Fast Equity Release For Ultra-High-Net-Worth Middle Eastern Client

• Client: UAE National and Resident
• Property: UK buy-to-let property valued at circa £17 million
• Loan: £10 million+
• LTV: 60%
• Product: First-charge bridging loan with a 12-month term

Enness was approached by a UAE national and resident looking to refinance an existing UK buy-to-let property and release equity to invest in the redevelopment of a hotel in Central Europe. The client had a complex international financial profile, with multiple income sources and significant assets held across several jurisdictions. Given the size and complexity of the transaction, they required a lender that could understand their wider financial position and work to a demanding completion timeframe.

The property was valued at approximately £17 million, and the client required more than £10 million of finance. The primary challenge was the tight deadline. The client also had a significant proportion of their wealth committed to long-term investment products carrying substantial early exit charges, alongside a number of high-value international property transactions. This meant that although the client had considerable wealth, their immediately available liquidity was limited.

The client therefore needed to release equity from the UK property without disrupting their existing investments. The proceeds would provide the liquidity required to invest personally in the Central European hotel redevelopment, making speed and flexibility particularly important to the financing structure.

Enness reviewed the client's wider financial position and identified a specialist lender capable of considering the combination of the client's international assets, multiple income sources and the high value of the UK property. Rather than taking a conventional approach, we structured the transaction around the client's immediate liquidity requirements and the proposed use of the released capital.

We successfully negotiated a 60% LTV first-charge bridging loan of more than £10 million against the UK property. The facility was arranged within approximately three weeks, allowing the client to meet the required timeframe and proceed with the planned hotel investment in Central Europe. The loan was structured with a 12-month term, providing the client with a defined period in which to execute their investment plans and arrange the eventual repayment of the facility.

The transaction demonstrates the importance of specialist lender selection when arranging significant finance for ultra-high-net-worth borrowers with international assets and complex liquidity requirements. A client's overall wealth does not necessarily mean that capital can be accessed quickly, particularly where assets are held across multiple jurisdictions or subject to existing investment commitments.

Enness works with international and Middle Eastern clients seeking specialist UK property finance, including large-scale equity release and bridging facilities. With access to a network of more than 500 lenders and a presence in Dubai, we can assess complex international profiles and explore appropriate financing structures. If you or your clients are based in the Middle East and require UK property finance, speak to a mortgage specialist.

Risk Warning:
Bridging finance is short-term borrowing and carries risks. The loan is secured against property, and failure to repay the facility in accordance with its terms could result in enforcement action against the secured property. Borrowers should have a clear and realistic exit strategy and consider the potential impact of changes in property values, refinancing conditions and investment performance.

Disclaimer:
This case study is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Finance is subject to status, underwriting, property assessment and lender criteria. Terms and availability will vary depending on individual circumstances and the proposed transaction.