It has finance experts with extensive knowledge in the commercial and semi-commercial sectors
InterBay, part of specialist lender OSB Group, has announced the formation of a new commercial investment team, aimed at supporting landlords who intend to expand their property portfolios, including commercial and semi-commercial properties.
The dedicated team, also called the Specialist Finance Account Managers (SFAMs), comprise of award-winning finance experts with extensive knowledge in the commercial and semi-commercial sectors.
The team is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering broker relationships by devising appropriate solutions for brokers and their clients, especially those looking to branch out into semi-commercial or fully commercial ventures.
The service extends beyond mere financing to include guidance on the distinct application and process requirements unique to commercial investments.
The move comes in response to findings from OSB Group’s Landlord Leaders report, indicating a significant trend among landlords to expand their property portfolios. According to the research, 69% of landlords are either in the process of or planning to increase their holdings, with the figure rising to 77% among professional landlords, defined as individuals whose primary income stems from property investments.
The research also highlighted a growing interest in the semi-commercial property sector, reflecting a shift in the type of inquiries InterBay is receiving. This includes an uptick in both the volume and the nature of clients seeking to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional residential lettings.
Read more: InterBay reintroduces full and semi-commercial range
“Our dedicated commercial investment team are subject matter experts which really showcases their skills in seeking solutions tailored to each client’s set of circumstances,” said Marc Callaghan (pictured), head of specialist finance at InterBay. “For example, the changing face of the high street and increasing popularity of local shopping parades is attracting semi-commercial investment opportunities.”
Lender completes £5.6 million case in Brentwood
InterBay recently completed a semi-commercial remortgage case in Brentwood, Essex, involving a property valued at £8.28 million.
The transaction, brokered by Aquilae Capital Advisory in collaboration with InterBay Commercial, involved 19 units — comprising seven commercial units on the ground floor and 12 residential flats above. Four commercial units were vacant at the time, presenting a challenge as the case fell outside InterBay’s typical semi-commercial criteria.
Despite initial hurdles, the transaction, valued at £5.55 million with a 67% loan-to-value ratio over a 10-year interest-only term, was completed in just two and a half months.
Key to the deal’s success was the early involvement of InterBay’s internal transactional credit committee, which allowed for an early confirmation and assurance for the client.
“Working with InterBay is always a pleasure given their deep knowledge and experience of commercial real estate,” said Matthew Yassin, managing director at Aquilae Capital Advisory. “On this recent transaction, InterBay’s flexible approach was even more evident.
“The team went beyond expectation and demonstrated why InterBay are market leaders when considering commercial finance transactions. There was a full understanding of the transaction from the outset of what was required to get the deal over the line. It was refreshing that flexibility was applied as and when needed along with sensible conversations when challenges were identified throughout the process.”
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