Most BTL products will max out at 75% LTV, requiring a deposit from the borrower of 25% of the property’s value. This varies by lender however, the financial profile of the borrower and the property type may require a higher deposit.
Yes. Consumer Buy-to-Let (CBTL) can fall under Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules depending on circumstances, which changes lender choice and process. The major determining factor is whether the borrower intends to live in the property after the mortgage has been signed and completed. We help confirm the correct route early.
Timing depends on valuation, legal complexity, and lender workflow. Strong packaging and correct lender selection typically reduce delays materially.
Often yes, depending on your profile and lender appetite. Non-resident lending may require stronger documentation and can be more conservative on LTV.
Not always, but some lenders prefer it for banking visibility. We guide you based on the selected lender.
UK lenders are required to comply with AML/KYC rules. For international clients, demonstrating the path of funds (and how wealth was generated) is essential to approval and timing.
Often yes, subject to lender appetite and a credible repayment strategy. We help structure and evidence the repayment plan in a lender-friendly way.
They can, due to deeper underwriting and valuation nuance. Strong packaging and selecting the right lender early are the best ways to maintain momentum.
Yes, but lease and building factors are important considerations. We pre-screen the lease and building profile against lender criteria to avoid late-stage surprises.
There is no set amount that can be borrowed through a private bank mortgage. Private banks have very flexible underwriting criteria, enabling them to offer their clients bespoke lending criteria, and, as part of this, they are able to lend very large loans to their clients.
Yes, private bank mortgages can be tailored to suit the needs of the borrower, regardless of the structure of the loan.
Yes, private bank mortgages are suitable for any HNWI, international or local, and private banks are used to lending to complex structures.
It depends on the country, but often yes. Some markets are welcoming to non-resident investment, whilst others are restrictive. We assess feasibility early and guide you to viable routes.
Many lenders do require certified translations and notarised documents. We flag this upfront so it doesn’t disrupt the timeline.
It depends on pricing, speed, documentation burden, and your broader balance sheet. We compare feasible routes and recommend the most practical option for your objectives.
A typical timeframe is 8 to 12 weeks from application to completion. This allows time for detailed commercial valuations and legal due diligence. Silver Oak Capital can expedite this process by ensuring all required documentation is in place upfront whilst chasing all parties (valuers, solicitors, lenders) proactively.
Often yes, depending on the scale. Large mainstream banks generally require a clean credit history, but there is a robust market of specialist lenders whose credit appetite is strong and are willing to look at the bigger picture. If your business is currently profitable and the property security is strong, Silver Oak Capital place your case with the lender willing to overlook historical credit issues, albeit at a slightly higher interest rate.
The common fees to budget for are: lender arrangement fee; valuation fee; legal fee; broker fee. We will provide a transparent breakdown of all expected costs at the outset so there are no surprises.
Not necessarily. While it is often cleaner to consolidate everything, we can structure a portfolio loan that sits alongside existing individual mortgages. For example, you might keep a few properties on preferred fixed rates with other lenders and only move the properties that are currently on variable rates or coming up for renewal into the new portfolio facility.
Historically, portfolio products carried a slight premium, but the gap has narrowed significantly. In many cases, the economies of scale and the reduced arrangement fees from doing one large loan rather than multiple small ones make the overall cost of credit very competitive. Silver Oak Capital will provide a cost of funds comparison to show you the difference between individual mortgages versus a portfolio mortgage.
Yes, flexibility is a key feature. Most portfolio facilities allow you to substitute security. This means if you sell a property within the portfolio, you can often replace it with a new purchase without redeeming the loan, provided the value and rental income remain sufficient. We can negotiate these substitution clauses upfront to ensure you can trade assets without incurring heavy penalty fees.
Yes, typically they are slightly higher than standard residential rates because lenders perceive the commercial element as adding risk. However, they are generally lower than pure commercial mortgage rates. Silver Oak Capital works to find hybrid rates that reflect the lower risk of the residential portion, keeping your monthly costs competitive.
Yes, but it is more difficult. High-street lenders usually want a signed lease in place to prove the income. That being said, we work with challenger banks and bridging lenders who are happy to lend on projected income or give you a period of time (e.g., 12 months) to find a tenant while only servicing the interest on the loan.
Absolutely. Lenders categorise businesses by “use class.” A quiet office or boutique shop is preferred by almost all lenders. “Hot food” premises (takeaways, restaurants) or drinking establishments are considered higher risk due to fire hazards and odors affecting the flats above. We have specific lenders in our network who specialise in funding these “high-risk” commercial categories.
