CASE STUDY – Securing a Historic Manor House Purchase with International Bridge Financing

Sometimes the most beautiful properties come with the most complex financing challenges. When our client found their dream home timing was everything.

Our client had found the perfect property: a stunning historic manor house featuring nine spacious bedrooms, set within three acres of beautifully maintained parkland and formal gardens. With an offer accepted on the £1.5 million property, everything seemed to be progressing smoothly.

However, timing presented a significant challenge. The client needed to raise £650,000 to complete the purchase within 6 weeks, and whilst they had substantial funds in the form of inheritance exceeding £2 million from the sale of European real estate, these wouldn’t arrive in time. The property would be re-advertised if completion didn’t happen within the six-week window.

The client’s solicitor had provided comprehensive documentation, including original and English-translated legal paperwork confirming both the inheritance and the agreed sale of assets. The client also had established income from European rental properties and land. Everything was in place financially; it was purely a question of timing.

Adding complexity to the situation, this was a regulated bridge finance requirement as the manor house would become the client’s primary residence. The Listed status of the property meant we needed specialist lender appetite, and the client’s Euro-denominated income from European assets required lenders comfortable with international circumstances.

With the clock ticking and the risk of losing this exceptional property very real, we needed to act quickly to find a lender who could accommodate all these factors whilst delivering within the tight timeframe.

Understanding the urgency, we immediately focused our efforts on lenders where we have direct access to credit committees. This relationship-based approach meant we could discuss the client’s unique circumstances and present the complete picture of their strong financial position.

The case required lenders with appetite for several specific factors.

• Grade I* Listed properties, which require specialist knowledge given their protected status;
• Euro-denominated income from international rental holdings
• Repayment from inheritance funds originating outside the UK.

Additionally, we needed competitive rates and the ability to move quickly through underwriting.

We successfully secured full funding of £650,000 with terms ideally suited to a short-term bridge. The facility was arranged at 1% monthly interest, reflecting the low-risk nature of the lending given the substantial incoming funds and the valuable property security.

Most importantly, we delivered within the required timeframe. The entire process, from initial consultation to completion, took just four weeks! This meant the client completed comfortably ahead of the six-week deadline, securing their dream property without the stress of a last-minute rush.

The bridging solution provided exactly what was needed, funds to complete the purchase whilst the inheritance made its way through the European legal system. Once those funds arrived, the client repaid the facility and owned their beautiful manor house outright.

Today, our client is settled into their historic manor house, enjoying the extensive parkland, formal gardens, and the unique character of their Listed home. The bridge finance served its purpose perfectly, ensuring they didn’t miss out on a property that simply wouldn’t have been available by the time their inheritance arrived.

This case demonstrates the value of working with advisers who understand both mainstream and specialist lending markets, particularly when dealing with unique properties and international financial circumstances. When timing is critical and circumstances complex, expertise and established relationships make all the difference.

Are you looking for bridging finance? Get in touch today and see how Exe Mortgages can help.