NEWS
Arc & Co. arranges £1.5m Islamic financing facility secured against regional office in Nottingham
Arc & Co. has successfully structured a £1,485,000 Commodity Murabaha (CM) facility on behalf of its established client, secured against an unencumbered regional office building in Nottingham.
The facility was provided by Habib Bank Zurich plc (HBZ) via its Intermediaries Team.
The property, currently occupied by two tenants, was in the process of re-gearing leases at the time of execution. The borrower sought to release equity to support a pipeline of development projects.
Despite the leases being held over, Habib Bank Zurich Intermediaries Team was able to take a commercial and flexible approach, providing terms that recognised the asset’s underlying strength and income profile.
The transaction was structured under an Islamic financing arrangement at a FTV of 55%. As a feature of the Commodity Murabaha facility, there were no early repayment charges (ERCs).
During the process, the Bank expressed a preference for longer-term lease commitments to provide additional security, requesting 3- and 5-year lease terms. However, given the strength of the borrower and the quality of the underlying asset, Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co., negotiated with HBZ to accommodate the shorter leases—a stance that is relatively rare, particularly for regional office assets.
Philip commented:
“This was a great example of a lender taking a pragmatic view on a strong regional asset and supporting a client with a clear growth strategy. "The Intermediaries team (notably Fahad Khan) at Habib Bank Zurich plc maintained excellent communication and follow-up throughout the process and demonstrated flexibility in providing an Islamic facility where other lenders may have struggled with the short lease terms.”
Fahad Sartaj Khan, Senior Relationship Manager at Habib Bank AG Zurich, commented:
“Philip has conducted himself with exceptional professionalism throughout the transaction, truly embodying the values and ethics of Arc & Co. from case submission to completion. We greatly appreciate his approach and look forward to working with him—and the wider Arc & Co. team—on future opportunities.”
Arc & Co. and Maslow Capital partner on £1.2m finish & exit facility
Arc & Co. Director Tom Berry led on a recent Finish & Exit bridging facility for an experienced London-based developer to complete a residential scheme in Enfield.
The project comprised four residential units, with the facility enabling the borrower to repay their development lender and focus on finishing and selling the scheme. Although construction had run beyond the initial timeline, the facility provided the flexibility and time needed to bring the development to completion.
The £1.2m bridging loan, provided by Maslow Capital—was structured so it met the client’s needs but also provided suitable security for the lender.
Maslow Capital’s Daniel Murray and Dean Duggan worked closely with Arc & Co. throughout the process to deliver a smooth and timely completion.
Tom Berry commented:
“This was a straightforward yet time-sensitive case, where our client needed breathing space to finish the scheme and focus on achieving strong sales. Maslow were proactive and flexible, making the process seamless from start to finish.”
Danuel Murray, Senior Director, Short-Term Finance, at Maslow Capital added:
“We were delighted to work with Arc & Co. on this transaction and to support this developer client in completing their Enfield scheme. The collaboration was efficient and transparent throughout, and we look forward to developing our relationship further with Tom and the team on future deals.”
Arc & Co. and Quantum complete £3.4m buy-to-let facility for converted apartment development
Arc & Co. has successfully arranged a £3.4 million buy-to-let facility from Quantum Mortgages for a developer in Worthing, enabling the retention of a portion of a larger residential conversion while refinancing the existing debt.
The client originally acquired a former office building in Worthing, converting it into a block of 120 residential flats. The acquisition had initially been financed via bridge and mezzanine funding, which now required repayment.
Amid slower market sales, the developer adopted a revised strategy — retaining 16 of the flats as a build-to-let investment to provide ongoing income rather than selling the entire scheme.
Of the retained units, 8 were pre-let, providing immediate rental income and reducing letting risk. The developer subsequently carved out the 16 units into a dedicated SPV through new leases and sought a BTL facility that would refinance the existing debt while maintaining a suitable LTV
Gareth Briggs, Head of Residential UK, Arc & Co. oversaw a revaluation exercise of the retained 16 units, resulting in an updated assessment that supported the required leverage. This was a crucial step in achieving acceptable financing terms given the 74% Net LTV.
With this transaction, the client has fully repaid their former bridge and mezzanine lenders, simplified their capital stack, and now holds a self-contained 16-unit lettable portfolio ready to generate income as market dynamics evolve. The SPV structure isolates exposure and supports efficient long-term management.
