - buying property from abroad, lender criteria, foreign income assessment, country lists, and how to apply from overseas.
Read the guide →The Director's Guide to Getting a High-Value Mortgage
Complete guide to high-value mortgages for UK directors and HNW borrowers - income assessment, private banking, rates above £1m, and how to maximise your borrowing.
Read the guide →HMO Mortgages: The Landlord's Complete Guide
Complete guide to HMO mortgages in the UK - ICR on per-room income, licensing, Ltd Co structures, large HMO finance, and which specialist lenders to use.
Read the guide →How Much Can I Borrow for a Mortgage? UK 2026 Guide
How much can you borrow for a UK mortgage in 2026? Income multiples, stress tests, the factors that increase borrowing, and which lenders offer the most.
Read the guide →The Complete Guide to Getting a Mortgage in the UK (2026)
A step-by-step guide to getting a mortgage in the UK in 2026, from application to completion - eligibility, documents, lender types, and how to get the best rate.
Read the guide →How to Remortgage: When, Why and How to Switch
Complete guide to remortgaging in the UK - when to remortgage, how to compare deals, the process step by step, and how to avoid the most expensive mistakes.
Read the guide →Interest-Only vs Repayment Mortgages: Which Is Right for You?
Interest-only vs capital and interest repayment mortgages compared - monthly cost, total interest, equity building, and which structure is right for different borrowers.
Read the guide →Listed Buildings and Non-Standard Construction: Mortgage Guide
A complete guide to mortgages for listed buildings and non-standard construction in the UK, covering Grade I, II*, II, timber frame, concrete, steel and thatched property finance.
Read the guide →Mortgage After Bad Credit: What Are Your Options?
A complete guide to getting a mortgage with bad credit in the UK - CCJs, defaults, IVAs and bankruptcy explained, with the lenders to approach and how to maximise approval.
Read the guide →Portfolio Landlord Mortgages: Rules, Rates and Strategies
Complete guide to portfolio landlord mortgages in the UK - PRA rules, portfolio stress testing, which lenders accept portfolios, and strategies for growing your portfolio.
Read the guide →Second Charge Mortgages Explained: A Homeowner's Guide
Complete guide to second charge mortgages in the UK - how they work, when they are better than remortgaging, costs, eligibility, and how to access the market.
Read the guide →Self-Employed Mortgages: Complete Guide for 2026
The complete UK guide to getting a mortgage when you are self-employed. SA302s, one year's accounts, Ltd Co directors, contractors and net profit lending explained.
Read the guide →New build mortgages, schemes and off-plan purchases
New Build Mortgage Guide
New build mortgage guide 2026 — LTV rules, all schemes, off-plan, EWS1, incentives, warranty, rates, deposit. Every question answered. Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →Own New Rate Reducer Guide
Own New Rate Reducer complete guide 2026 — how it works, which builders, which lenders, rate comparison, when it is worth it. DBF approved broker. Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →New Build Incentives Guide
New build developer incentives 2026 — cashback, paid SDLT, upgrades, furniture. How each affects LTV and mortgage valuation. Disclosure rules. Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →Off-Plan Mortgage Guide
Off-plan mortgage guide 2026 — full timeline from reservation to completion. Offer validity, builder panel, delay risk, long-stop dates, reapplication. Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →Shared Ownership Mortgage Guide
Shared ownership mortgage guide 2026 — how the mortgage is calculated, staircasing, service charges, resale restrictions, which lenders accept shared ownership new build.
Read the guide →New Build vs Second-Hand
New build vs second-hand property 2026 — full comparison of pros, cons, mortgage differences, costs, and scenarios. Should you buy new or resale? Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →EWS1 and New Build Flats
EWS1 guide 2026 — what EWS1 is, when it is required for a new build flat mortgage, which lenders need it, what to do if it is not available. Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →New Build Deposit Guide
New build deposit guide 2026 — houses vs flats, 5% routes, incentive impact, LISA boost, Rate Reducer. Worked examples at 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%. Doulton Bridging Finance.
