About Us

Clifton Private Finance

Providing high-quality lending advice & finance solutions for individuals & businesses.

About Clifton Private Finance

Clifton Private Finance is an award-winning, independent property and business finance brokerage.

We aim to provide a best-in-class advisory service for individuals and businesses requiring efficient financing solutions for property and other assets. 

Through our established relationships with lenders and reputation in the industry, we provide access to finance options that are seldom available without a professional introduction. It’s our goal to empower you to fully realise your long-term property and business aspirations through bespoke finance products and an award-winning service.

  • Independent Property & Business Finance Brokerage
  • Regulated by the FCA
  • Award-Winning Customer Service
  • Large Network of Highstreet & Specialist Lenders

Case Studies

Commercial Bridging Loan to Refinance Hotel Before Sale
Commercial Bridging Loan to Refinance London Hotel Before Sale
Area
London
Capital Raised
£13.8m
Date
January 2025
£800k Invoice Finance Solution for Haulage Firm | Case Study
£800k Invoice Finance Solution for Haulage Firm
Area
Essex
Capital Raised
£800k
Date
September 2024
£13m Asset Finance Loan for Pharmaceutical Business | Case Study
£13m Asset Finance Loan for Pharmaceutical Business
Area
London
Capital Raised
£13m
Date
August 2024
UK Resident Mortgage for Expats Returning to UK | Case Study
UK Resident Mortgage for Expats Returning to UK
Area
Cotswolds
Capital Raised
£1m
Date
September 2024
High Loan-to-Income Ratio Mortgage For High Net Worth Client | Case Study
High Loan-to-Income Ratio Mortgage For High Net Worth Client
Area
London
Capital Raised
£1.5m
Date
September 2024
Bridging Loan to Complete Self Build Under Tight Deadline
Bridging Loan to Complete £2.3m Self Build Under Tight Deadline
Area
Hertfordshire
Capital Raised
£190k
Date
July 2024

Why Our Customers Trust Us

Three reasons our clients trust our advice and service.

Market-Leading Rates

We provide access to market-leading rates for every client thanks to our relationships with both high street and specialist lenders.

bridging loans

Multi-Award-Winning Team

Our advisers have years of experience and are qualified to the highest level. We're proud to have numerous customer service awards to our name.

bridging loans

Fully Independent

As an independent brokerage, we focus on your best interests when comparing finance: from costs and terms to speed of service.

Our Experts

Meet the expert advisory team behind our service.

Meet The Team

Fergus Allen

Head of Bridging CeMAP

Jon Moffatt

Jonathan Moffatt

Head of Business Finance

Alex Chambers

Senior Private Client Adviser

Speak to a specialist today

Make your finance ambitions a reality and find out how we can help you. We’ll guide you through the process and take care of the heavy lifting.

Book Consultation

Our History

Clifton Private Finance was founded in 2016, with the ambition of filling a gap in the specialist property finance market left in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash.

With brokerages throughout the UK shifting their focus towards conventional and risk-averse lending requirements, our founders identified a genuine need for specialist mortgage advice that provided a holistic, long-term and client-centric approach.

From international buyers requiring an independent comparison of products on the market, to individuals with complex income portfolios struggling to leverage their wealth effectively towards property ownership, we specialise in securing finance in challenging and unique circumstances.

In 2017, we established our dedicated bridging finance team based in Cardiff. Having grown from a team of two to over ten bridging specialists over the years, today the team is responsible for multiple award wins and industry accolades. From buy-before-sell residential bridging to complex development exit solutions, the team are genuine leaders in the field of short-term property finance.

Since then, we've also expanded our services into the business finance market, with a team of specialist brokers dedicated to helping businesses optimise their borrowing for growth and working capital. Covering a diverse spectrum of business finance solutions, ranging from asset finance to revolving credit facilities and invoice finance, the team supports a multitude of business types across varying sizes and sectors, helping them secure cost-effective, flexible and tailored funding for their business ambitions.

Frequently asked questions

You can find some of our most commonly asked questions below. If you have a question that isn't answered here, please email us at helpdesk@cliftonpf.co.uk.

A merchant cash advance is not technically a loan but rather a purchase of your future credit card sales. It's generally unsecured, meaning no collateral is required.

However, some MCA providers may request a personal guarantee, which could put your personal assets at risk if you default on repayments.

In most cases, yes. Many MCA providers are flexible and will work with your existing card terminal, coordinating with your current processor to set up the agreed retrieval rate.

