Frequently asked questions

A bridging loan — also called bridge financing — is a short-term finance solution used to "bridge the gap" between two financial transactions, typically used in property scenarios.

Charles Street Finance provides loans from £100,000 to £5 million+, with larger loans considered by referral.

Our rates vary by product — please refer to the product pages for a guide, but we are happy to provide you with a quote when you make an enquiry.

Generally, any residential, semi-commercial or commercial property qualifies, whether habitable or not.

Loan-to-Value (LTV) is the ratio of the loan amount to the property's value.

Gross Development Value (GDV) is the estimated open market or rental value of a property once development completes, based on recent comparable sales.

LTGDV stands for Loan to Gross Development Value — a key metric in development finance measuring the loan amount as a percentage of the completed project's value. For example, if your development's estimated end value (GDV) is £1,000,000 and your lender provides a £700,000 loan, the LTGDV is 70%. It helps both lenders and developers assess risk and determine how much funding can be safely provided against the project's expected value once finished.

If you require additional finance on top of an existing loan, our team can review requirements and product offerings to suit. Short-term finance is typically 12–24 months; longer term can be 5–30 years.

Everyone is welcome to apply for bridging finance. Typical borrowers are: • Property investors • Landlords & developers • Limited companies (SPVs & trading businesses) • Private individuals (UK & non-UK residents) as long as funds are for business purposes • Self-employed borrowers

• Securing property quickly at auction, from agent or off market • Funding refurbishment projects • Raising capital secured on property for business purposes • Purchasing new properties for your business • Completing quickly and undertaking reletting works before refinancing onto a longer-term commercial mortgage • Purchasing a property before selling your current one (as long as this is not your personal residence)

Only when the loan purpose is not for personal residential occupation — such as property investment, capital raising for business purposes, or borrowing via a limited company. It can support cases like: • Purchases from auction with fast completion • Planning gain / change of use to enhance property value • Mortgage chain break to progress before sale • Probate release on inherited property • Renovation financing to boost rental returns • Purchase at a discount to capture opportunities

Commercial bridging loans are short-term financing used to purchase or refinance commercial real estate when permanent funding isn't available.

Ideal for offices, retail units, industrial premises — or complex or large residential properties — where permanent funding is pending.

Yes. Currently, commercial bridging finance — including for investment, buy-to-let, or commercial properties — is non-regulated and not protected by the FCA.

Development finance is a short-term funding solution designed to support the construction of new homes or residential units. Whether you're building a single property or a multi-unit scheme, it helps cover land acquisition and build costs. We provide flexible development funding with staged drawdowns aligned to your construction milestones — helping you stay on track, on budget, and on schedule. • Residential, commercial, industrial or mixed-use projects • Experienced and first-time developers • Ground-up developments with planning

Buy-to-let products are longer-term mortgages to support the purchase or refinance of properties you have let or agreed to let out. Terms between 5–30 years.

Flexible funding for landlords and investors alike: • Landlords expanding portfolios • SPVs and trading companies • Investors preparing for a remortgage

Perfect for: • First-time or portfolio landlords • Properties needing work before refinancing • Chain-break scenarios or auction purchases • Below-market-value or off-market acquisitions

Finance solutions designed to help investors, landlords and businesses acquire, refinance, or release equity from commercial real estate. We offer flexible funding from £100,000 to £5 million for properties such as offices, retail units, warehouses, and mixed-use buildings — supporting both income-producing and vacant assets with speed and clarity.

Ideal for: • Investors acquiring commercial premises • Developers unlocking value in underutilised space • Business owners purchasing trading premises • Landlords refinancing or restructuring portfolios • Developers repositioning or repurposing buildings

A building that combines both residential and commercial spaces, such as a shop with a flat above it. Also known as a mixed-use property, distinct from purely commercial or residential buildings.

A short-term funding solution for properties containing both commercial and residential components. Traditional lenders often view these properties as higher risk, making it harder to secure standard mortgages.

Residential properties only. If you're looking for finance for a commercial development, please contact us to discuss your options.

Currently on residential developments in the North West of England. For developments in a different UK location, please contact us to discuss your options.

Our refurbishment finance is still available, and you will remain on the standard bridging rate of 0.99% per month.

Loans are available up to £600k per property, or more by referral. For a higher loan, please contact us to discuss your options.

We can be flexible with a variety of AVMs, desktop valuations or physical on-site valuations.

On average we can complete within 7–10 days, so you can move forward quickly.

Yes — you will need your own independent solicitor or legal team to fulfil any legal obligations as part of the application process.

A revolving credit facility (RCF) is pre-agreed funding that lets you borrow as and when you need to. This gives you the flexibility to seize opportunities quickly, and means you only pay interest on the funds you've borrowed from the facility.

Your facility is committed for 24 to 36 months, depending on circumstances. Once agreed, your funds are available for this period without needing further approvals or underwriting checks.

The facility is secured on your residential or commercial property. As the loan is secured on property, the overall cost of borrowing can be lower than shorter-term finance.

Designed for agility, the facility allows landlords and business owners to seize off-market or time-sensitive property opportunities without delay. Funds can be accessed within 48 hours, enabling you to secure discounted purchases by acting quickly. Whether expanding a buy-to-let portfolio or capitalising on development prospects, the RCF provides a powerful financial edge.

The minimum day-one drawdown is £150,000.

Further drawdowns must be at least £50,000 each.

No. Once the facility is approved and in place, individual drawdowns are not underwritten again — providing speed and certainty of funding.

No. The facility is committed for the full term, and we do not require routine revaluations (e.g. every 12 months).

No. The revolving credit facility is fully flexible and not restricted to property purchases.

Yes. Many clients use the RCF to support working capital and manage cash flow efficiently.

Yes. The RCF can be used to refinance or consolidate higher-cost borrowing, helping to improve overall financial efficiency.