Generally, yes. Lenders view hotels as hands-on businesses. If you have no experience, they will view you as high risk. However, if you are a first-time buyer employing an experienced general manager or a management company to run the site, Silver Oak Capital can structure the application to rely on their experience rather than yours to satisfy the lender.
If the hotel is currently trading, lenders will look at the last 2-3 years of accounts. If the hotel is closed or you plan to significantly change the business model, we can use projections, but the LTV will likely be lower (around 50-60%) and the interest rate higher until you can prove the new income levels.
Yes, but the lease term is critical. Lenders usually require at least 50-60 years remaining on the lease after the mortgage term ends. If you are buying a “leasehold business” (where you pay rent to a landlord and just own the business goodwill), this is much harder to fund and is often treated as an unsecured business loan rather than a commercial mortgage.
Yes, but your options are limited. Most lenders prefer you to have owned a standard buy-to-let for at least 12 months. However, Silver Oak Capital works with several lenders who permit first-time landlords to buy HMOs, provided you have a strong personal income and a clear management strategy (e.g., using a professional letting agent).
It actually helps the value if the property already has existing use rights. Lenders view Article 4 HMOs as more secure because supply is capped (no new HMOs can easily be created nearby). We highlight this scarcity to valuers to support a higher valuation figure.
Typically 75%. Some lenders may stretch to 80% LTV in exceptional circumstances, but rates increase significantly. For most investors, 75% is the sweet spot between leverage and cash flow. If you buy well and add value, we aim to get your 75% LTV based on the new, higher value, allowing you to pull most of your initial capital back out.
Yes. This is a very common use of equity release bridging. Whether it is Corporation Tax, VAT, or an Inheritance Tax bill that needs to be paid before probate is granted, lenders are generally happy to fund this, provided there is a clear exit strategy.
Not necessarily. While sale is a valid exit, refinancing is often preferred. For example, you bridge to release equity, use the cash to improve the property, and then refinance onto a standard buy-to-let mortgage at a higher value to pay off the bridge.
Yes, significantly. “Equity Release” for retirees usually refers to a “Lifetime Mortgage” where no repayments are made until death. The product we offer is a Bridging Loan: a short-term facility (up to 12-24 months) designed for active investors and business owners. It must be repaid within the term.
This is the nightmare scenario. You risk losing your 10% deposit and being sued for the difference if the property sells for less at a subsequent auction. This is why working with a broker like Silver Oak Capital is crucial. We only place you with lenders who have a track record of performing within strict auction timeframes.
Yes. This is a primary use case for auction finance. Lenders will lend on the property’s value as is, provided you have a clear schedule of works and the budget to fix the issues. They are lending on the potential of the asset, not its current habitability.
Typically within 1 to 4 hours. If you send us the auction lot number and your details in the morning, we can often give you a solid indication of terms by lunchtime. This speed allows you to make decisions on multiple lots in the days leading up to the auction.
The key differentiator is usually structural changes and planning permission. If you are extending the footprint (extension) or changing the roofline (dormer loft conversion), it is Heavy. If you are ripping everything out and moving internal partition walls but keeping the external walls as they are, it is likely Medium. Silver Oak Capital will review your schedule of works to classify it correctly for the lender.
Usually, no. To help your cash flow, the interest is typically rolled up or retained. This means you don’t pay anything monthly. Instead, the interest is added to the total loan balance and paid off in one lump sum when you sell or refinance the property at the end of the project.
Yes, this is standard. Provided the end value (GDV) supports the loan, most lenders will advance 100% of the build costs. These are released in arrears – meaning you spend the money to do the work, and the lender reimburses you after a quick inspection.
Not always. Under Class MA permitted development rights, you can convert many commercial properties (Class E) to residential without full planning permission. You only need “Prior Approval.” However, if you plan to change the external appearance (e.g., adding new windows or balconies), you will need full planning for those specific elements.
Yes, but this changes the finance structure. If you or a family member occupies more than 40% of the property, it becomes a regulated loan. Most development lenders are unregulated.
Conversion finance is typically arranged for 12 to 18 months. This gives you time to complete the build (e.g., 6-9 months) and then either sell the units or refinance them. If the project overruns, we can usually negotiate an extension, provided the work is progressing well.
No, it is perfectly legal to buy a house for any price agreed upon. However, it is illegal to mislead a lender about the price (mortgage fraud). You must be transparent that the purchase price is £150,000 but the value is £200,000. Silver Oak Capital ensures full disclosure to compliant lenders.