“It was a pleasure working with Gareth from start to finish on this deal, whereby the applicant was looking for a guaranteed exit on a large development.
“As is the case with multiple units involved, there were many moving parts but nothing, through the assistance of the broker, valuer and conveyancer, we could not overcome.
“Overall, a great outcome for all parties, and I look forward to Quantum and Arc & Co. doing more business in the immediate future.”
— Zouhair Mihramane, National Account Manager, South East & West, Quantum Mortgages
“This deal underscores how measured structuring and alignment between lender, adviser and sponsor can unlock value even when exit conditions are difficult. Quantum were supportive throughout, and we’re pleased to deliver a solution that balances security and flexibility for our client.”
— Gareth Briggs, Head of Residential UK, Arc & Co.
Arc & Co. and HTB complete £21.5m facility for Nottingham student scheme
Arc & Co. and Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) have completed a £21.5 million development facility to support the delivery of a 210-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central Nottingham.
The sponsor, an experienced developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure and arrange the £21.5m facility, with HTB providing the development funding.
Construction has commenced and the scheme is targeting completion ahead of the 2027 student intake.
Nottingham, home to both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is a key regional student market where demand continues to outstrip supply.
The development will deliver 210 new bed spaces in a high-quality scheme designed to meet the needs of a growing student population.
Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co, said:
“PBSA remains a highly active sector for Arc & Co., and we were very pleased to support the sponsor on this important Nottingham scheme.
“Our role was to structure and arrange a funding solution that aligned with the developer’s requirements, and HTB proved to be an excellent partner throughout the process. Their ability to navigate the complexities of a transaction of this scale and deliver with certainty made them the right lender for this project.”
Andrew Dignum, Lending Director at HTB, said:
“This was a significant opportunity to support a new to bank client on a complex PBSA scheme.
“The £21.5m facility underlines HTB’s capability in structuring and funding large student accommodation developments in key regional markets, and it has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Arc & Co. to deliver this transaction. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress and to building on this new relationship.”
Neil Leitch, Managing Director of Development Finance at HTB, added:
“Student accommodation remains one of the most resilient sectors in regional property markets, with Nottingham a prime example of a location where demand continues to exceed supply. Transactions of this scale and complexity require specialist sector knowledge and certainty of funding.
“At HTB we are building a strong PBSA track record, and this facility reinforces our role as a trusted partner for complex regional development.”
So far in 2025, Arc & Co. has completed a series of £20m+ funding transactions, including a £26m bridging loan for a Prime London residential property; a 111-bed PBSA scheme in London with a £36m GDV; and a £59m loan secured against a hotel portfolio.
Arc & Co. wins Short-term Broker of the Year at the NACFB Commercial Broker Awards
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Arc & Co. has been named Short-term Broker of the Year at the 2025 NACFB Commercial Broker Awards.
Taking to the stage at Emirates Old Trafford in front of a record-breaking audience of 580 industry professionals was a truly unforgettable moment for our entire team.
This prestigious award recognises our expertise in delivering swift, flexible financing solutions when businesses need them most. In a year that saw 357 entries across 24 categories, we are incredibly proud to have stood out in such a competitive field.
"This award is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise," commented CEO Andrew Robinson, "Short-term finance requires a unique blend of speed, precision, and relationship management. Our clients trust us to deliver solutions quickly and efficiently, often in challenging circumstances."
The rigorous judging process, combining insights from expert panels with votes from Patron lenders and Partner suppliers, makes this recognition even more meaningful.
As specialists in short-term commercial finance, we understand the critical role we play in today's fast-paced economy. Whether supporting businesses through cash flow challenges, facilitating property transactions, or enabling rapid expansion opportunities, we consistently deliver the expertise and agility that our clients depend on.
This accolade validates our strategic focus and positions us perfectly for continued growth. Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey – here's to an exciting year ahead.
Arc & Co. and LBB showcase collaborative strength on £1.6m new-build residential project
A repeat LBB client – an SME developer based in Huddersfield – began talks with both Arc & Co. and LBB to support a new ground-up development just outside Manchester, in Ashton.
Finance: structuring for maximum leverage
The client wanted more than a lender introduction. Despite having direct relationships with lenders, he turned to Corey Dennis, Senior Broker at specialist debt and equity advisory Arc & Co., for guidance and expertise on how to structure the facility to maximise the net loan.
