Completed transaction
£390k high street investment & asset repositioning
Willesden Green
Owner-funded bridging finance supporting the acquisition of a prominent freehold high street investment with immediate income potential and future asset enhancement opportunities.
£390k Facility • 46% LTV • First Charge • Up to 12-Month Term
Transaction overview.
The opportunity
Funding a prominent high street investment with future value creation.
The borrower required a £390,000 owner-funded bridging facility to acquire a freehold commercial property in a prominent position opposite Willesden Green Underground Station.
Previously occupied by NatWest Bank, the property was vacant at acquisition but benefited from agreed terms for a new commercial letting. In addition to securing future rental income, the property offered opportunities to unlock further value through refurbishment and the potential reconfiguration of the upper floors, subject to the necessary planning consents.
Our approach
Looking beyond a vacant property.
Vacant commercial properties often require a more considered lending approach than fully income-producing investments.
Our assessment focused on the property’s prominent high street location, freehold ownership, agreed commercial letting and future asset management opportunities. The proposed lease provided annual rental income of £60,000, while the upper floors offered scope to create additional self-contained commercial or residential accommodation through improved access arrangements, subject to planning permission.
With lending at approximately 46% loan-to-value, the transaction provided a highly conservative security position while supporting the borrower’s investment strategy. As an owner-funded lender, we assessed the wider commercial opportunity rather than simply relying on the property’s vacant status.
Outcome
Supporting the acquisition of a well-positioned commercial investment.
The completed £390,000 facility enabled the borrower to acquire a freehold high street investment capable of generating immediate commercial income while offering clear opportunities to enhance the property’s long-term value.
The transaction demonstrates our ability to support borrowers acquiring assets where value is created through proactive asset management, refurbishment and commercial expertise, rather than relying solely on existing income.
Transaction highlights
- £390,000 facility
- £855,000 property value
- 46% LTV
- Freehold high street investment
- Prime position opposite Willesden Green station
- Proposed commercial income of £60,000 p.a.
- Asset repositioning opportunity
- Potential upper-floor enhancement
- First Charge security
- Up to 12-month facility
Why we backed this opportunity.
Prime high street position
The property occupies a prominent position opposite Willesden Green Underground Station, benefiting from excellent visibility, strong pedestrian activity and outstanding transport links.
Immediate income potential
Terms had been agreed for a new five-year commercial lease producing £60,000 per annum, creating a strong investment proposition from completion.
Asset enhancement opportunity
The upper floors offered the potential to create additional commercial or residential accommodation by improving access arrangements, subject to planning consent, enhancing the property’s long-term value.
Conservative lending
A 46% loan-to-value ratio, supported by a first legal charge, debenture and personal guarantee, provided a disciplined lending position while allowing the borrower to complete the acquisition with confidence.
Every opportunity is assessed on its own merits.
This completed transaction is provided as an example of the types of opportunities we support. Every enquiry is assessed individually, taking into account the security, borrower, exit strategy and overall commercial merits of the transaction.
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