Rarely. Lenders will usually cap the loan at 90% or 100% of the purchase price (even if that is only 60% of the value). They want you to have “skin in the game” or at least not walk away with cash and the property. The benefit is usually that you don’t have to put a deposit in, rather than taking cash out.
Yes, but repossession creates a “contract race.” Banks selling repossessed stock must get the best price. If you offer £150k and they accept, they will usually keep marketing it until exchange. If someone offers £155k, you lose it. You will need fast bridging finance to exchange contracts immediately and lock out other buyers.
Yes, but it is much harder and the LTV will be lower. Lenders view land without planning as speculative. If the planning is refused, the land value plummets. Silver Oak Capital has access to niche pre-planning bridge lenders who will consider unconsented land if the location is strong and the planning logic is sound.
Typically 12 to 18 months. This provides a safety buffer. It gives you time to buy the land, discharge pre-commencement planning conditions, and finalise your tender pack for contractors before refinancing onto a development loan.
For a pure land bridge, experience is less critical than for development finance because you aren’t building yet, you are just buying. That being said, they will still want to know your exit strategy. If your exit is “I will build it,” they need to know you are capable. If your exit is “I will sell it,” experience matters less.
Yes, usually. Senior lenders are risk-averse. They want to see that you (or your main contractor) have successfully completed a similar scheme before. If this is your first project, Silver Oak Capital can match you with a lender who specialises in “First Time Developer” products, provided you have a strong team around you.
You do not pay monthly. Development finance interest is “rolled up” (added to the loan balance) throughout the build. You pay the total capital plus the accumulated interest in one lump sum when you sell or refinance the units at the end.
Development loans usually have a term of 18-24 months. If the market is slow and you haven’t sold the units by the end of the term, we can arrange a Development Exit Bridge. This pays off the development loan, giving you a further 12 months at a lower interest rate to sell the units calmly without pressure.
Generally, Mezzanine lenders have a minimum loan size, often around £150,000 – £250,000. This means the total project usually needs to be worth over £1.5m to make mezzanine finance viable. For smaller projects, a simple senior facility is usually more cost-effective.
No. They usually rely on the Monitoring Surveyor (MS) appointed by the senior lender. They will read the monthly reports to ensure the project is on track, but they rarely get involved in day-to-day decisions unless the project goes significantly over budget or over time.
No. Mezzanine finance is a form of debt where you pay a fixed interest rate and keep all the remaining profit. JV Equity is a partnership – the partner puts up the money but typically takes 50% of the profits. If your project is highly profitable, mezzanine finance is usually cheaper than giving away half your profit.
Often, yes. While the headline interest rate might look higher than a senior development loan, when you factor in the avoided costs (no second set of legal fees, no second valuation fee, no mezzanine arrangement fee), Stretch Senior often comes out as the more cost-effective option.
Stretch Senior lenders typically have a minimum loan size of around £1m – £2m, as the work involved in setting up the facility doesn’t justify smaller loans. However, they can scale up significantly, funding projects up to £50m+.
Yes, but the leverage might be lower. The 75% LTGDV / 90% LTC figures usually apply to residential schemes (flats and houses). For commercial schemes (offices, industrial), lenders may cap the leverage at 65% LTGDV due to the higher risk of finding a tenant/buyer at the end.
Yes, provided you are near the end. If the property is sealed (wind and watertight) and only requires internal fit-out, many lenders will provide a “Finish and Exit” product. They will hold back a small retention to cover the remaining works and release it once you reach Practical Completion.
Typically £200,000 to £300,000. It is viable even for single-unit developments. If you built one large house and it hasn’t sold, this loan protects you from the development lender foreclosing.
Fast. Because the building is already there, the valuation is straightforward. We can typically arrange a development exit loan in 2 to 4 weeks – much faster than the original development loan took to set up.
It depends. On a headline interest rate basis, it can look slightly more expensive than a cheap bank loan. However, when you factor in the speed (getting on site faster), the reduced legal fees, and the lack of a mezzanine arrangement fee, the total cost of funds is often very comparable, with significantly less hassle.
Because you have a single relationship with one lender, agreeing to a “cost overrun” facility is easier. You don’t need two lenders to agree on who funds the extra bit. Whole loan providers are often partners in the project’s success and have the discretion to increase the facility if the project viability remains sound.
Yes. Whole Loan providers are often sector-agnostic. They are comfortable funding student accommodation (PBSA), hotels, Build-to-Rent (BTR), and industrial schemes, provided the exit yields and demand are proven.