However, some providers may require you to switch to their preferred processing system to ensure seamless repayments. Always discuss this with potential MCA providers before committing.

Your business can typically access up to 250% of your monthly card sales.

For example, if you process £10,000 per month in card payments, you could potentially qualify for up to £25,000. The exact amount depends on your provider's terms, your business's financial health, and card sales history.

Repayments are automatically collected as a fixed percentage of your daily or weekly card sales.

This means if your sales decrease in a given period, your repayment amount decreases proportionally. The collection continues until the advance amount plus the agreed fee (determined by the factor rate) is fully repaid.

The application process involves submitting basic business information and card sales data, followed by a quick review of your eligibility.

Once approved, funding typically arrives within 24-48 hours. Our team handles the paperwork and communicates with lenders on your behalf, simplifying the entire process from application to funding.

Yes, refinancing existing agricultural loans or leases is possible. Refinancing can potentially provide lower interest rates, and more favourable terms, or consolidate multiple loans into one manageable payment. Consult with agricultural finance professionals to explore refinancing options.

 

 

Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete the process from application to approval. However, the timeframe can vary depending on the lender, the complexity of your application, and the type of financing sought.

 

 

Yes, agricultural finance can be used for diversification projects, such as agritourism, on-farm processing, or renewable energy initiatives – such as biogas equipment and biomass boilers. Many lenders and finance providers recognise the importance of diversification for the long-term sustainability of farming operations.

 

 

While it's possible to lease agricultural land in the UK, the process can be complex due to specific regulations and legal considerations. It's recommended to seek professional advice from agricultural finance experts or legal professionals specialising in land leases.

 

 

Interest rates for farm loans can vary depending on factors such as the loan amount, repayment term, collateral, and your creditworthiness. Generally, rates range from 4% to 8% for secured loans and can be higher for unsecured loans.

The application process is usually online, requiring essential business information and supporting documents like bank statements and filed accounts.


 

 

 

 

Yes, credit depending, a VAT loan can be taken every quarter, though you are not obliged to take the facility every quarter.

 

 

 

 

While VAT loans offer flexibility and aid in cash flow management, they can be more expensive than other forms of business borrowing, particularly if funds are needed quickly.



 

 

Interest rates can vary depending on the borrower's criteria and market rates. For a free quote please fill in our from at the top of this page. 



 

Yes, some providers allow you to finance your VAT bill up to 14 days after you have paid it.



Eligibility typically includes being a VAT-registered UK business with a turnover of more than £85,000 ex-VAT. Specific lenders might have additional criteria.

 

A business applies to a lender for a VAT loan, and if approved, the lender pays the borrowed amount directly to HMRC. The business then repays the lender in monthly instalments over an agreed period.

 

Standard VAT loans are used for regular VAT payments and VAT bridging loans specifically designed to pay VAT due on commercial property purchases.

 

A VAT loan is a specialised financial product used to pay a business's quarterly VAT payment to HMRC. It helps businesses manage cash flow, avoid penalties for late payments, and can be tailored to suit various business situations.

Starting with us is simple. You can request a customised quote through our website, book a consultation with one of our expert mortgage advisors, or contact us directly at our Bristol office. Our team will assess your situation, provide guidance on the best mortgage options, and support you through every stage of the process.

Yes! While we are based in Clifton, Bristol, we provide mortgage services across the UK. Our expertise extends to assisting clients nationwide, including international buyers and expats looking for UK property financing. No matter where you are located, we can help you find the best mortgage deal to suit your needs.

The process typically begins with an initial consultation where we assess your financial situation and goals. We can secure a Decision in Principle (DIP) within 24-48 hours, depending on the urgency.

Once your offer is accepted, we submit your mortgage application, and the valuation and legal processes begin. The overall timeline varies, but we work efficiently to ensure a smooth and timely completion.

We can help with a wide range of mortgage solutions tailored to different client needs. Our services include residential mortgages, remortgages, buy-to-let mortgages, bridging loans, expat mortgages, bad credit mortgages, and mortgages for self-employed individuals.

We also assist with commercial mortgages, land development finance, and property redevelopment loans. No matter your situation, we work to find the best mortgage deal available in the market.

Clifton Private Finance is an independent, award-winning mortgage broker based in Bristol. Unlike many brokers who work with a limited panel of lenders, we have access to the entire UK mortgage market, ensuring we find the best rates and terms for your specific needs. Our expert team provides a highly personalised service, guiding you through the mortgage process smoothly and efficiently. Whether you have complex income sources, are an expat, or need a specialist mortgage, we can help secure the right deal for you.

