Since our very inception, RAW Capital Partners has been committed to lending to a wide variety of investors – particularly those from overseas. We understand that brokers often face significant challenges in securing mainstream finance for these clients due to their complex financial profiles, and we were founded to bridge that gap.
But it’s not just the borrower profile that can cause challenges. The type of property involved can also be a stumbling block. For example, if a property falls outside conventional criteria, many high street lenders who work with strict tick-box policies may view the loan as too risky.
At RAW Capital Partners, we take a tailored and bespoke approach to lending. Every case is reviewed on its individual merits, which means we are well positioned to support brokers and investors across a wide range of UK residential property types.
In this blog, we’ll explore the types of properties RAW is open to considering. Whether your client’s investment is straightforward or more complex, there’s a good chance we can help.
A case-by-case approach to lending
Unlike on the high street, our underwriting team is not dictated by rigid checklists. Drawing on extensive experience, due diligence, and the wider context of the detail, we are able to make a much more distinct assessment of the overall viability of the loan.
As such, we can take in the financial strength – conventional or otherwise – of the borrower, as well as the value potential and quality of a property. To do so, we receive input from a trusted panel of valuers, as well as a willingness to look beyond surface-level, and potentially temporary, risk factors.
This flexible approach means that we can support brokers with cases that other lenders might shy away from.
Property types we readily consider
That is not to say that we only take on complex or unusual properties. RAW Capital Partners is equally comfortable working on what brokers might consider more ‘vanilla’ cases – in other words, where the property type doesn’t present a significant risk to us as a lender.
These property types include:
- Investor-led developments and blocks
- Modern methods of construction (MMC)
- Steel-framed and Laing Easiform properties
- Properties with lease extensions on completion
- Multiple buildings or outbuildings on a single title
- Title splits and adjoining property purchases
- Properties within selective or mandatory licensing schemes, including well-managed HMOs
This makes us particularly well-suited to placing cases for professional landlords, portfolio investors, or borrowers who are looking to add value to a property.
CASE STUDY: For example, we recently worked with a Hong Kong national and resident client who was looking for a loan on a high-quality terraced property in Chesterfield at an LTV of 50%. We then completed a valuation of the property, which confirmed that it was in good condition. As a result of the lack of risk involved and our ability to move quickly, we were able to complete in just over 5 weeks.
This case highlights how our straightforward, efficient approach benefits clients even in more conventional scenarios, particularly those based overseas or underserved by mainstream lenders.
Property types that require additional due diligence
Some property types – particularly those that high street lenders may automatically reject – require more in-depth review when they come across our desk.
At RAW Capital Partners, we don't rule these properties out. Instead, we assess each case on its individual merits, applying a common-sense approach and conducting additional due diligence where necessary.
These property types could include the following:
- Auction properties
- Timber-framed, thatched, or single-skin wall construction
- Flats above or adjacent to commercial premises
- Converted churches, Dutch barns, and other unique buildings
- Grade I and II listed properties
- Homes in flood-risk areas or near historical mining sites
- Properties with agricultural ties or restrictive covenants
- Sites with spray foam insulation, asbestos, or annexe lettings
While these types of properties can present added complexity, we take other factors into account that mitigate some of the risks that a particular property might present, such as the future sales value, its rental potential or an investor’s track record.
CASE STUDY: For instance, we recently worked with a British couple living in Zimbabwe who needed to refinance their Grade II listed home in South London. They wanted to release capital to complete a series of improvements and let the property as a buy-to-let.
Despite the property’s listed status and the borrowers’ overseas residency, our team was able to structure a purpose-built short-term refurbishment loan and provide the necessary finance in line with the client's plans.
Property types that present the most difficulty
While we pride ourselves on flexible underwriting, there are certain property types that we typically do not lend against due to their inherent risks – although in some very specific circumstances, we may still be open to a conversation.
These include:
- Houseboats
- Static caravans
- Park homes
- Properties with possessory title deeds
- Wimpey no-fines construction
These property types tend to pose challenges around security, legal ownership, or valuations. In many cases, they lack the permanence or legal clarity we require to confidently secure lending. Some construction methods also raise concerns around long-term durability and structural integrity, making them unsuitable for our lending model.
That said, we understand that some cases can be nuanced. If you’re working on a deal that involves a property type close to the margins of our criteria, our team is always open to a conversation about its viability.
In summary
The RAW Capital Partners approach to lending is defined by flexibility and a deep understanding of how to navigate complexities, whether they’re presented by the borrower or the property type.
Whether your client’s next investment is conventional or unconventional, listed or new build, we’ll assess the full context of the application and endeavour to provide lending solutions that other lenders often can’t.
Get in touch with our expert team to hear about how we can support your next case: https://rawcapitalpartners.com/