The Scheme
The scheme comprises eight residential units and two commercial units on a high street site in Mitcham, an established South London suburb. The development forms part of the ongoing regeneration of the local area, delivering much-needed new homes alongside modern commercial space to support the vitality of the high street.
The residential units are targeted at first-time buyers, young professionals and investors — reflecting the sustained demand for well-located homes in established urban locations that benefit from active regeneration programmes. The commercial element will provide modern workspace to support local business activity and contribute to the long-term viability of the high street.
The Challenge
The transaction required a structured and flexible approach to accommodate a number of project-specific complexities:
• Planning gain delay: The project experienced a delay arising from planning gain considerations, requiring the funding structure to be adapted to reflect the revised timeline and ensure the borrower retained certainty throughout.
• Contractor engagement challenges: Early-stage difficulties with contractor engagement created additional complexity, requiring the lender and adviser to work closely with the borrower to navigate these practical delivery issues.
• Evolving project requirements: As is typical with SME development schemes of this nature, the project requirements evolved as it progressed. A lender with the capability and willingness to adapt its structure in response to those changes was essential to keeping the development on track.
Deal Snapshot
| Lender | Challenger Bank |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | Development Finance |
| Facility Amount | £2,400,000 |
| Pricing | 9% PA |
| Location | South London |
| Scheme Type | Mixed-Use — Residential & Commercial |
| Residential Units | 8 units |
| Commercial Units | 2 units |
| Target Market | First-time buyers, young professionals and investors |