"This case is a fantastic example of how CHL Mortgages can provide a specialist solution, no matter how large or complex a case"
- Roger Morris - CHL Mortgages
CHL Mortgages has completed a £5m portfolio refinance for an experienced landlord based in Chelsea, covering 10 buy-to-let properties in Lambeth, southwest London (pictured), and repaying an existing bridging loan that was approaching the end of its term.
The case was introduced by broker Paul Agnew of London Property Finance, supported by business development manager Shannon O'Malley, and involved a landlord needing to move quickly, given the bridging facility's imminent expiry.
CHL Mortgages, part of the Chetwood Bank group alongside ModaMortgages, provides lending to individual and limited company landlords across standard buy-to-let properties, HMOs, multi-unit freehold blocks, and short-term lets.
Following an initial assessment, the case was identified as a strong fit given CHL Mortgages' experience with complex buy-to-let cases and portfolio landlords.
To maintain momentum, a single underwriter was assigned to manage the case from start to finish, coordinating closely with the sales team and broker to ensure valuations were assessed and offers issued simultaneously. Lending on one property was capped to remain within exposure limits, allowing the wider portfolio to proceed.
The case evolved after offer stage, when accounting advice prompted a switch across all applications from five-year to two-year fixed-rate products. The change pushed the client's exposure beyond initial limits, requiring CHL Mortgages to restructure its approach.
Nine of the ten cases were completed first to repay the majority of the bridging loan, with the remaining case reviewed and subsequently approved, completing the full refinance. Search indemnity insurance was also used to support a swift conclusion and ensure the client met their obligations to the bridging lender.
"I was really impressed with CHL Mortgages' ability to take a complex, time-sensitive portfolio refinance and keep it moving with clarity and control," said Agnew. "Shannon supported me from start to finish and kept me updated throughout."
"Even when the case evolved and exposure limits shifted, the team didn't miss a beat, finding practical solutions, reissuing offers and ensuring the bridging loan was repaid on time. Their expertise in portfolio and specialist lending genuinely shone through and gave me and my client real confidence at every stage."
Roger Morris, group distribution director at Chetwood Bank for CHL Mortgages and ModaMortgages, said the outcome reflected what the lender was built to do. "This case is a fantastic example of how CHL Mortgages can provide a specialist solution, no matter how large or complex a case."
"By assigning a dedicated underwriter and working closely with the broker, we were able to structure the lending creatively, manage exposure carefully and deliver the refinance within a tight timeframe. I'm really proud of the team for finding a way to make the deal happen – it's a great example of our commitment to doing all we can to help brokers place their complex cases in a speedy manner."
If you’re exploring bridging or development finance, get in touch and we can connect you with the right lender.