The development involved three detached two-storey houses, and technicalities around an additional land parcel meant careful structuring was required.
Corey ensured the legal elements were handled correctly, unlocking the full value of the site. The result was a £1.12m loan against a GDV of £1.6m – representing 70% LTGDV and 84% LTC, stretching the lender’s usual parameters.
Despite the borrower already holding a direct relationship with the lender, this transaction reflected the benefits of broker involvement, which included flexibility on net loan; a more competitive rate; and a smoother process to execution.
With a rate of 9% p.a. over 12 months, and the added advantage of a local BDM able to meet the client on site, the borrower secured a facility that was tailored, efficient, and deliverable.
Warranty: value beyond price
Alongside the finance arrangement, the developer required a new-build structural warranty with a £900,000 sum insured.
Although he had already obtained a direct warranty quote, Oliver Smith, Senior Consultant at LBB, demonstrated the benefit of LBB’s consultative approach.
By negotiating on the client’s behalf, he secured a more competitive premium – below the typical 1% of build costs, payable over 12 months – a structure not usually available when going direct.
The added value was not only financial. Oliver also arranged for the client’s preferred surveyors to be accepted. LBB facilitates the relationship between all parties, working towards a solution that is efficient, communicative, and suitable.
Later, when the lender required multiple indemnity policies as a funding condition, Oliver consolidated four separate covers into a single policy – streamlining administration and reducing the overall cost.
In short, the broker relationship delivered access, flexibility, and efficiency that the developer could not have achieved alone.
This project underlines the tangible value of using specialist brokers. Despite being knowledgeable and connected in their own right, by working with LBB and Arc & Co., the client saved money, gained access to enhanced terms, reduced administrative burden, and unlocked additional borrowing capacity – benefits that simply wouldn’t have been available by going direct. The partnership allowed the developer to focus on building homes, knowing that both the finance and warranty had been optimised on his behalf.
Arc & Co. secures £17.64m development loan from Downing LLP for Brighton office refurbishment
Specialist debt and equity advisory Arc & Co. is pleased to announce the successful completion of a £17.64 million development loan in partnership with Downing LLP.
The funding supports the acquisition and comprehensive refurbishment of an office asset in Brighton by the developer client—marking a strategic investment in one of the UK’s supply-constrained regional office markets.
The property will be refurbished to a CAT-A specification and transformed through upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems to target an EPC A rating and BREEAM score of Excellent.
This initiative supports the reutilisation of existing buildings to achieve best-in-class offices in a market with strong occupational demand and limited new stock coming to the market.
Tenant interest has been high due to the property’s excellent location and ongoing demand for Grade A office space in the area.
Downing was able to add the VAT to the facility, removing the need for a separate VAT loan, which simplified the deal structure—both in terms of timing and intercreditor arrangements.
The transaction was fast-moving, with a site visit completed in March 2025 and tight window required to secure the acquisition.
The deal exemplifies Arc & Co.’s strength in aligning lenders and borrowers across complex opportunities in the alternative lending space.
Arc & Co. Asset Finance Advisor Dieter Kershbaumer comments:
“This was a landmark asset with obvious potential, especially given the shortage of new Grade A stock in the market, so it was important to explore all approaches to get this exceptional deal structured.
“The client is a specialist permitted developer, and this was their first office development.
“My background as a quantity surveyor meant that I was able to communicate to the funders that the scope of works was well within their capability. The developer was extremely versatile, and their proactive approach was instrumental in maintaining momentum.
“Downing were excellent throughout the process; Will Powell played a significant role in getting the deal across the line.”
Downing Investment Director Will Powell commented:
“Having known and worked with the team at Arc & Co. for over 10 years now, it was great to complete on such a specialist transaction for an excellent client in the sector.
“The deal involved a number of complexities not concurrent with a typical funding arrangement and the team involved exhibited first class capability in getting it done.
“Against a backdrop of sustained market challenges, this deal went against the grain, and it is a pleasure to be involved”
Arc & Co. delivers £16.4m development funding for premium care facility
Cameron Hayes, Director at specialist debt and equity advisory firm Arc & Co., has successfully secured a £16.4 million development loan for a 70-bed care home in Fareham.
The deal was structured on a three-year facility to support the full development cycle, with flexibility to extend the term subject to performance once the site becomes operational.
