An internationally based client approached Enness seeking to refinance an existing facility secured against a secondary residence in the South of France. The property had increased significantly in value following construction works, creating an opportunity to release equity while retaining the asset.
Located in the north of Cannes, the property was valued at approximately €3.8 million. The client had a diverse professional and investment background, with income generated through property development and capital gains across a wider portfolio.
The main challenge was presenting this income structure to a lender. Rather than relying solely on conventional employment income, the application needed to demonstrate the client’s wider assets, liquidity and the significant increase in the value of the secured residence. The existing borrowing represented a relatively low proportion of the current valuation, providing further context for the refinance.
OUR SOLUTION
Enness approached specialist international lenders experienced in complex wealth structures and high-value French property. The application focused on the client’s overall financial circumstances, including the increase in the value of the residence since its original acquisition.
A suitable lender was identified that was comfortable considering the combination of international income, property holdings and capital gains. The resulting facility provided approximately €3 million of borrowing on an interest-only basis, with Assets Under Management (AUM) forming part of the lender’s requirements.
The refinance enabled the client to access equity from the residence while retaining ownership and maintaining the asset within their wider portfolio. The structure also provided a suitable financing arrangement aligned with the client’s broader circumstances.
This case demonstrates how international property refinancing can require a broader assessment of assets, liquidity and wealth where conventional income measures do not fully reflect a borrower’s financial position. Specialist lenders can provide greater flexibility when financing high-value property for internationally based clients.
Disclaimer:
This case study is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax or investment advice. Finance is subject to status, underwriting, affordability, property suitability and lender criteria. Terms, rates, LTVs and availability may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Risk Warning:
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other borrowing secured against it. Property values can fall as well as rise.
Information contained in our case studies is for market and illustrative purposes only. In some cases, these may be made up of multiple cases and are for illustrative purposes only.
Some case studies are made up of enquiries that have come into the business, not all business completes, and the posting of a case study does not represent a completed piece of business.
Property values can fall as well as rise, and you may not get back the amount originally invested. Property investments can be illiquid and may take time to sell. Where borrowing is used, your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured against it.
