Refurbishment finance

Refurbishment finance for investment properties

Refurbishment finance for every type of project
Unlock the funding you need for property refurbishments, whether you’re making light updates or undertaking extensive transformations. Our tailored finance options cater to developers of all experience levels, ensuring you have the right support for your project.

Key features of our refurbishment finance products:

  • Flexible funding: Our finance covers light, substantial, and extensive refurbishment projects, offering the right support for a wide range of needs.

  • Loan-to-value (LTV): Access up to 80% OMV for a variety of refurbishment projects, helping you unlock the capital required to move forward.

  • Loan duration: Flexible terms up to 24 months, ideal for various development timelines.

  • Competitive interest rates: Enjoy competitive fixed monthly rates from 0.70% per month.

  • Fast approval: Quick and efficient approval process to get you the funds when you need them.

  • No early repayment charges (ERCs): No ERCs with a minimum interest period of just 1 to 3 months, making your loan terms more transparent and manageable.

Our loans are designed to cover a wide range of property types, including residential, semi-commercial, commercial-to-residential conversions, for properties across England and Wales. With Catalyst, you’ll experience financing flexibility that traditional lenders might not offer.

For competitive terms, contact our experienced team today.

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First charge fixed monthly rates:

% of Open Market Value / % Gross Development Value 65% OMV / 60% LTGDV 70% OMV / 65% LTGDV 75% OMV / 70% LTGDV 80% OMV / 75% LTGDV
LIGHT REFURB cost of works up to 50% of OMV / 50% GDV
Expansion up to 25% of property footprint, excluding
loft extensions
Self funded works fixed
rates from
0.70% 0.75% 0.80% 0.85%
Catalyst funded works fixed
rates from
0.75% 0.80% 0.85% 0.90%
MODERATE REFURB cost of works from
50% to 100% of OMV / 50% GDV
Expansion up to 25% property footprint, excluding
loft extensions
Catalyst funded works fixed
rates from
0.80% 0.85% 0.90% 0.95%
HEAVY REFURB cost of works over
100% of OMV / up to 50% GDV
Expansion over 25% of property footprint
Catalyst funded works fixed
rates from
0.85% 0.90% 0.95% N/A

Who you'll work with

Throughout your project you’ll be supported by our expert team

‘Your service and support have been first class’ ‘I appreciate your credit-based approach’ ‘The options are workable and pragmatic. Thanks!’ ‘Quickest and most engaged lender I approached’

Your customer journey

01

Share your idea

Brokers and potential borrowers contact our New Business Team to discuss their property project and funding requirements. They can either call, email or complete a website Quick Loan Enquiry form. Our BDMs respond in person within 4 working hours!

02

Head of Terms

Our BDMs structure competitive heads of terms for the broker and borrower. Once agreed, it's time to begin the application process and submit the application pack. 

03

Application time

Your BDM will introduce you to your dedicated Catalyst Underwriter, who reviews your application and liaises with the appointed solicitors, to ensure valuations are completed and funding is agreed quickly.

04

Loan completion: Funding provided

Following the underwriting process and valuation review, your Underwriter will work with you to ensure funding is provided as quickly and efficiently as possible. Ready for you to begin your property project.

Refurbishment finance FAQs

We’ve answered some of the most common queries below — from what we can fund to who’s eligible and how the process works. Whether it’s your first project or one of many, this should give you a clear idea of what to expect.

Refurbishment finance is a short-term loan used to fund property improvement works — from light upgrades to more extensive structural renovations. It’s designed to support investors and developers looking to add value to a property before selling or refinancing.

We support a wide range of projects, including cosmetic updates, structural works, and expansions over 25% of the property footprint. At least one original wall must remain in place throughout the build for the loan to qualify.

We offer refurbishment loans from £100,000 to £20 million, depending on your project scope and experience level.

We lend up to 80% of the Open Market Value (OMV) and up to 75% of the Gross Development Value (GDV). Lending is tailored based on the strength of the deal, the borrower’s experience, and the projected end value.

Yes — we can fund up to 100% of the refurbishment costs, typically in arrears. This means funds are released in stages as work is completed, verified by inspections or asset manager reporting.

We work with both experienced and first-time developers. More experienced applicants may benefit from higher LTVs and faster approvals, but we assess every deal on its own merits.

Loan terms are available up to 24 months. Our typical loan term for bridging/refurb loan is 12 months.

Rolled interest. Your Catalyst BDM will be happy to discuss the interest options available to you.

Yes — where experienced clients have self-funded the refurb, we may offer a further advance at Practical Completion, subject to valuation, LTV caps, and site inspection. This is a flexible option for clients looking to refinance or move to a longer-term product.

