Heavy Refurbishment Finance
Finance for major structural works, full property conversions, rebuilds and large-scale renovation projects. Staged drawdowns against completed works.
Major Works & Conversions
Heavy refurbishment finance is designed for projects that go beyond standard renovation — full structural rebuilds, commercial-to-residential conversions, barn conversions, church conversions and projects where the building is being fundamentally altered. These projects typically require planning permission, building regulations and professional project management. Funding is released in staged drawdowns against a detailed schedule of works.
What Counts as Heavy Refurbishment?
Get a Quote
Fast response — often within the hour for urgent cases.
Key Criteria
• LTV: Up to 65–70% of current value, lending against GDV common
• Drawdowns: Staged releases against QS-monitored completed works
• Term: 12 to 24 months
• Rates: From 0.70% per month
• Experience: Some lenders require prior refurbishment or development experience
• Exit: Sale of completed units, refinance to mortgage(s), or development exit finance
How the Process Works
Enquiry
Tell us about the deal — property, amount, timeline and exit strategy.
Terms & Costs
We source the best terms from our panel and provide a full cost breakdown.
Valuation & Legal
Valuation is instructed and solicitors prepare legal documentation.
Completion
Funds released — often within 5–14 working days from initial enquiry.
Risks & Considerations
- • Bridging loans carry higher interest rates than standard mortgages — they are designed for short-term use only
- • If your exit strategy fails (e.g. property doesn't sell), you may face penalty charges or the lender may seek repossession
- • Arrangement fees, valuation fees and legal costs apply and should be factored into the total cost
- • Interest is typically charged monthly — ensure you budget for ongoing costs during the loan term
- • Some bridging loans are not regulated by the FCA — unregulated loans do not offer the same consumer protections
- • Heavy refurbishment projects carry construction risk — cost overruns and delays are common
- • Some lenders require the borrower to have previous refurbishment or development experience
- • A quantity surveyor (QS) or monitoring surveyor may be required, adding to project costs
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
A bridging loan is secured against property. Your property may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments. Bridging finance is a short-term solution and should not be used as a long-term borrowing facility.
Chess Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some bridging loans are not regulated by the FCA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Get Started?
Speak with one of our expert advisers today — initial consultation at our expense, and without obligation.