Read the guide →Business Finance guides
Asset Finance Explained: Hire Purchase, Finance Lease, and Sale-and-Leaseback
Complete guide to business asset finance in the UK - hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease and sale-and-leaseback explained. Which is right for your business?
Read the guide →How to Get a Business Loan with Bad Credit
Complete guide to getting a business loan with bad credit in the UK. CCJs, defaults, IVAs - what your options are, which lenders to approach, and how to maximise approval chances.
Read the guide →Business Loan Requirements: What Lenders Look For
Understand exactly what UK business lenders look for when assessing loan applications - turnover, profit, credit, security, DSCR and more. Improve your chances of approval.
Read the guide →How to Get a Business Loan in the UK: Complete Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about getting a business loan in the UK in 2026. Step-by-step guide covering eligibility, application, documentation and lender types.
Read the guide →Invoice Finance vs Factoring: What's the Difference?
Invoice finance and invoice factoring compared - how they work, what they cost, and which is right for your business. Clear UK guide for 2026.
Read the guide →Management Buyouts: How MBO Finance Works
Complete guide to management buyout (MBO) finance in the UK - how MBOs are structured, financed, valued and completed. Specialist MBO lenders from £250k to £50m+.
Read the guide →Merchant Cash Advances: Cost, Pros and Cons Explained
Complete guide to merchant cash advances for UK businesses. How MCAs work, what they cost, the factor rate explained, and when an MCA is right for your business.
Read the guide →The Director's Guide to Property-Backed Business Loans
Complete guide for directors using property as security for business finance. How it works, what's at risk, rates, terms, and how to get the best deal.
Read the guide →How to Use a Revolving Credit Facility for Your Business
Complete guide to revolving credit facilities for UK businesses - how they work, how to use them effectively, costs, eligibility and how to get the best deal.
Read the guide →Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans: Which Is Right for You?
Secured vs unsecured business loans compared - rates, amounts, speed, risk and eligibility. Find out which is right for your business in 2026.
Read the guide →Business Finance for Startups: Options When You Have No Trading History
Finance options for UK startups with no or limited trading history. Government loans, asset finance, director-secured lending and more - complete guide for 2026.
Read the guide →Working Capital: What It Is and How to Finance It
Working capital explained - what it is, how to calculate it, why it matters, and the best finance options for UK businesses in 2026.
Read the guide →Asset Finance guides
Asset Finance vs Business Loan - Which Is Right?
The practical differences between asset finance and a business loan, and how to decide which is the better fit for your specific investment.
Read the guide →Hire Purchase vs Finance Lease - The Real Differences
The practical differences between hire purchase and finance lease - ownership, tax, balance sheet, and which to choose for your equipment investment.
Read the guide →How Much Deposit Do I Need for Asset Finance?
Typical deposit requirements for asset finance by asset type, and the factors that determine how much you need to put down.
Read the guide →Asset Finance for New Businesses and Start-Ups
A new business can get asset finance - but lenders assess it differently from an established operation. Here is what they look at and how to give your application the best chance.
Read the guide →Sale & Leaseback - Complete Guide
How sale and leaseback finance works, which assets qualify, the accounting and tax treatment, and when it is the right solution for your business.
Read the guide →Aircraft Finance - How It Works
Everything you need to know about financing an aircraft in the UK - from the first enquiry to the CAA mortgage registration. Finance structures, deposit requirements, lender assessment, and the practical steps from offer to delivery.
Read the guide →CAA Aircraft Mortgage - How It Works
The CAA aircraft mortgage is the legal mechanism by which aircraft finance is secured in the UK. Understanding it is essential for any aircraft buyer or seller. This guide explains the process, the parties involved, and what the mortgage means for you.
Read the guide →Aircraft Finance Deposit Guide - How Much Do I Need?
Deposit requirements vary significantly by aircraft type, lender, and your financial profile. This guide covers typical deposits for every category - from microlights to large-cabin business jets.
Read the guide →Aircraft Finance for First-Time Buyers and New Pilots
Buying your first aircraft on finance. What lenders look for, how to choose the right first aircraft for finance purposes, new versus used, the pre-purchase inspection, and how to prepare the strongest possible application.
