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What is Real Estate Finance?

Real estate finance refers to the strategies and funding solutions used to acquire, develop, or refinance residential, commercial, or mixed-use property. Whether you aim to buy new assets, restructure existing debt, or develop property in the UK or abroad.

Enness has the lender access, experience, and credentials to deliver the best real estate financing solution for you. Enness' brokers have a track record successfully completing ultra-complex deals and multi-million-pound transactions in every asset class.

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What is Real Estate Finance?

500+

A large network of trusted lenders.

6

Global market locations.

15+

Years of experience.

Property Development

Enness can broker every type of property development financing deal. From funding new builds to raising capital for refurbishment projects, Enness will negotiate the best deal for you, delivering solutions efficiently and on time – no matter how tight your deadlines. 

Commercial Property

Offering a bespoke service, Enness will secure commercial property finance for you, whatever the size of your operations. Enness will help you present your projects to lenders and facilitate getting the best commercial finance rates along with the terms that meet your needs. 

Property Portfolio Finance

Even if you are a seasoned property investor, securing additional finance against your property portfolio is anything but straightforward. With an unparalleled understanding of property portfolio finance, Enness will deliver competitive funding solutions that will also see you benefit from maximum flexibility.

International Mortgages

If you need an international mortgage, you shouldn't have to narrow your financing options. Enness will help you benefit from tailored solutions, advantageous rates, and access to various lenders, regardless of your nationality, residence or where you are purchasing a property. 

Hotel Finance

You can use hotel finance to purchase an existing asset, construct a new hotel, or renovate, remodel, or refurbish a hotel. Capital is available for every deal size. Whether you need finance to buy a privately-owned boutique hotel or you're looking to construct a large hotel in the heart of a capital city. Enness will be able to source the very best finance for you.

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Our Real Estate Finance Experts

We work closely with leading lenders to secure exceptional results. Contact our experts directly to discuss your real estate financing needs.

SPEAK TO A REAL ESTATE FINANCE SPECIALIST

Chris Whitney

HEAD OF SPECIALIST LENDING

Fergus Shires

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Financing Real Estate FAQ's

What Types of Real Estate Financing Do We Provide?

We provide high-value real estate financing solutions to meet a wide range of needs. For property development, we arrange funding for new builds, refurbishments, and large-scale projects, ensuring efficiency and speed to meet tight deadlines.

Our commercial property finance supports businesses of all sizes, helping secure competitive terms and funding for everything from office buildings to industrial sites.

For experienced investors, our property portfolio financing allows access to additional funds by using existing assets, offering flexibility and competitive rates.

If you are purchasing property abroad, our international mortgage services connect you with a broad range of lenders, ensuring you have access to the best financing options regardless of your location or nationality.

We also specialise in hotel finance, providing funding for purchases, construction, and renovation projects. Whether it’s a small boutique hotel or a large-scale development, we secure finance for high-value projects of any size.

With strong relationships with lenders and expertise in high-value financing, we help our clients secure the best possible solutions to achieve their property goals. Contact us to discuss how we can support your plans.

What is a Real Estate Loan?

A real estate loan is a type of financing used to purchase, develop, or refinance property. This can include residential homes, commercial buildings, or land. The loan is secured against the property being financed, meaning the property serves as collateral for the lender.

Real estate loans are designed to meet different needs, from buying a first home to funding large-scale property investments or developments.

What Factors do Lenders Consider when Assessing a Real Estate Finance Application?

Lenders assess a combination of factors when reviewing a real estate finance application, with a focus on both the asset and the borrower’s overall financial position.

Key considerations typically include the value and location of the property, the loan-to-value ratio, and the expected exit strategy, such as refinancing or sale. For income-producing assets, lenders will also review rental income performance and yield strength. In addition, the borrower’s experience, credit profile, and wider asset base may be taken into account, particularly for larger or more complex transactions.

For development or investment deals, lenders often place significant emphasis on the viability of the business plan, including refurbishment or build costs, projected end value, and timeline for completion.

Working with a specialist broker helps ensure the application is structured appropriately and presented to lenders in a way that highlights strength across both the asset and the borrower profile, improving the likelihood of securing competitive terms.

How to Finance Real Estate

There are several ways to finance real estate, and the right option depends on the type of property you are purchasing, your financial position, and your long-term investment strategy.

Whether you are buying a residential property, investment property, commercial real estate, or funding a development project, understanding the available financing options is essential.

1. Traditional Mortgage Financing

A mortgage is the most common way to finance real estate. Borrowers typically make a deposit and borrow the remaining amount through a lender, repaying the loan over an agreed term.

Mortgage financing is commonly used for:

  • Residential property purchases
  • Buy-to-let investments
  • Second homes
  • High-value property purchases

The terms available will depend on income, deposit size, credit profile, and the property itself.

2. Buy-to-Let Mortgages

For investors purchasing rental property, a buy-to-let mortgage is one of the most common financing options.

Unlike residential mortgages, lenders focus heavily on expected rental income and the investment’s ability to generate sufficient returns.