This is difficult but possible. If you run a construction company, some lenders will allow it, provided you have a fixed-price JCT contract in place and an independent quantity surveyor to sign off the invoices. However, most lenders prefer an arms-length contractor for the first deal to ensure transparency.
Usually, once you have successfully completed and exited (sold or refinanced) one or two similar schemes, you graduate to standard rates and higher leverage. The first one is always the hardest and most expensive but it gets easier from there.
Yes, typically. You should budget for a higher rate (e.g., 10-12% p.a.) because the lender is pricing in the lack of track record. View this cost as an investment in your career. Once you have the first completion certificate, your next loan will be cheaper.
Expect ID and Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, proof of income/wealth, bank statements, purchase agreement, yacht specs, survey/valuation, title documentation, insurance confirmation, and details of where the yacht will be kept/operated.
Lenders prefer younger vessels. Financing a new or <10-year-old yacht is straightforward. Once a vessel is over 20 years old, finance becomes harder to secure and LTVs drop, unless the yacht has undergone a comprehensive refit that is well-documented.
Sometimes. If the yacht is VAT-paid, the loan is usually based on the market value (which includes VAT). If the yacht is Ex-VAT (commercial or non-EU), the loan is based on the net hull value. Some specialist lenders can provide short-term “VAT Bridging” to cover the tax liability while a vessel is being imported or exported.
Ownership. With a mortgage, you are the legal owner from day one. With a lease, the bank is the legal owner until you pay the final option fee. Leasing is often preferred in France/Italy for VAT simplicity, whilst mortgages are preferred in the UK/US for title simplicity.
Yes, but it can be complex. Banks calculate a “termination value” based on the amortisation table. Unlike a mortgage where you just pay the balance, a lease termination involves buying the asset from the bank ahead of schedule. We negotiate terms upfront to ensure exit penalties are minimised.
Yes, but it requires bank permission. Commercial leasing is possible and can allow you to reclaim VAT on running costs. However, the lease contract must be specifically drafted for “Commercial Use” rather than “Private Pleasure Use.” Silver Oak Capital has deep access to lenders who permit mixed-use.
Yes, but it is challenging. For classic yachts or older superyachts, the lender will focus heavily on the refit history. If you can prove the vessel has been maintained to class standards (e.g., Lloyd’s Register or RINA classification) and has undergone major 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year surveys, getting finance is possible.
Often, yes. If the loan is underwritten partly on the basis that charter income will service the debt, the lender may take an “Assignment of Charter Earnings.” This gives them a right to the income if you default, but usually, day-to-day income flows to your operating account.
Yes. We can arrange separate asset finance for tenders, toys, and helicopters, or in some cases, wrap them into the main superyacht facility if they are permanently attached to the vessel inventory.
Typically, you (the buyer) will need to fund the first 20% to 30% of the build cost from your own resources. The lender then picks up the subsequent stage payments up to a maximum of roughly 70% of the contract price.
Construction delays are common. We structure the loan term with a “buffer period” to account for this. If the delay is significant, we negotiate with the lender to extend the facility, provided the shipyard can provide a valid reason and an updated delivery date.
Usually, no. Pre-construction finance is typically interest only. You service the monthly interest on the funds drawn, and the capital is either repaid or refinanced into a mortgage upon delivery of the vessel.
The loan-to-value ratios associated with senior secured aircraft finance generally differ depending on the aircraft’s age. For younger aircraft (0–5 years old), lenders may be prepared to offer up to 85% of the aircraft’s value. For older aircraft (12–20 years old), lenders will be much more cautious and will probably cap LTVs at 40–55%.
Yes, this is one of the most common uses of senior secured aircraft finance. Given that these loans generally have a term of between 3 and 12 years, it is likely that any single aircraft will need to be refinanced at least once during its lifetime.
Aviation bridging loans can be arranged much quicker than traditional mortgage finance, giving borrowers the flexibility they need to take advantage of limited time opportunities. While most aircraft bridging loans can be arranged in 4 weeks, some can be arranged in a matter of days.
The loan-to-value ratio for aviation bridging loans will differ depending on the borrower’s profile and the aircraft specifications. Newer, more popular models are likely to secure higher LTV loans (+75%). Likewise, borrowers with stronger ALIE statements are likely to secure a higher LTV bridging loan as they are seen as less risky by lenders.