The deal marks a significant milestone, as it represents the first care home development funded by the chosen UK challenger bank, indicating the growing institutional appetite for the care sector as an asset class.
Having identified a lender that understood both the sector fundamentals and the developer's track record, Cameron was able to secure funding to meet the requirements on leverage and term.
The loan was delivered at an LTV of 85% on a turn-key basis, rising to 65% NIV—reflecting the lender's confidence in the project's viability and the sponsor's execution capabilities.
The deal benefits from a pre-let to an established operator for what will be a premium 5-star care offering.
Cameron commented:
"This transaction highlights the increasing institutional interest in the UK care sector, which has lagged behind other markets like Canada, New Zealand, and Australia in terms of investment appetite and the overall quality of care.
“The UK has an ageing population and requires care facilities that are fit for purpose, and which align with the long-term fundamentals of not growing obsolete from an investor perspective. It is great to be part of this process in a growing area of the market."
Arc & Co secures £7.3m acquisition and stabilisation facility for multi-let Glasgow office
Philip Kay, Director at specialist debt and equity advisory firm Arc & Co., has successfully arranged a £7,322,500 acquisition and stabilisation loan for a multi-let office building in central Glasgow.
The three-year facility was expertly structured to support both the initial acquisition and subsequent asset management initiatives.
The deal presented unique challenges due to the property's characteristics— specifically a sub-one-year WAULT. Usually, such short lease structures would attract bridge financing at significantly higher rates until the income has stabilised.
However, Philip recognised that the entry price—reflecting the high net initial yield—provided a sufficient buffer to service the debt even if some tenants exercised break clauses or leases expired.
He ensured that a strong underlying position was established with the lender, combined with a comprehensive asset management strategy, which allowed him to secure long-term stabilisation funding rather than expensive bridging finance.
Philip identified a lender that specialised in competitive stabilisation funding and understood both the building's excellent central Glasgow location and the client's value-add business plan.
In addition, the sponsor’s JV equity partner is a large established New York developer which underlines the return of appetite from US equity investors in the UK regional office market.
The loan was delivered at an LTV of 67.5% with a market-leading margin of 4.25% over three years—a particularly competitive margin considering the short WAULT on a regional office property and the leverage against purchase price.
Philip commented, "This case demonstrates the value of identifying lenders who truly understand both the asset and the borrower's strategy.
“The lender’s appreciation of the building's fundamentals and the sponsor's track record enabled us to secure stabilisation funding where others might have only been able to offer bridging terms."
Arc & Co. continues to actively finance a variety of projects across the UK, leveraging its expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for clients navigating evolving market conditions.
Arc & Co. advises on £3.56m BTL loan for apartment development in Kent
Arc & Co. is pleased to confirm the completion of a £3,562,500 buy-to-let (BTL) loan, secured against 19 newly completed apartments in Kent.
The development, initially conceived as a build-to-sell (BTS) project, successfully pivoted to a build-to-rent (BTR) model after the local council agreed to lease all units under a 5–10-year fixed annual premium agreement, providing the borrower with a stable and predictable income stream.
Key loan info:
Loan Amount: £3,562,500
Loan-to-Value (LTV): 70%
Term: 5 years
The borrower—a UK national originally from outside the country—was seeking a loan against the unencumbered asset to repay investors and release equity for further expansion of their portfolio.
Nikita Nigai, Head of International at Arc & Co. (pictured), originally worked with the borrower in 2022 to support the financing of their first BTL portfolio.
That experience, combined with Arc’s leadership and the international expertise of its team, proved invaluable in navigating this more complex transaction, including access to improved terms.
Nikita encountered challenges with initial prospective banks: higher rates, conservative LTVs, and strict background checks for the first-time developer.
Ultimately, a lending partner was selected on the basis of flexibility and competitive pricing, as well as a willingness to understand the borrower profile and back the project based on the secured council lease.
Commenting on the deal, Nikita said:
“It is vital that we have access to lenders who have the appetite to support complex borrowers and property types, while remaining competitive on price.
“Returning clients feel the benefit of having a specialist adviser in their corner, helping to achieve the best possible terms as they grow and expand.”
“This deal is a great example of how strong lender relationships and market insight can help clients achieve their goals, even in a shifting economic environment
The project, structured under a UK SPV, consists of residential apartments fully leased to the local authority, ensuring legitimacy and secure income from day one.