This option is commonly used by both first-time landlords and experienced property investors building larger portfolios.

3. Bridging Finance

Enness Global style specialist lenders often arrange bridging finance, which provides short-term funding when speed is critical.

Bridging loans are often used when:

  • Purchasing property at auction
  • Buying before selling another property
  • Funding property refurbishment
  • Completing time-sensitive transactions

This type of financing is typically designed as a short-term solution before refinancing or sale.

4. Property Development Finance

If you are building, renovating, or converting property, development finance may be more suitable than a standard mortgage.

This type of funding is structured around the project itself and often releases funds in stages as development milestones are completed.

It is commonly used for:

  • Residential developments
  • Commercial property projects
  • Large-scale refurbishments
  • Ground-up construction projects

5. Using Existing Assets as Security

Some investors finance real estate by borrowing against existing assets rather than relying solely on traditional income.

This may include:

  • Releasing equity from existing property
  • Borrowing against investment portfolios
  • Securities-backed lending
  • Leveraging business assets or international income

This approach can help preserve liquidity while still funding property purchases.

6. Private Banking and Specialist Lending

High-net-worth individuals and complex borrowers often use private banks or specialist lenders for real estate financing.

These lenders can sometimes offer more flexible underwriting for borrowers with:

  • Complex income structures
  • International earnings
  • Business ownership
  • Large loan requirements
  • Non-standard financial circumstances

What Is the Best Way to Finance Real Estate?

The best way to finance real estate depends on your investment goals, available capital, and the type of property you are buying.

While traditional mortgages remain the most common option, many investors use specialist financing solutions to move quickly, access larger loan amounts, or structure borrowing more efficiently.

Working with an experienced broker can help identify the most suitable financing strategy based on both short-term objectives and long-term growth plans.

How to Finance Real Estate With No Money Down

Financing real estate with no money down is possible, although it typically requires more creative funding strategies than a traditional property purchase.

While most lenders require a deposit, investors can use alternative financing methods to acquire property without using significant personal capital upfront.

The right approach depends on your financial profile, the type of property you are purchasing, and the financing options available.

1. Use Equity From Existing Property

One of the most common ways to finance real estate with no money down is by releasing equity from a property you already own.

This allows borrowers to use the value built up in an existing property as security, rather than funding a deposit with cash savings.

This strategy is often used by experienced property investors looking to expand their portfolios while preserving liquidity.

2. Bridging Finance

Enness Global and other specialist lenders can arrange bridging finance, which may allow investors to move quickly on a property purchase without immediately providing large amounts of cash.

Bridging loans are often used for:

  • Auction property purchases
  • Renovation or refurbishment projects
  • Time-sensitive transactions
  • Buying property before arranging long-term finance

In many cases, investors refinance into a longer-term mortgage once the purchase is complete.

3. Joint Venture Partnerships

Some investors finance property by partnering with other individuals or businesses.

In a joint venture structure, one party may provide the capital while the other manages sourcing the opportunity, overseeing the project, or handling the investment strategy.

This can allow investors to enter the property market without funding the entire purchase themselves.

4. Vendor or Seller Financing

In certain situations, a property seller may agree to flexible payment terms, allowing a buyer to acquire the property without a traditional deposit.

This is sometimes known as vendor finance and can involve negotiated payment structures between buyer and seller rather than relying entirely on a bank or mortgage lender.

While less common, it can be useful in specific circumstances.

5. Development Finance for Investment Projects

Property developers sometimes use development finance to fund projects with limited upfront capital.

Rather than focusing purely on personal savings, lenders assess the strength of the project, projected end value, experience, and exit strategy.

This type of funding is commonly used for:

  • Residential developments
  • Commercial property projects
  • Property conversions
  • Refurbishment opportunities

6. Private and Specialist Lending

Traditional lenders often require larger deposits, but private banks and specialist lenders may offer more flexible financing structures for complex borrowers.

This can be particularly useful for borrowers with:

  • High-value assets
  • International income
  • Complex wealth structures
  • Business ownership
  • Alternative sources of security

Can You Really Buy Real Estate With No Money Down?

Buying real estate with no money down is possible, but it usually involves leveraging existing assets, using specialist finance, or structuring deals creatively rather than securing a standard mortgage with zero deposit.

For investors purchasing higher-value property or working on time-sensitive opportunities, specialist financing solutions can provide access to capital without relying entirely on personal cash reserves.

What Is Real Estate Corporate Finance?

Real estate corporate finance refers to specialist funding solutions used by businesses, investors, and property developers to raise capital for property-related transactions, acquisitions, development projects, and wider business growth.

Unlike a standard mortgage, real estate corporate finance focuses on structuring finance around the complexity of a transaction, helping borrowers secure funding for opportunities that often fall outside traditional lending criteria.

This type of finance is commonly used for larger transactions where speed, flexibility, and bespoke structuring are critical.

How Does Real Estate Corporate Finance Work?

