Bridging Finance

Heavy Refurbishment Finance Explained

2025-01-10 6 min read

Heavy refurbishment finance is a specialist form of bridging loan designed for projects that involve structural changes, change of use, or works requiring planning permission. It's more complex than light refurb but opens up significant value-add opportunities.

Light vs Heavy Refurbishment

Light refurbishment covers cosmetic works: new kitchens, bathrooms, redecoration. Heavy refurbishment involves structural alterations, extensions, loft conversions, change of use, or works requiring planning permission.

Typical Loan Structure

Lenders typically advance 70–75% of the purchase price initially, then release further funds in staged drawdowns as works progress. Total facility can reach up to 75% of the gross development value (GDV).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as heavy refurbishment?
Works requiring planning permission, structural changes (removing walls, adding extensions), change of use (commercial to residential), or projects where the property is uninhabitable.
How are funds released?
Heavy refurb finance is typically released in stages (drawdowns) as work progresses, with the lender's monitoring surveyor verifying each stage.

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