Managing Risk in Short-Term Property Finance

Regardless of whether refurbishments, regeneration schemes, or snapping up auction acquisitions are on your radar, short term finance is an established resource for the property expert who must act fast to seize on an opportunity.

Rapid speed, however, is not only an advantage. It can also be a risk, in particular, when there is limited time to repay, normally less than one year.

What, therefore, are the major risks, and how can these be managed? These are critical issues for consideration for one seeking short-term property finance.

When it is needed most

Property transactions do not always have a convenient overlap with mortgage funding times. Investors may have to purchase a property before planning permission is granted, or they may have to complete a purchase before having the full funding on hand.

These situations require rapid access to money, which can be achieved by a 48 hour bridging finance, which then enables the investor to meet the tight deadline in front of them. Auction purchases, chain breaks, and distressed sales require rapid access to funds, which may be required within a short period, typically days.

However, speed should not be at the expense of diligence.

Interest structure and being aware of cost

One of the major risks of short-term property loans is the risk of cost escalation. The interest structure of a bridging loan is usually monthly and not annual.

In addition to the interest, the borrowers also incur arrangement fees, valuation fees, legal fees, exit fees, and brokerage fees. There is also the risk of cost escalation if the projects are prolonged for a longer period of time.

A careful calculation of the entire amount of repayment is important. Many investors use a bridging loan cost calculator and review the interest and the period of the loan before investing. They use the cost calculator to get a better idea of the entire amount of the loan.

Investors should take the necessary time and effort to assess the cost of the loan and the amount of the loan.

The risk of your exit

As for borrowing short-term money, it’s typically based on a plan to repay by selling the property or refinancing the home for a longer payoff period. Without the sale or refinancing, borrowers might have to refinance the loan again, often with further fees attached.

Your plans may also be affected by volatility and changes in the market. If the market for real estate is not as favourable, you may end up selling your house for less money. Changes in the criteria for refinancing may also affect you.

In home improvement loans, delays in meeting energy performance and building regulations can affect the approval of refinancing. A thorough examination of what can happen is a good exercise before borrowing.

Project and planning consideration

Especially when developers are engaged in renovation or adaptation projects, construction risk is very important. A construction risk element like unforeseen structural issues, contractor delay, or cost of construction materials increasing can lengthen the construction period and the corresponding period of loans obtained or debts assumed.

Especially when sustainability renovation is also under consideration, such as the addition of insulation, the replacement or improvement of a heating system, or the addition of solar panels, it is becoming very important to consider the construction period while keeping a wary eye on financial projections.

Using the finance in a responsible manner

Short-term financing can assist regeneration schemes, reoccupy empty building, and increase the rate of improvement of homes.

When properly used, short-term finance can provide greater flexibility than mortgages. Short-term finance is not fool proof, you must remain aware of all expenses involved, come up with an exit plan, and keep in mind the various factors that may lead to delays.

Having ample time can make all the difference between careful risk management and excessive risk-taking.