Arc & Co. continues to actively finance a variety of projects across the UK, leveraging its expertise to deliver bespoke solutions for clients navigating evolving market conditions.
Arc & Co. secures £15.75m facility from HTB for Old Street airspace redevelopment
Andrey Redman, Director at Arc & Co., has arranged a £15.75m facility from Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) to support the acquisition and redevelopment of a former warehouse building near Old Street, London.
The facility will fund the purchase of the property and the delivery of two additional airspace storeys, alongside a full refurbishment of the existing 18 apartments.
The scheme will create new residential units in one of London’s most active regeneration zones, within walking distance of Old Street Station.
The borrower, an experienced private developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure a capital solution that could be delivered within a tight timeframe.
HTB provided a single facility to fund the acquisition, refurbishment and airspace construction, ensuring the project could progress without the complexity of multiple funding lines.
The deal completed in under two months from receipt of reports.
The development includes two new upper storeys constructed offsite and installed in parallel with refurbishment works. In dense urban locations, this kind of approach offers a practical route to unlocking additional homes and delivering value without requiring new land.
Galloway Hughes and Brechers LLP advised the client and HTB, respectively.
Andrey said:
"This project represents the kind of creative thinking we are proud to support. From day one, we worked closely with the borrower to deliver a funding solution that aligned with both their timeline and vision. HTB were collaborative, pragmatic and delivered with purpose, making them an ideal partner on this transaction."
Rob Syrett, head of origination at HTB, said:
"This is a strong example of the kind of deal we are seeing more of in inner London, where acquisition, refurbishment and vertical development need to be considered together. Structuring these elements within a single facility gives borrowers greater clarity and control. Airspace brings both opportunity and complexity, and it is essential to work with advisers who understand what a scheme needs to succeed. Arc & Co. brought that insight to the table and it was a pleasure to work with them again."
Neil Leitch, managing director of development finance at HTB, commented:
"Airspace development is increasingly important in London, particularly when supported by modern methods of construction and a clear planning strategy. These projects often carry more complexity than ground-up schemes, but they can deliver real value when approached intelligently. Our role as a specialist funder is to bring consistency and confidence to the table so that developers and advisers can focus on execution. It was a pleasure to support this project and work in partnership with Arc & Co."
Arc & Co. and Stamford Finance collaborate on £5.7m bridging loan at 75% LTV
Arc & Co. and specialist property lender Stamford Finance have completed a £5.7m bridging loan secured against two high value properties in Central London.
The two mews properties required refinancing from the existing lender.
Corey Dennis, Senior Broker at Arc & Co., and Peter Beaumont, Director at Stamford Finance, advanced the bridging facility for the borrower at 75% LTV — considerably higher than the average leverage typically available for this type of deal.
Property values in central London have been impacted by a number of factors in recent years, such as rising interest rates, which have priced out domestic buyers. In addition, stamp duty reforms have reduced foreign investment.
Therefore, it was crucial to partner with a lender that could take a pragmatic approach to the client and asset, allowing for a sale in an improving market.
The objective is to enable the client to preserve their equity in the property, while providing additional time to achieve a successful sale.
Anderson Wilde and Harris carried out the valuation reports for the transaction. Stamford Finance were able to use the existing valuation report—a practical solution to achieve a swift completion.
Arc & Co. completes deals with more than 80 lenders per year, consistently tendering for the most suitable provider and not revisiting lenders purely out of habit. In this instance, Corey sought out a lender that could adapt to the situation, going above and beyond to get the most suitable terms.
The 9-month loan is the largest for Stamford Finance to date, whose and discretionary funding and consequent flexibility is gaining traction among the broker and borrower community.
Corey comments:
“It was important to carefully manage the incoming and outgoing lender dynamics in this case, and we ensured that we arrived at the best outcome for the borrower.
“High value units in central London are not readily supported by lenders, especially not above 70% LTV, but Stamford Finance really came through on their promise of being a lender that can take a pragmatic view when it comes to increased leverage.”
Peter comments:
“We remain committed to supporting the ever-changing bridging and development market in the UK.
“Every borrower requirement is different and working alongside a brokerage as proactive as Arc & Co. gives us the chance to be able to showcase what we are capable of doing as a private lender, exercising pragmatism and flexibility alongside speed of execution.”
Arc & Co. and Together complete £825k funding for residential to specialist care conversion
Specialist advisory Arc & Co. has closed a 6-month loan with Together to fund the conversion of a residential property into five specialist care apartments.