Lenders evaluate creditworthiness, rental yield projections, loan-to-value ratios, deposit size, property condition, and business plans. These factors determine approval and loan terms, ensuring the viability of the property as a profitable investment.

Bridging loans are short-term funding solutions for quickly purchasing properties, often in situations like auction buys or when renovations are required before obtaining a long-term mortgage. They have higher interest rates and require a clear exit strategy.

A portfolio mortgage consolidates multiple properties under one loan, simplifying management and allowing equity from existing properties to fund new purchases. This streamlines administration and enhances growth opportunities compared to managing individual mortgages.

Buy-to-let mortgages focus on residential properties and are typically interest-only loans evaluated based on rental income. Commercial mortgages, on the other hand, are used for leasing non-residential properties like offices or warehouses, with stricter criteria and lower loan-to-value ratios.

A business loan for rental property provides funding tailored to property rental businesses. It includes options like buy-to-let mortgages, commercial mortgages, portfolio mortgages, and bridging loans, offering solutions for purchasing, renovating, or managing rental properties.

Commercial finance is a type of financing exclusively for use by businesses, but there's a huge variety of uses. Commercial finance refers to property, vehicles, assets, and even funding for the upfront costs of businesses. It's a great source of financing for smaller businesses looking to develop and grow.

Commercial brokers are essential mediators between clients and lenders, they will consult with business owners, analyse their financial records, and reach out to lenders to acquire a loan with the best possible interest rate. Commercial brokers will liaise on several loan types, from properties to vehicles, and more.

When applying for commercial finance, your eligibility for certain loans will depend entirely on a few factors: creditworthiness, financial history, and business performance. It's important for a lender's comfort that you have the financial solidity to pay your commercial loan and a history of paying your debts to demonstrate that the loan will be paid on time.

Suppose your creditworthiness or overall business health suggests you cannot acquire the desired commercial financing. In that case, you'll likely face much larger interest rates to reduce lender comfort or even complete denial.

Commercial finance is an effective way of securing capital, without reducing a business's cash flow. It's primarily focused on specific commercial needs, such as stock, new equipment, or real estate. Unlike the broader term, 'business finance', commercial finance is tied specifically to growth, expenses and acquisition.

When it comes to financing solutions, commercial finance offers an array of products for business owners to choose from, here are some of the primary choices:

Term Loan:

A term loan is a type of loan where a company receives a lump sum to repay over a set term. For example, a company borrows £100,000 to repay monthly for a fixed period of five years. This commercial finance product is useful for smaller businesses that require funding for operational costs, including employee payment and stock inventory.

Asset-based Lending:

Asset-based lending is a loan that is secured against an asset from a business, known as collateral. Should you fail to repay your loan, the lender can then seize the asset to repay the debt accrued. Whilst repaying a loan, the asset linked to the loan itself is still owned by the business, but if you decide to sell the linked asset, you must repay the loan in full.

Invoice financing:

For countless industries, an invoice for a product or service can have delays of up to 90 days, leaving your business short on cash flow which could otherwise be spent on upfront costs and even growth. Invoice finance is a specialised loan for businesses with significant unpaid invoices (accounts receivable) which are then used as collateral by lenders. The lender assumes the debt of the business and therefore will collect the accrued invoices to pay the debt owed, relieving the pressure from the business owner.

Trade finance:

Trade financing is a product which is designed to facilitate international trading, providing capital for upfront international trading costs.

Equipment leasing:

If your business is reliant on equipment to run, be it a computer or a crane, equipment leasing is a cost-effective way of acquiring technology that you might need for the operation of your business. Over time, the business owner completes monthly repayments of the equipment during a specified term, but what happens after the payment period is dependent on your contract terms. 

Lenders can offer a lump sum or balloon payment for the business owner to purchase the equipment, allowing the business to fully own it. Those who only need equipment temporarily, however, can stick to the monthly payments and return the equipment after the lease has ended.

Since business loans are used across practically all industries, they're useful for anyone. In particular, they're most commonly used by small or medium businesses. For smaller businesses, the loan can be used to cover startup costs, including staff hiring and stocking inventory.

For medium or larger businesses, a business loan is useful for acquiring machinery and equipment used to grow and elevate the business.

