Investment and term finance facilities provide medium to long-term funding secured against income-producing property. They are used by professional investors, landlords and trading businesses to refinance portfolios, acquire new assets or stabilise properties following development or refurbishment.
How It Works
Investment and term loans are assessed primarily on income coverage and tenancy profile rather than exit value. Facilities can be interest-only or amortising, with fixed or variable rates depending on borrower preference and lender appetite.
Most lenders price loans based on loan-to-value (LTV) and interest cover ratio (ICR) a measure of rental income relative to interest cost. For commercial or mixed-use property, lenders also review lease terms, tenant strength, and location fundamentals.
Typical parameters:
Loan size: from around £100,000 up to £10 million+
Term: 2 – 10 years (fixed or variable)
LTV: up to 75% for residential or 70% for commercial property
Rates: typically 4.5% – 8.5% per annum, depending on term, leverage and asset type
Completion timeframe: usually 4 – 8 weeks from valuation to drawdown
Market Overview
The UK investment and term lending market remains highly competitive, with challenger banks, specialist BTL lenders and private funds all active across the £100k–£10m segment. Rates have risen in line with base rate movements, but lenders continue to offer flexible options for professional borrowers with well-structured proposals.
Products now include hybrid BTL / commercial term loans, portfolio facilities, and amortising investment structures designed to meet tax and cashflow objectives.
What Lenders Consider
Each lender has its own credit focus, but key factors include:
Rental income strength and lease duration
Borrower experience and track record
Property location, tenant profile and marketability
Company structure and tax efficiency
Loan purpose (acquisition, refinance, capital raise, etc.)
Strong presentation of tenancy schedules, rent rolls, and service charge accounts can materially improve pricing and leverage options.
Common Applications
Refinance of buy-to-let portfolios or mixed-use property
Commercial investment and owner-occupied premises
Term takeout following a bridge or development exit
Capital release for further acquisitions or working capital
Portfolio restructuring for improved tax or leverage efficiency
Key Advantages
Long-term stability with predictable repayments
Competitive pricing compared to short-term finance
Choice of fixed or variable interest structures
Capital release for reinvestment or portfolio growth
Applicable to SPVs, limited companies and LLPs