Read the guide →Aircraft Finance for Flying Clubs
Finance for flying club aircraft - how clubs are assessed by specialist aviation lenders, what club structure works best, and how to present the strongest possible application for a club fleet aircraft purchase.
Read the guide →Yacht Finance - How It Works
Everything you need to know about financing a yacht in the UK - how marine mortgage differs from hire purchase, what a marine survey involves, how VAT affects yacht values, and what specialist lenders assess before approving yacht finance.
Read the guide →Marine Mortgage - Complete Guide
A marine mortgage is the long-term finance product for vessel ownership - secured against the vessel, with the owner retaining title throughout. This guide explains how marine mortgages work, who they suit, and how they compare to hire purchase.
Read the guide →VAT on Yacht Finance - What UK Buyers Need to Know
VAT status is one of the most financially significant factors in yacht purchase and finance. An incorrect VAT position can create a liability worth tens of thousands of pounds. This guide explains what VAT-paid status means, how it affects your finance, and what to check before buying.
Read the guide →Supercar Finance - How It Works
Everything you need to know about financing a supercar in the UK - the finance structures available, what specialist lenders assess, how deposits are calculated, and the step-by-step process from first enquiry to driving away.
Read the guide →Supercar Finance Deposit Guide - How Much Do I Need?
Deposit requirements for supercar finance vary by car type, age, lender, and your financial profile. This guide covers what determines the deposit and what you can do to reduce it.
Read the guide →HP vs PCP vs Lease Purchase for Supercars - Which Is Right for You?
The three main supercar finance structures - hire purchase, PCP, and lease purchase - work differently and suit different buyer circumstances. This guide explains which structure fits which situation.
Read the guide →Financing a Supercar Through Your Company
Many UK supercar buyers purchase through a limited company for tax efficiency. This guide explains the tax implications - capital allowances, VAT, and the benefit-in-kind charge - and the considerations that determine whether company ownership makes financial sense.
Read the guide →Classic Car Finance Guide
Finance for classic and collector cars works differently from standard car finance. Specialist valuers, provenance documentation, and dedicated classic car lenders replace the automated systems of mainstream lending. This guide explains the process.
Read the guide →Supercar Finance for Self-Employed and Complex Income Buyers
Self-employed directors, company owners, contractors, and individuals with complex income structures regularly finance supercars through specialist lenders. This guide explains how specialist lenders assess non-standard income - and why mainstream car finance declines do not mean the specialist market will.
Read the guide →Tax Finance guides
VAT Penalty Guide 2026
The VAT late payment penalty regime changed on 1 April 2025. Three penalties now stack on top of daily interest: 3% at day 15, another 3% at day 30, then 10% per year from day 31.
Read the guide →How to Pay Inheritance Tax Before Probate
IHT must be paid within 6 months of the date of death. Grant of probate - which authorises sale of estate assets - regularly takes longer.
Read the guide →The CGT 60-Day Rule for Property Sales
Sell a UK residential property and make a taxable gain - you must report and pay the estimated Capital Gains Tax within 60 calendar days of the completion date. Not exchange.
Read the guide →HMRC Time to Pay 2026
HMRC Time to Pay (TTP) allows businesses and individuals to spread tax payments over an agreed period - typically 3-12 months. It charges interest (currently 7.75% p.a.) but no arrangement fee.
Read the guide →Self Assessment Tax Bill
The 31 January self-assessment deadline covers both the actual tax for the prior year and the first payment on account for the current year. For many self-employed individuals, landlords, and directors, January creates an acute cash pressure.
Read the guide →Tax Bridging Loans
A tax bridging loan is a short-term, property-backed loan used to pay any HMRC tax liability when other funds are not immediately available. It is secured against residential, commercial, or mixed-use property and repaid from business cashflow, a property sale, or other finance.
Read the guide →Business Tax Payment Options 2026
Six routes exist when a business cannot pay its tax bill on time. Each has different costs, speeds, security requirements, and suitability profiles.
Read the guide →Got a question a guide does not answer?
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