The Benefits of Bridging Loans for Landlords Struggling with Interest Cover Ratio

7 January 2023

Why Bridging Loans are a Smart Solution for Landlords Facing ICR Challenges

The mortgage market has undergone significant changes recently, with many lenders withdrawing and re-pricing their products at higher rates. This has made it difficult for landlords to meet the required interest cover ratio (ICR) without also increasing the rent charged on their properties. Bridging loans can provide a useful solution for landlords in this situation.


What are Bridging Loans?


Bridging loans are short-term property loans that are popular with investors due to their fast turnaround time and flexibility. They can be obtained in a matter of days, compared to the weeks it takes to secure a buy-to-let mortgage. Bridging loans are often used to finance the purchase of a property that requires work, with the funds being used to complete the transaction and carry out the necessary renovations. The investor can then refinance to a regular buy-to-let deal, using the increased value of the property to pay off the bridging loan.


How Bridging Loans Can Help with ICR


Bridging loans can provide investors with the opportunity to secure a property and make more long-term decisions about their financing options. If interest rates on buy-to-let mortgages drop in the future, investors can move to a regular buy-to-let deal. Alternatively, if rates have not dropped enough to make the sums work, the investor can look to sell the property, potentially generating a profit.

Finding the Right Bridging Loan


The bridging loan market can be daunting for landlords who are unfamiliar with it. This is where a mortgage brokerage like Willow Private Finance can be helpful. Willow Private Finance offers a range of bridging loan options and can provide expert advice on which one is the best fit for an investor's needs. They also offer additional services, such as advice on buy-to-let mortgages and information on the latest property market trends.


Conclusion


Bridging loans can provide a useful solution for landlords struggling to meet the ICR requirements for a buy-to-let mortgage. They offer a fast turnaround time and the flexibility to either refinance or sell the property, depending on market conditions. Working with a mortgage brokerage like Willow Private Finance can help investors find the right bridging loan for their needs.


Enquire About Bridging Finance


Who Are Willow Private Finance


At Willow Private Finance, we are a leading independent mortgage brokerage with extensive experience in all aspects of specialist lending and finance. Founded in 2008, we assist individuals, companies, and institutional investors in finding the right solutions for their financial needs. We work with a diverse range of clients, including those with varied income streams, asset structures, and tax positions.

Mortgage funding has become increasingly complex and navigating regulatory changes and complex product features requires establishing a strong relationship with your mortgage advisor. That's why at Willow Private Finance, we are committed to providing our clients with a dedicated and bespoke service from beginning to end. Client satisfaction is central to our business ethos, and we work closely with our clients to achieve the best possible results in terms of pricing, flexibility, and meeting their objectives. If you're a landlord facing ICR challenges, we can help you find the right bridging loan solution


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