"This is one of the most significant specialist lending developments we have delivered, and reflects the changing needs of the market"
- Tony Hall - Saffron for Intermediaries
Saffron for Intermediaries has unveiled a series of specialist lending updates, introducing bridging finance to deliver a full end-to-end property development finance proposition. The move comes alongside substantial enhancements to its Buy-to-Let (BTL) range, aimed at broadening eligibility and offering brokers greater flexibility across development and investment scenarios.
Key updates include:
Launch of Expat Limited Company BTL, expanding support for overseas clients using company structures
Wide-ranging enhancements to the Buy-to-Let range
Introduction of a new HMO product, including limited company BTL options
A full end-to-end property development finance solution
New pre-development bridge and exit bridge products
Strengthened Buy-to-Let proposition
Saffron has enhanced its BTL offering to support expat clients, portfolio landlords, and limited companies more effectively. Expat BTL now provides lending up to 80% LTV, making higher-leverage borrowing accessible for overseas clients. The product is available to first-time buyers and first-time landlords where at least one applicant meets minimum income requirements.
The range now also includes Expat Limited Company BTL. Meanwhile, the wider Limited Company BTL proposition has been updated to accept newly registered companies with no personal guarantees required up to 55% LTV.
Across the broader BTL range, first-time buyers and first-time landlords are accepted on certain products, loan sizes can reach £3 million, and interest-only or repayment options remain available without external exposure limits. These changes allow brokers to structure portfolios confidently, even for complex or multi-property scenarios.
Expanded HMO options
Saffron has added a new HMO product to its BTL range, available for both individual landlords and limited companies. This reflects growing demand for higher-yield, multi-occupancy properties and broadens the investment strategies brokers can support. The addition complements the wider BTL enhancements and further strengthens Saffron’s offering.
Development finance reinvented
The lender now offers a complete property development finance solution, guiding brokers and clients from site acquisition through to project completion. The pre-development bridge allows developers to secure land without planning, offering lending up to 65% LTV with planning approval and up to 50% LTV pre-approval, for terms of up to 18 months.
This transitions seamlessly into Saffron’s strengthened development finance product, which provides up to 90% loan-to-cost (LTC) and up to 70% GDV, covering both land purchase and construction costs within the facility.
Bridging that completes the journey
To support project completion, Saffron has launched an Exit Bridge offering up to 75% LTV for up to 18 months. This allows developers to refinance completed or near-completed schemes while awaiting sale, smoothing cash flow and offering flexibility at the back end of projects. Together with the Pre-Development Bridge and development finance options, this creates a connected funding pathway, allowing brokers to manage the entire journey with consistent criteria.
Residential criteria improvements
Saffron has also updated residential lending criteria to accommodate more complex properties and living arrangements. Key enhancements include:
Annexes with separate utilities are now accepted, providing flexibility for multi-generational households or self-contained spaces occupied by non-borrowing family members or let
Properties with up to two kitchens are now acceptable, supporting adaptable layouts, dual-use spaces, and modern living arrangements
Tony Hall, head of business development at Saffron for Intermediaries, said: “This is one of the most significant specialist lending developments we have delivered, and reflects the changing needs of the market."
"Our new end-to-end property development proposition gives brokers a fully connected pathway from site acquisition through to project completion, with a bridge at the start, development finance in the middle, and an exit bridge at the end. This creates a seamless journey that removes friction and ensures clients have support at every stage of their development project."
“At the same time, we have strengthened our Buy-to-Let offering to provide greater flexibility for expat clients, limited companies and experienced landlords. These changes allow brokers to service a wider range of complex and investment-based enquiries."
“At Saffron, we believe progress is achieved through continuous refinement, careful expansion and solutions that reflect how brokers are supporting clients today. These updates sit at the heart of that philosophy.”