The uses for a business loan, however, are wide and flexible, and can be used in a variety of ways to grow and enhance your business. 

Business loans offer an effective solution for businesses short on capital, but there are several risks involved with receiving loans. The primary risk of a business loan is its financial risk. Should you receive an offer from a lender that lacks flexibility, has a particularly high interest rate or has other factors that make it difficult to repay the loan, there is a risk of an impact on your credit score, loss of secured property, or fines.

 

Businesses use finance to pay for a variety of products, properties, and more. As a business, finance is commonly used to start up businesses, and cover upfront costs, including staff payroll, equipment and inventory stock.

Business finance is also used for expansion: if you're looking to improve the speed, efficiency, or capabilities of your business, and it's a fantastic way of securing funding to support growth by covering expensive equipment costs.

 

Business finance involves the direct involvement of brokers in organising financial transactions, business finance brokers liaise with clients and lenders to secure the best coverage of a requested loan amount, as well as the most competitive interest rate.

Accountants, however, are solely responsible for the documents and reporting of the transactions.

When it comes to business finance, a business loan is perhaps the most standard method of acquiring capital for your business. These traditional loans are highly flexible, with a broad range of applications to support the growth and development of your business.

The following is an example of a business loan application that is particularly common:

Scenario:

A construction company is looking to acquire equipment to undertake a large project, but they lack sufficient funds to purchase the equipment outright.

Instead, they consult with Clifton Private Finance, who find the very best market rate business finance deals and organise a £100,000 loan for the construction company.

Process:

After an initial consultation with one of our business finance brokers, the broker reaches out to a wide panel of lenders, offering a range of competitive offers to review. The broker receives an offer for the full amount with a competitive interest rate, allowing the owner to pay the business finance loan without greatly reducing cash flow.

Result:

With the purchase of the new equipment, the construction company can now complete the large project, and once complete, the large profit generated from the project itself is more than enough to cover the cost of the business loan.

Asset finance is a way of spreading the cost of equipment used by businesses over time, allowing companies to keep a strong, consistent cash flow whilst minimising upfront costs.

There are many asset finance products to choose from when considering asset finance, such as hire purchase, operating leases and finance leasing, so there are plenty of options to consider for your every business need.

The asset financing structure is the financial arrangement organised between businesses and lenders to secure funding to acquire equipment that is directly related to the operation and growth of the business.

Asset financing typically involves several key elements, which are as follows:

Assets used as collateral:

A lender will likely secure finance against the asset itself or other assets, which can be tangible or intangible.

  • Tangible Assets: vehicles, construction equipment, real estate, or inventory.
  • Intangible Assets: intellectual property, accounts receivable, revenue streams.

Types of Asset Financing:

The following is a list of several products available to business owners as options for asset finance:

Leasing: Businesses that choose to lease do not outright own the asset and pay a monthly cost to use the equipment at a much lower cost than purchasing the equipment.

Hire Purchase (HP): A standard choice for businesses, this option allows you to eventually own the asset you’re paying for after the payment period has ended.

Asset-Based Lending (ABL): A business borrows money against an asset as collateral, and it’s commonly used to acquire working capital for operational or growth needs.

Loan-to-value (LTV): The loan-to-value ratio of assets is the calculation of a percentage which helps to determine the risk of the loan itself. A high LTV ratio typically indicates a higher interest rate for businesses as it’s far riskier to finance.

A low loan-to-value ratio is generally more comfortable for lenders, lower repayment periods and lower fees ensure that the asset can be repaid easily. If an asset depreciates over time, however, and becomes under-collateral, this means that the lender wouldn’t be able to fully recover the amount owed if the asset is repossessed.

Should there be a major decrease in collateral value, lenders might seek to acquire additional collateral from the business owner, or even increase fees and interest, impacting cash flow.

Business loans are products designed for general use throughout businesses. They can be used for general business needs, including asset finance, which has the added benefit of the asset not necessarily being used as collateral for the loan itself.

Asset finance, however, is more specific: its use is for the acquisition of assets and is restricted to only that. Lenders will use the asset itself as collateral for improved lender comfort, being reclaimed in the event that you do not pay your asset finance.

One major distinction between asset finance and business loans is interest rate: asset finance interest is typically lower compared to unsecured business loan interest, which is notably higher.

Should you fail to repay your asset finance, you can face an impacted credit score and ultimately lose the asset in a repossession.