We accept residential, semi-commercial (where the residential element is over 50%), and commercial-to-residential conversion projects. All properties must be located in England or Wales.

"Our light refurbishment product allows for an extremely generous cost of works budget, up to 50% of the market value! As long as the cost of works aren’t exceeding 100% of the property market value, or there isn’t an extension increasing the footprint by more than 25%, we can solely rely on contractor experience."
Jake Smith
Internal BDM
"Our parameters on refurbishment finance are very strong. We can rely on contractors' experience on light and moderate refurbishments, which means a client does not need to have any experience to proceed. We will only classify a deal as a heavy refurbishment if the cost of works goes above 100% OMV or the expansion of a property is over 25% of the property footprint (not including loft conversions)."
Gareth Colston
Senior Internal BDM
"Our refurbishment product provides fast, flexible funding tailored for property investors and developers, with quick approvals and competitive rates it provides the freedom to seize opportunities and “bridge” the gap to move forward with confidence."
Martyn Balsom
Senior Underwriter

Here are a few of our case studies​

Real examples of how our refurbishment finance has helped clients unlock value, fund works, and complete successful projects.

Residential bridging loans for all types of projects

Our refurbishment finance products are designed to provide flexible funding for a wide range of property refurbishment projects, from light updates to more extensive transformations. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting, we offer tailored finance options to meet your project needs and goals.

Comprehensive refurbishment finance

With generous terms, refurbishment finance is an ideal solution for property developers looking to enhance or expand properties while managing cash flow effectively. Our finance covers various refurbishment levels, including:

  1. Light Refurbishment: For projects with work costs up to 50% of Open Market Value (OMV) or 50% of Gross Development Value (GDV).
  2. Moderate Refurbishment: For work costs ranging from 50% to 100% of OMV or 50% GDV, ideal for larger renovation projects.
  3. Heavy Refurbishment: For projects exceeding 100% of OMV and up to 50% GDV, perfect for major transformations.

Flexible interest rates for first charge loans

Our refurbishment finance includes competitive fixed monthly rates, tailored to project scope and borrower experience:

  • Rates for light refurb for works up to 50% of OMV/50% GDV:
    • Self funded works starting from 0.70% for lower LTVs.
    • Catalyst funded works starting from 0.75%.
    • Loan sizes from £100,000 to £20 million.
  • Rates for moderate refurb for works from 50% to 100% of OMV/50% GDV:
    • Catalyst funded works starting from 0.80%.
    • Loan sizes from £100,000 to £20 million.
  • Rates for heavy refurb for works exceeding 100% OMV/Up to 50% GDV:
    • Catalyst funded works starting from 0.85%.
    • Loan sizes from £100,000 to £20 million.

Who can apply for refurbishment finance?

Our finance products cater to various borrowers, including UK individuals, LTD Co/LLPs, offshore LTD companies, and trusts (case-by-case basis). Our lending criteria are adaptable to different levels of experience:

  • Experienced developers and contractors: Up to 80% of Day 1 OMV/75% LTGDV for those with a proven track record (3 similar schemes over 5 years or 10 projects over 10 years).
  • Inexperienced developers: Funding available up to 80% of Day 1 OMV/75% LTGDV, providing opportunities for those new to development but without extensive experience.
  • First-time developers: Considered on a case-by-case basis, enabling new developers with no prior projects to secure financing for entry-level property investments.

Loan terms and conditions

Our refurbishment finance offers flexibility in terms, allowing borrowers to manage their projects effectively:

  • Terms: Loans are available for up to 24 months.
  • Early repayment charges (ERCs): No ERCs, with a minimum interest period of 1 to 3 months.
  • Property types: We finance residential, semi-commercial (with over 50% residential use), and commercial-to-residential conversion projects.
  • Loan sizes: Flexible loan sizes ranging from £100,000 to £20 million.

Property-specific lending criteria

Our refurbishment finance product accommodates a wide range of property types and refurbishment scopes:

  • Refurbishment requirements: For structural refurbishments, at least one original wall must remain standing throughout the project.
  • Monitoring and compliance: We can accept Asset Manager reporting on a case-by-case basis to monitor progress.
  • Further advances: Experienced clients who self-fund works can apply for a further advance upon Practical Completion, provided they stay within the maximum 75% LTGDV limit.

Why choose our refurbishment finance?

Refurbishment finance with us offers flexibility, competitive rates, and tailored solutions to support property improvements of all sizes. Whether you’re adding value to a property before sale or transforming an asset for rental, our products provide the funding you need to bring your vision to life.