Yes, bridging loans can be used for a number of different reasons, as long as the underlying asset is strong and the borrower is seen as low risk. One important thing to note is that the lender will scrutinise the borrower’s repayment strategy before issuing the bridging loan. Because of this, it is important to have a certain, well-planned exit strategy before applying for any bridging loan.
For the lessee, there are a number of advantages compared to outright ownership. Firstly, they do not need to pay the large upfront purchase price in order to access the aircraft. Secondly, they are able to modernise their fleet quickly and more often. Finally, they can reduce their exposure to risk by refraining from owning the aircraft outright.
Aviation operating leases can vary in length, with some operators opting for longer leases and others for shorter ones. On the longer side, operating leases can extend up to 12 years, giving the lessee and the lessor long-term certainty over the use of the asset. On the other hand, some leases can run for as short as 5 years, enabling lessees to upgrade their fleet more frequently.
Once the lease has come to an end, the aircraft is returned to the lessor in the condition and manner specified in the lease. Once the aircraft is returned, all responsibility for the aircraft reverts to the lessor, and the lessee is free to enter into another lease.
An operating lease can be compared to renting the aircraft, with ownership retained by the original owner and possession handed over to the lessee. Finance leases, on the other hand, are similar to debt financing the aircraft, with ownership and possession passing to the lessee in exchange for regular lease payments.
Finance leases almost always result in aircraft ownership, with the legal title remaining with the lessor, while all economic ownership passes to the lessee.
Under a finance lease, the lessor holds the legal title of the aircraft for the duration of the lease, while granting an aircraft mortgage to the lessee. The lessor may take a range of securities from the borrower, but the most common are personal guarantees, cash deposits, charges over receivables, and debentures over holding companies. It is important to ensure that the security package is sufficient to cover the lessor in the event of the lessee’s default.
Private credit is regarded as a highly flexible form of finance, making it a popular choice for a wide variety of borrowers, from businesses to high-net-worth individuals. Private credit is especially attractive for non-standard transactions, including those involving:
Lombard loans can be secured against any liquid assets, including cash, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, and equities. The more liquid the asset, the higher the LTV offered. For example, Lombard loans secured against cash can have LTVs up to 100%, whereas loans secured against illiquid mutual funds or ETFs can be as low as 30–40%.
Lombard loans can be arranged quickly depending on the client’s circumstances. Long-term private banking clients with substantial deposits may have loans arranged in days, whereas new clients with limited assets under management may experience longer completion times.
Pre-IPO finance is generally non-controlling and provides quick access to capital, typically structured as debt or convertible instruments.
Private equity, in contrast, involves investors taking a long-term equity stake, often including board representation, operational involvement, and decision-making control. While private equity can be attractive pre-IPO, it can impact shareholder control and ownership dilution.
Investors mitigate risk through a combination of:
LTVs for crypto-backed loans are generally between 30% and 60%, depending on the composition, liquidity, and volatility of the portfolio.
If prices drop suddenly, lenders may issue a margin call, requiring the borrower to:
Yes. Crypto bridging is commonly used by founders, early investors, and HNW individuals to access liquidity while retaining ownership and upside exposure in their crypto portfolios.
Loan amounts are generally dictated by the lender’s LTV policy. Most lenders offer maximum LTVs around 50%, although higher LTVs may be possible with diversified collateral or additional security packages.
Yes. Bitcoin-backed loans are commonly used by corporates, founders, and high-net-worth individuals, enabling access to liquidity without liquidating Bitcoin holdings.
Loan amounts depend on the value of the jewellery or stones, including maker, provenance, quality, and historical significance. LTVs typically range from 30% to 70%, depending on liquidity.
Jewellery and gemstone prices can be volatile. Lenders monitor collateral value and may require additional security or top-ups if values fall below agreed levels.
Yes. Jewellery-backed loans are available to private investors and corporate entities, with lender decisions based on both the asset and borrower profile.
LTVs vary by collection quality, value, and liquidity, typically between 30% and 60%, with high-value blue-chip artworks achieving higher LTVs.
Lenders monitor artwork value and may request additional security if valuations decline to maintain the agreed LTV.
Yes. Loans are available to private collectors, family offices, and galleries, with rates and LTVs depending on the artwork and borrower profile.
Borrowing limits depend on make, rarity, and value. LTVs generally range from 30% to 50%, with strong, diversified collections considered lower risk.
Lenders monitor LTVs and may adjust loan amounts in response to market softening. Borrowers might be required to top up the facility to maintain agreed LTVs.
Yes. Loans are available to private individuals and corporate entities, with lenders evaluating demand and model desirability.