Depending on the asset you’re funding, there’s also a risk of depreciation - particular risk for vehicle finance.

In some cases, if a machine you’re financing is essential to the functioning of your business operations, then factors such as depreciation or loss of efficiency of the equipment can cause lender discomfort, leading to slightly higher interest rates.

Equipment financing is typically used by growing businesses looking to limit the impact on cash flow from an expensive piece of equipment by spreading the cost over a period of time.

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can use equipment finance to limit the loss of capital and scale up operations without a massive upfront cost to deal with. Accessing equipment finance isn’t limited to a single industry, its uses spread from healthcare with MRI scanners, to construction, manufacturing, agriculture and more.

Our head office is in Bristol, and we also have offices in Cardiff and Frome. If needed, we can certainly arrange face-to-face appointments to meet you in person.

Yes, Clifton Private Finance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). However, it’s important to note that certain products, such as business finance and buy-to-let mortgages, may not be regulated by the FCA.

Absolutely. We are a fully independent broker with no ties to any specific lender. This allows us to offer unbiased advice and find the best finance solutions tailored to your needs.

We start with a free, no-obligation consultation to understand your requirements and discuss your goals. From there, we guide you through the entire process to secure the best financial solution for you.

We specialise in mortgages and bridging finance, including options for foreign nationals and expats, and business finance. Our expertise covers a wide range of bespoke financial solutions.

Drawbacks include storage and administration fees, restricted access to inventory in some cases, and the risk of stock repossession if loan obligations are not met. It can also require detailed inventory management and significant stock value to qualify.

It offers low interest rates, high loan-to-value ratios, and secure storage of inventory, and enables businesses to release equity tied up in stock while maintaining liquidity for other needs.

Warehouse financing is ideal for businesses with large volumes of valuable inventory, such as manufacturers, retailers, commodity traders, and agricultural businesses.

It helps manage cash flow, capitalise on seasonal price fluctuations, and fund growth opportunities.

Warehouse financing is an asset-based lending solution that allows businesses to secure loans against the value of their inventory stored in an accredited warehouse.

The stock serves as collateral, and the lender provides funding based on its appraised value.

No, your monthly payments are fixed at the start of the agreement and are unaffected by inflation or interest rate rises, allowing for accurate budgeting.

In need of wind turbine finance & leasing?

We can help you:

  • Decide if wind turbine finance & leasing is right for you
  • Understand what type of loan best suits your situation
  • Feel comfortable with how the process works and what the costs will be

And when we've established the best type of finance for you, we will:

  • Compare rates from multiple lenders across our network
  • Negotiate the best deal for your circumstances
  • Guide you through the application process
  • Chase through your application until the wind turbine is operational



 

 

 

 

 

No, your monthly payments are fixed at the start of the agreement and are unaffected by inflation or interest rate rises, allowing for accurate budgeting.



 

 

 

 

 

Depending on your finance agreement, you may have the option to upgrade your wind turbine. This can be beneficial as technology advances or if your energy needs change.



 

 

 

 

Most finance options allow you to include the costs associated with establishing a grid connection as part of the total amount financed, ensuring a seamless integration with the local electricity network.



 

 

 

Yes, you can settle your finance early. However, it's essential to check if there are any early repayment fees or penalties involved.



 

 

To be eligible, you must be a UK resident over 18 with a valid bank account. A good credit score, stable income, and a solid business plan are also necessary. Documentation for identity, address, income, and business ownership may be required, as well as proof of planning permissions and grid connection agreements.



 

Approval times can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months, based on the lender, finance type, and application complexity. Delays may occur if there are issues with credit history or for larger finance amounts, as well as due to the need for planning permissions and grid connection agreements.


 

The amount you can finance typically covers up to 100% of the cost of the wind turbine and associated installation costs. Factors influencing the amount include the project's size, your credit history, income, and chosen finance option. A deposit or personal guarantee might be required.

 

We work with all types of medical facilities - from brand new start-ups to well-established private practices, clinics and hospitals looking to upgrade or expand.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon finance approval, we can have the ordered equipment delivered and installed at your facility within 2-4 weeks on average for stock items. More complex equipment may take 6-8 weeks.



 

 

 

 

 

 

Absolutely, most medical equipment financiers allow you to bundle service, maintenance and repair costs into your payment plan under an operating lease structure.



 

 

 

 

 

Most finance agreements do have fees for early termination or settlement before the full term is complete. However, a few products offer more flexible terms with no penalties if your situation changes.