Corporate finance solutions within real estate are designed to help borrowers access capital in situations where traditional property lending may be too restrictive.

Funding can be structured through a range of specialist solutions, depending on the borrower’s objectives and the nature of the transaction.

This may include:

  • Commercial property finance
  • Property development finance
  • Bridging finance for acquisitions
  • Structured debt solutions
  • Working capital facilities secured against property assets
  • Mezzanine finance for large development projects
  • Refinancing existing property-related debt

Rather than focusing purely on personal income, lenders often assess the strength of the wider business, asset position, and long-term investment strategy.

Who Uses Real Estate Corporate Finance?

Real estate corporate finance is commonly used by borrowers involved in complex or large-scale property transactions.

This often includes:

  • Property developers funding residential or commercial developments
  • Investors acquiring high-value real estate assets
  • Businesses purchasing commercial premises
  • Developers refinancing projects to release capital
  • Companies looking to leverage property assets for growth

As transactions become more complex, borrowers often require funding structures tailored around both business objectives and property strategy.

Why Use Specialist Real Estate Corporate Finance?

Traditional lenders often struggle with transactions that require flexibility or involve complex borrowing structures.

Specialist corporate finance solutions can provide:

  • Access to larger funding facilities
  • Bespoke lending structures for complex transactions
  • Faster access to capital for time-sensitive opportunities
  • Flexible financing for development and acquisition projects
  • Funding solutions designed around long-term growth objectives

For businesses operating within property, the right funding structure can make a significant difference when executing larger transactions or scaling investment strategies.

Securing Corporate Finance for Real Estate Transactions

Accessing the right funding often requires specialist expertise, particularly when transactions involve complex borrowing requirements or large capital raises.

Enness Global works with businesses, investors, and developers to structure tailored corporate finance solutions for property acquisitions, development funding, refinancing, and high-value real estate transactions.

How to Finance Commercial Real Estate

Financing commercial real estate typically involves securing specialist funding for the purchase, refinance, or development of income-generating property assets such as offices, retail units, hotels, industrial buildings, or mixed-use developments.

Unlike residential property finance, commercial real estate funding often requires a more tailored approach, particularly for larger transactions, complex ownership structures, or borrowers seeking flexible lending solutions beyond traditional banking criteria.

The most suitable financing structure will depend on the asset, business objectives, and long-term investment strategy.

1. Commercial Mortgages

A commercial mortgage is one of the most common ways to finance commercial real estate.

This type of lending allows borrowers to purchase or refinance business premises or investment property over an agreed term, with the property itself acting as security.

Commercial mortgages are commonly used for:

  • Office buildings
  • Retail units
  • Warehouses and industrial property
  • Hotels and hospitality assets
  • Mixed-use developments

Lenders will typically assess both the value of the property and the financial strength of the borrower or business.

2. Bridging Finance for Fast Transactions

Where speed is critical, bridging finance can provide short-term capital to secure commercial property quickly.

This is often used when borrowers need to complete transactions before arranging longer-term funding or where traditional lenders cannot move fast enough.

Bridging finance is commonly used for:

  • Auction purchases
  • Time-sensitive acquisitions
  • Commercial property refurbishment
  • Complex transactions requiring short-term liquidity

3. Development Finance

For borrowers building, converting, or significantly redeveloping commercial property, development finance may provide a more suitable funding solution.

Rather than financing a completed asset, development finance supports projects through staged funding, releasing capital as development milestones are achieved.

This is commonly used for:

  • Ground-up commercial developments
  • Hotel development projects
  • Office conversions
  • Mixed-use property schemes

4. Structured and Corporate Finance Solutions

Larger or more complex commercial real estate transactions often require funding structures beyond conventional lending.

Specialist finance solutions may include:

  • Mezzanine finance
  • Structured debt facilities
  • Working capital solutions secured against property assets
  • Refinancing existing debt facilities
  • Corporate finance for large-scale acquisitions

These solutions can help borrowers raise additional capital while preserving liquidity for future investment opportunities.

5. Private Banking and Specialist Lending

Traditional lenders do not always suit borrowers involved in complex commercial transactions.

Private banks and specialist lenders may offer more flexible underwriting for borrowers with:

  • Complex income structures
  • International assets or overseas income
  • Large borrowing requirements
  • Business ownership structures
  • Non-standard financing requirements

For high-value transactions, accessing specialist lenders often creates greater flexibility around deal structuring.

Securing Finance for Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate finance is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.

The right funding structure depends on the property, transaction complexity, and long-term business objectives.

Enness Global works with investors, developers, and businesses to structure tailored financing solutions for complex commercial real estate transactions, helping borrowers secure funding where traditional lending options may be limited.

Expert Real Estate Finance Brokers

Expert Real Estate Finance Brokers

From purchasing an exclusive residence to securing finance for a significant investment property, we make the process straightforward and stress-free. Our knowledgeable team works with you at every step, ensuring you receive the best support and advice to achieve your goals.

Speak to us to learn more about how we can help with your high-value real estate financing needs.

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