The project, located in Andover, involved multiple borrowers and maximising the day one loan amount was integral to get the deal over the line.
Arc & Co. Asset Finance Advisor Henry Simpson (pictured) and Director Cameron Hayes worked together to achieve 85% LTPP on an investment valuation basis—helped by the fact that a blue-chip operator was in place to lease the apartments.
A lender would typically seek to use the 90-day value, but having the leases signed pre-construction, as well as a set of solid comparables, meant that Together was comfortable lending on the investment value instead, thereby increasing the leverage.
Henry and Cameron further negotiated additional security in the form of a plot of land.
Henry comments:
“When we were introduced to the borrowers, they had already engaged with another lender whose process seemed onerous and pricing high.
“We were pleased to be able to save them money on both interest and fees, as well as obtain the best possible day one loan amount.”
Cameron states:
“Care homes are not the most straightforward to fund but we are experienced in this asset class and understand the best approach.
“Our relationship with Together meant that we were able to present them with the whole picture, with emphasis on the credentials of the committed lessor, resulting in an outcome for our clients that exceeded their expectations.”
Arc & Co. secures £943k bridge for office acquisition in just two weeks
Sam Beaumont, Asset Finance Advisor at Arc & Co., has successfully arranged a £942,500 bridging loan for a client's property acquisition in Carshalton, following the unexpected withdrawal of their main investor.
The client was initially seeking development finance for an ex-council office building conversion when they were introduced to Arc & Co.
With the deal at risk and only two weeks remaining before the acquisition deadline, Sam took the lead on structuring an urgent funding solution.
Upon reviewing the situation with the borrower, it quickly became clear that completing a development loan within the two-week timeframe would be impossible, so Arc & Co. and the client made the strategic decision to pivot to an urgent bridging solution, ensuring the borrower didn’t lose their site.
The ownership and borrowing structure presented significant challenges, and Sam worked extensively with the lender’s compliance department to navigate these intricacies.
The loan of £942,500 was successfully delivered at a rate of 1% per month, with the entire process completed in just two weeks from start to finish.
The loan was for a term of 12 months, at 65% LTV.
Sam added: "It was satisfying to step in at such short notice on this deal, with the arrangement demonstrating our ability to find workable solutions even under extreme pressure.
“Our tenacity ensured that the client did not lose their site.
“We now look forward to working with the client to develop out the project, which was their original objective.”
Arc & Co. secures £4.5m funding for two large HMOs
Tom Savill, Asset Finance Advisor at specialist capital advisory firm Arc & Co., has secured a £4.5m residential investment loan to refinance two HMO properties in Croydon.
The borrower is a portfolio investor following a buy-refurb-lease-refinance strategy, having originally acquired the properties for refurbishment.
A bridging loan was arranged across both HMO-style properties, with guaranteed income streams secured through 25-year FRI leases.
The primary challenge was structuring the deal appropriately, as many lenders are cautious about HA tenancies due to tenant vulnerability concerns, while others cap HMO lending at 6-8 bedrooms. The total number of units across the two properties is 37.
Tom restructured the proposal from a commercial to residential investment basis, enabling access to more competitive pricing. The chosen lender's willingness to accommodate larger HMO properties and HA tenancies was crucial, alongside their capacity to support the client's ongoing acquisition strategy.
The deal completed at 73% LTV with a 5-year fixed rate of 7.1%. The transaction was structured through two SPVs to accommodate both properties efficiently, collectively valued at £6.3m.
Tom commented:
"A key challenge for this deal was in finding a lender comfortable with both the HMO structure and Housing Association tenancies, requiring careful market positioning, but the 25-year income guarantee ultimately provided the security needed.
"By restructuring from commercial to residential investment terms, we achieved significantly better pricing for the client while establishing a framework for future acquisitions.”
“This was by no means a straightforward transaction but we demonstrated commitment to finding a solution for the client, who collaborated with us to reach a successful outcome.”
Arc & Co. and UTB close £770k bridge for foreign national borrower in just three weeks
Gareth Briggs, Head of UK Residential Mortgages at Arc & Co., has successfully arranged a £770,000 bridging loan secured against a client's luxury apartment in London's prestigious Millbank building.