 

 

 

 

The most common end-of-term options are to return the equipment to the lender, extend the lease for longer use, or purchase the equipment outright for the residual value. Some agreements allow you to trade-in for new models.



 

 

 

Yes, in most cases the finance lease or hire purchase payments can be deducted as allowable expenses against your taxable profits. This provides tax relief by reducing your overall tax burden. The deductibility and amount depends on your finance type.



 

 

Lease agreements generally range from 12 to 84 months. The optimal term depends on your projected usage needs and cash flow. Short terms of 1-2 years suit temporary requirements, while longer 5-7 year terms are suited for core medical assets.



 

Be prepared to provide details on the specific equipment you need, including quotes, specs and expected usageYou'll also need to supply financial statements, business plans, tax returns and potentially collateral details if applicable. We'll advise you on the precise requirements.


 

Funding amounts can cover between 70-100% of the total equipment value. This depends on factors like the asset type, age, condition, and your trading history. Many lenders require a deposit of 10-30%, though some products are available with 100% financing.

 

The time it takes to get MRI Scanner Finance & Leasing will vary depending on the complexity and urgency of the case, but generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

The broker will be able to expedite the process and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, by:

  • Preparing and submitting the application on behalf of the business
  • Liaising with the lender and the supplier throughout the process
  • Negotiating the best terms and conditions for the business
  • Resolving any issues or queries that may arise

The interest rates and fees for MRI Scanner Finance & Leasing will depend on several factors, such as:

  • The type and amount of finance
  • The term and frequency of payments
  • The creditworthiness and financial situation of the business
  • The value and condition of the MRI scanner
  • The market conditions and competition among lenders
  • The broker will be able to provide the business with a personalised quote and a breakdown of the interest rates and fees, before the business signs the agreement.

The eligibility criteria for MRI Scanner Finance & Leasing may vary depending on the lender, but generally, the business will need to:

  • Be registered and trading in the UK
  • Have a good credit history and score
  • Have a viable business plan and cash flow forecast
  • Have sufficient income and assets to cover the repayments
  • Have a valid supplier quote and invoice for the MRI scanner

Commercial vehicle finance can be done swiftly if your credit is in good standing. In most cases, the vehicle will be with you within a few short weeks. 

No. Until you have completed your contract, whether that’s a hire purchase or leasing contract, you do not have the right to sell the vehicle. This is because it is listed as collateral on any financing. However, if you use an unsecured loan to purchase a vehicle, it is yours in full and you can sell it if desired.

Repossession is the last call for the leasing company, which would far rather solve the problem more amicably. If you run into difficulties, contact them immediately to let them know, or speak to us about some short-term cash flow financing that can see you through a difficult patch. 

Some leases will have restrictions including that you are not allowed to take the car out of the UK. However, if this is a requirement then a lease with more flexible terms can be found to suit you.

 

Depending on the terms of your lease, you can add a livery to your van and adapt the interior as needed for your business purposes. Hire purchase and finance lease arrangements are typically more flexible, but many operational leases available also have room for adaptations. Make sure you let us know what your needs are as early as possible.

A lot depends on the type of vehicle and your business needs. A finance lease often provides the lowest monthly payment, and initial cost, with the flexibility to own the vehicle at the end of the term. Talk to us about your commercial vehicle budget and we’ll help you get the deal you need.

With more flexible leasing arrangements, it is now possible to get lease agreements with a single month upfront. Similarly, if you use an unsecured loan for your vehicle finance, there will be no upfront payment.

Hire purchase agreements do require a large initial payment of approximately 30%, so may not be the right agreement for businesses looking to avoid too much immediate capital expenditure.

The warranty is designed to pay for latent structural defects, such as a leaking roof, cracks in foundations, problems with load-bearing beams, or faulty damp-proofing. A self-build warranty covers issues caused by:

  • Poor workmanship
  • Design faults
  • Substandard materials

Like all insurance products, costs can vary significantly based on circumstances. Factors such as the project size, complexity, and any unique features (such as Asim and Zara’s living roof) as all considered when developing a final cost.

Typically, however, expect a self-build warranty to cost between 1% and 2% of the total construction cost.

Yes, but it’s most costly and complicated. Retrospective warranties require in-depth analysis of the project and will come with higher fees and potential exemptions.

An alternative possibility is a Professional Consultant Certificate (PCC), which can provide the assurance lenders will require without being a full warranty. Contact Clifton Private Finance as soon as possible to explore your options with one of our specialist teams.

