Sourcing commercial finance for American citizens has always been more complicated than arranging loans for domestic investors. But during the Covid-19 pandemic, when so many commercial lenders withdrew from the market, this became even more difficult. Fortunately, our excellent lender relationships mean we are still able to find solutions – as we proved for one recent client.
The client:
Our client was an American citizen who, despite his extensive experience in the US commercial property market, had no track record in the UK and had never secured finance here. Despite the pandemic, this individual had found an excellent opportunity valued at £5 million which he hoped to purchase through a British Virgin Islands (BVI) structure. The unit was occupied by a blue-chip company, and the term of the contract entailed that there was no break clause for five years.
Unfortunately, given the current climate, many lenders have avoided commercial lending at all costs – and those still operating are unlikely to extend finance to an international investor with no tangible UK experience. So, this client knew he needed expert help in order to find a fast solution.
Our solution:
Fortunately, our strong relationships across the market mean we have an excellent understanding of lender appetites and felt confident we could find commercial finance for an American citizen.
We introduced this client to a lender in the Isle of Man with a strong global client appetite and clear understanding of offshore structures, making them an ideal match for this client. They offered our client an interest-only mortgage on a five-year basis at a very competitive rate – highlighting that, despite the lack of lenders in the market, there are still solutions available for complex cases.
The case in brief:
- Commercial finance for American citizen
- £5 million purchase through BVI structure
- Interest-only mortgage from private lender on the Isle of Man
- Finance secured despite lenders withdrawing from market during Covid-19
We regularly work with international investors in all matters of UK finance – from residential to commercial and development. Discuss the possibilities with an Articus broker today.