The borrower, a foreign national with permanent right to reside in the UK, needed to release equity from their one-bedroom flat in Southwest London, valued at £1.85 million, to complete a property purchase in Montreal, Canada.
Given the low LTV, Gareth and United Trust Bank (UTB) were able to speed up the process by utilising an AVM and the transaction was completed in just three weeks.
The transaction faced several complexities stemming from international wealth verification requirements.
Recognising the time sensitivity of the client's situation, Gareth and UTB managed the necessary verification process in order for the application to proceed smoothly.
Gareth further arranged for the client's existing lawyer, who had handled the original property purchase, to manage the refinancing legal work. This decision contributed significantly to completing the transaction within such a short timeframe.
The £770,000 loan was secured at a competitive rate for a 12-month term.
Gareth commented:
"This case demonstrates the importance of addressing potential technical issues early in the process, especially when dealing with international clients.
“By engaging with the lender’s compliance team and leveraging the client's existing legal relationships, we were able to deliver a swift solution, enabling the client to proceed with their purchase as quickly as possible.”
Nick Warren, Business Development Manager – Bridging at United Trust Bank, commented: “Gareth provided us with all the information we required early on to enable us to assess if we were comfortable with the borrower’s source of wealth. This allowed the speedy execution of the transaction, and we were delighted to assist the borrower in completing their Canadian purchase.
“Working collaboratively with knowledgeable and experienced brokers like Gareth enables the whole process to flow quickly and seamlessly, and we look forward to assisting Gareth and the Arc & Co. team with more bridging deals in the future.”
Arc & Co. and Atlas Capital Partners close £17m loan secured against South London industrial asset
Cameron Hayes, Director at Arc & Co., has completed a £16.7m commercial facility for a repeat client, secured against a South London warehouse asset.
The funding, provided by Atlas Capital Partners, was used to refinance the existing construction loan and to support the sponsor in executing the lease-up strategy for the asset.
The facility is provided on a term of 24 months, at 78% LTV and priced at a very competitive margin.
The market for London industrial is highly sought after among occupiers and investors, though stabilisation and exit for sale can take up to 12 months, allowing the client time to realise the true value once let.
Arc & Co. secured funding with the lender, negotiating the commercial covenants in the facility, enabling the client to secure highest net day one leverage for refinance, while having the first period of interest paid in kind to help with cashflow.
The process was implemented within 10 weeks of initial review, partnering with CBRE’s Industrial valuation team, and DMH Stallard and Pinsent Masons advising on the legals.
Cameron commented:
“This is a great example of private credit entering the commercial sector to bridge the gap between traditional development finance and term finance.
“Traditional banks’ appetites to support complex commercial funding requirements, especially those without tenants in place and requiring a period to lease up and stabilise, remains constrained.
“We’re able to tap into liquidity for a variety of scenarios, structuring deals that enable commercial clients to see out their business plans and prosper.”
Arc & Co. appoints new asset finance advisor
Specialist equity and debt advisory Arc & Co. has appointed a new asset finance advisor to join its growing team of specialists.
Arjun Saroya has a strong background in development finance, most recently as portfolio manager at lender Invest & Fund.
His day-to-day consisted of managing live and prospective loans, drawdown processes, tracking facilities and monitoring borrower budgets and project reporting.
He has also worked within a Prime London property development business where he was involved in financial modelling, with a specific focus on office to residential schemes.
In addition, Arjun has previously held a role in the underwriting department at Hampshire Trust Bank.
He joins the business as of May and will be working closely with Director Philip Kay, across a range of real estate funding areas and asset classes.
Arjun commented:
“I am very much looking forward to bringing my communication and analytical skills to the role at Arc & Co., whose impressive client roster I am excited to build on.
“My experience in deal structuring and credit management from a variety of perspectives will certainly aid my progression as I take on this new challenge, supported by one of the best teams in the market.”
Andrew Robinson, Arc & Co. CEO commented:
“Arc & Co. has experienced an incredibly strong 2025 so far, as we move and adapt with the market.
“In order to keep momentum and keep up the top-notch service our clients are accustomed to, we welcome new talent to join our team of experts.
“Arjun has a solid understanding of the inner workings of lending and development, making him a great addition. His insight and knowledge will add value to our advisory capabilities and we’re very pleased to have him on board.”