In most circumstances, yes.

The majority of lenders will expect a self-build warranty to be in place before approving a mortgage or other secured funding. While some lenders may be willing to waive the warranty requirement, it is unlikely that the rates will be favourable.

Yes. Unless the development firm clearly states they take out structural warranty insurance on your behalf, you will need to obtain the new build warranty insurance independently.

Their experience and track record does not mean it is impossible for them to make mistakes, and structural defects might remain hidden for years. A self-build warranty is essential to obtain finance and for your own peace of mind.

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of LDI, including the size of the build, the type of construction and materials used, and the individual insurer's underwriting policies.

For most residential build projects, including self-builds, it is typically 1% to 2% of the total cost of construction.

Yes (and you should!). Latent defect insurance is a significant part of any successful self-build project, providing crucial protection that could otherwise mean a devastating loss of investment.

The terms of LDI will also guarantee that the self-build is being done to meet all regulations, with inspectors quickly flagging any areas that are not up to standard.

Arranging LDI is done at the very beginning of the construction process. This is because part of the process requires inspections and reports at key stages of the construction, and also because funding the development will typically need the security of insurance for lenders.

With this in mind, LDI is obtained by the developer or builder. If it is a self-build project, then the owner is responsible for getting LDI before work begins.

Latent defect insurance covers structural problems that are because of design, workmanship, or material faults. This includes:

  • Inadequate foundations causing subsidence.
  • Leaks in the roof due to poor craftsmanship.
  • Damp problems occurring from substandard damp-proofing.
  • Inefficient insulation thanks to low-quality materials.
  • Serious structural damage that happens as a consequence of bad design.

Latent defect insurance typically has a one to two year defect liability period during which time a claim cannot be made and the builder is directly responsible for fixing any problems. This is to mitigate risk for the insurer and prevent fraud. After the liability period, the insurance policy kicks in fully and any damage due to hidden defects will be covered.

Yes. LDI is tied to the property, not the originator or previous owner. When a property with LDI is sold during the insurance term (10 - 12 years), the LDI is transferred automatically to the new owner.

No, LDI is not a legal requirement. However, almost all lenders and investors insist on LDI before providing funding for any new build or property conversion project.

This means it is almost impossible to secure a relevant mortgage without LDI in place. LDI reassures any lender or investor that the property is protected and hidden faults will not result in a loss of investment.

Latent defect insurance covers structural issues that are caused by faults arising from low-quality workmanship, substandard materials, or poor design - the construction side of the building development.

On the other hand, buildings insurance covers damage that is caused by external events such as storms, fires, and floods. Some problems, for example, subsidence, may result from either structural issues (weaker materials) or from external problems (shifting ground) and an investigation may be needed to determine if LDI or buildings insurance is more applicable.

Structural warranties cover latent defects in a building’s structure, such as cracks, leaks, or collapses caused by poor design, materials, or workmanship. However, they don’t cover contents, external damage, or human injury. For comprehensive protection, additional home contents or liability insurance may be required.

The process includes submitting construction plans and builder credentials for review. Site inspections are conducted at key stages to ensure compliance with standards. Upon completion, a final inspection is performed, and the warranty is approved. This structured approach guarantees your project meets all necessary criteria for coverage.

Structural warranty insurance is essential for property developers, self-builders, and those obtaining self-build mortgages. Lenders and investors often require it to protect their financial interests. It is also an added assurance for homeowners purchasing newly constructed properties, offering long-term security against defects.

Unlike standard home insurance, which covers damage from external factors like fires or floods, structural warranty insurance focuses on latent defects in construction. It ensures financial coverage for problems arising from the building process, such as cracks or leaks caused by poor materials or workmanship, not external events.

Structural warranty insurance provides financial protection against structural defects in a building, such as issues caused by poor workmanship, substandard materials, or design flaws. It offers peace of mind to property developers, self-builders, and homeowners by covering repair or rebuilding costs for up to 10–12 years after construction.

Potentially, yes. It saves on interest charges, but if it does not suit your broader finances to do so then it may not be a good idea, and you may face early repayment charges.

With good credit and provable income, car finance is relatively accessible. The car acts as security, making lenders more willing to approve.

Let us do all the hard work of finding the right finance solution and lender for your circumstances. We can negotiate competitive terms to meet your needs and timescales.

Fergus Allen
Head of Bridging CeMAP

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