In the world of bridging finance, things often appear deceptively simple: funds are released, the transaction is completed, and the client moves forward. However, behind the scenes, each deal has its own story.
In this blog, we look at two recent bridging cases that were successfully completed but required very different approaches to due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and the approval process. Together, they highlight why experience, flexibility, and problem-solving offered by Lending Bridge are critical in short-term property finance.
Case One: Property Investor Under Pressure
The Objective
A seasoned property developer required a short-term bridge for the purpose of a light refurbishment on 3 residential properties in the West Midlands area. However, the client was under strict time pressure to complete with unexpected legal caveats.
The Challenges
-Tight Schedule: Completion was required within days, as the client’s contractors were threatening to stop work
-Legal Complexity: As our client had purchased the properties just months prior, transfer applications were still pending with the Land Registry
-Financial Loss: delayed completion would mean a delay in the realisation of capital on the 3 properties
The Legal Approach
In this case, speed was everything. As a lender, we are willing to engage with the client’s requests even during legal stages. After receiving the client’s urgent request to release funds, we had to dig in and worked with all sides to release funds in tranches.
The Result
Enough funding was released on time for the developer to continue the refurbishment of the properties. When speed and flexibility are required, Lending Bridge can always deliver.
Case Two: A Bridge Built Across Borders and Time Zones
The Objective
Three foreign nationals approached the team for a bridging loan to purchase a prime London investment property. Despite the extensive KYC process, a 10-hour time zone difference and multiple jurisdictions, Lending Bridge delivered in record time using its extensive in-house expertise.
The Challenges
While the security met our lending criteria, the borrower profile introduced additional layers of due diligence.
All three borrowers were non-UK nationals, which triggered:
-Enhanced KYC and AML checks
-Detailed verification of the source of wealth and funds
-Review of overseas documentation across multiple jurisdictions
-10-Hour Time Difference
With the borrowers operating significantly outside UK business hours, real-time communication was difficult. Without a structured approach, this could have easily caused delays during critical stages of the transaction.
Our Due Diligence Approach
As a lender, we are proactive with our approach to due diligence and set standards from the outset.
-A clear and comprehensive due diligence checklist was issued in the very beginning
-Enhanced AML requirements were communicated early
-Documentation reviews were conducted in parallel where possible
-Regularly scheduled update calls out of normal office hours were set up to align with the borrowers’ time zone
-The exit strategy was thoroughly assessed to ensure it met our lending parameters.
-The Risk Team reviewed the process simultaneously to avoid delays
The Result
Despite the enhanced due diligence and logistical challenges, the bridging loan was completed successfully within the agreed time frame by all stakeholders.
The borrowers were able to secure the asset, secure a tenant to enhance cash flow, and progress confidently towards their refinance.
Summary:
Choose Lending Bridge no matter the complexity of the case
These case studies demonstrate how Lending Bridge can deliver to all clients, no matter how complex each case is. If we are hit with a hurdle during legal stages, we will always find a solution. If the case is complex from the outset, we will make sure to align our requirements early on and deliver within the set timeframes. You can always trust Lending Bridge to be your bridging partner.
By Lukas Mackevicius.