Arc & Co. arranges £2m in funding across three unusual deals
£1.17m bridging loan for holiday park in Scotland
Sam Beaumont, Asset Finance Advisor at Arc & Co., has arranged a £1.17 million complex bridging loan to help fund the acquisition of a holiday park in Scotland.
The asset type created barriers to financing, in part due to the difficulty valuing the unusual site.
Despite these complexities, Arc & Co. expertly navigated the deal, with the chosen lender’s in-house holiday lodge specialist able to overcome the valuation challenges.
Sam used his expertise to manage a complicated borrowing structure and keep the deal timeline on track.
The 12-month bridging facility is structured at 1% per month, with an LTV at 90%.
Samuel commented: "This case demonstrates the critical importance of finding lenders with genuine specialist expertise in niche asset classes. The initial valuation challenges highlighted how crucial proper asset understanding is to unlocking appropriate financing.
"By leveraging our lender relationships with sector expertise, we've not only secured the acquisition funding but are now looking to structure a second tranche to help complete phase one of the lodge development—transforming the site into an operation with a bright future."
Refinance of four BTLs with option agreements in place
Sam secured a £500,000 refinance facility across four BTL residential properties with complex option agreements in place.
The landlord sought to refinance just 50% of the existing debt on the portfolio, but, given the option agreements, it proved a lengthy process to find a lender who would support the deal.
Options agreements give current tenants the right to purchase properties on specified dates regardless of freehold ownership. This effectively limits a lender's control over the asset and fewer providers have the appetite to fund these cases.
A key challenge was finding a lender comfortable with this arrangement. Surprisingly, even specialist lenders typically known for handling complex cases declined the deal.
After weeks of thorough tendering, Sam closed the deal with a relatively mainstream BTL provider who took a pragmatic view on the case and the relatively low LTV, and it was completed at a 2-year fixed rate of 5.54%.
"This case required extraordinary persistence. By understanding the market and being unwilling to give up, we managed to partner with a lender who recognised the value of the deal despite its unusual structure.
“We are not strangers to non-standard requirements at Arc & Co. and are pleased to have the necessary relationships and coverage to assist borrowers in a wide range of circumstances.”
£607k refinance of a self-build BTL project
For this third case, Sam completed a £607,000 buy-to-let refinance facility for a client who had recently completed a self-build residential development project.
The borrower had originally acquired a house with adjacent land, subsequently obtaining planning permission to construct a second property next door.
After successfully reaching practical completion and securing a tenant, they sought to refinance their existing development loan.
The loan was structured at a 5-year fixed rate of 4.74%, releasing enough capital for the borrower to fund their next project.
Arc & Co. completes pub portfolio funding
Cameron Hayes, Director at specialist capital advisory firm Arc & Co., has secured a loan for a portfolio of 88 long-leasehold pubs in Wales.
The commercial facility, provided by Hodge Bank, will fund the acquisition of the portfolio, which consists of 83 long-leasehold properties, three freehold properties, and two leasehold properties with peppercorn rent.
Despite this being a very granular portfolio, Hodge was able to rely on reporting with Savills, who were already familiar with the portfolio.
Arc & Co. ran a thorough tender process and identified Hodge as the best lender for the client, in terms of pricing and process, securing credit within a fortnight of agreeing formal HOTs.
Given the nature of the assets being long leasehold, let to a strong covenant, there were complex legal requirements, and the deal was successfully completed within three months of initial review, establishing a strong relationship between the borrower and lender.
The loan is structured at a very competitive fixed rate on a three-year term, at 60% LTV.
This deal marks the latest in a series of facilities arranged by Cameron, totalling over £40m, across a mix of residential and commercial, bridging, development and term financing.
Cameron commented:
"A great completion to get across the line for the fund, and a substantial income-producing portfolio, demonstrating Arc & Co.’s expertise in handling a complex refinance in a challenging sector.
“All sides maintained clear communication throughout, ensuring a smooth completion and establishing a solid foundation for the client's future financing requirements.”
Gareth Davies, Senior Business Development Manager, Real Estate Finance at Hodge, commented:
"It’s been a pleasure working with James and Adam at Brew Propco and great to complete another deal with Cameron at Arc & Co.
“As a Cardiff based real estate finance provider, we’re particularly proud to have supported a deal of this scale, investing in pub real estate across South and West Wales.
“Public houses are a key part of the social fabric of many communities, and this deal demonstrates our commitment to the leisure and hospitality sector as well as our support for real estate investment in the region.”