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Add Value Through Refurbishment

Refurbishment Finance — transform & add value

A quick cosmetic refresh or a full structural overhaul — refurbishment finance can fund the purchase and the works in one facility, with the aim of adding value, then selling or refinancing. Glender's smart matching can introduce you to specialist refurbishment providers who get the strategy.

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Indicative

Rates vary by provider

Secured

Against property

3–24

Term (months)

Short-term

Bridging finance

Understanding Refurbishment Finance

What is refurbishment finance?

Refurbishment finance is a short-term bridging loan built for property renovation projects. It can cover both the purchase price and the cost of works in a single facility, with the aim of renovating a property and then either selling it or refinancing onto a long-term mortgage.

Refurbishment projects carry risks including cost overruns, delays, reduced end values and failure to secure an expected sale or refinance. Borrowing costs remain payable even where a project does not perform as planned.

Lenders categorise refurbishment into two tiers: light refurbishment (cosmetic works that do not require planning permission) and heavy refurbishment (structural changes, extensions, change of use). Glender can introduce you to providers for both.

✓ Light refurb: kitchens, bathrooms, decorating, landscaping
✓ Heavy refurb: structural works, extensions, conversions
✓ Purchase price plus works funded in one facility
✓ Interest rolled up — no monthly repayments
✓ Loans from £50,000 to £10,000,000

Light vs Heavy Refurbishment

Light Refurbishment

Cosmetic works under £50k or less than 15% of property value. No planning required. New kitchen, bathroom, flooring, decoration, garden.

Heavy Refurbishment

Structural works, extensions, loft conversions, change of use. May require planning permission and building regulations sign-off.

HMO Conversions

Convert a single dwelling into a House in Multiple Occupation. Splitting into self-contained units or en-suite rooms.

Flip & Sell

Buy, renovate, then sell or refinance. The BRRR approach — Buy, Refurbish, Refinance, Rent (or sell). Outcomes are not guaranteed.

Why Glender

Key features

Refurbishment finance, built for investors and renovators. One enquiry, intelligently matched to potential providers.

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Works Costs Included

Many lenders fund up to 100% of refurbishment costs on top of the purchase price, released in stages or as a single drawdown for light refurb projects.

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Valued on GDV

Some lenders assess LTV against the post-works (gross development) value rather than just the purchase price, which can affect how much may be available. Any uplift in value is not guaranteed and depends on the project and market conditions.

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Rolled-Up Interest

No monthly outgoings during the refurb period. All interest is added to the loan and repaid when you sell or refinance — keeping your renovation budget working on the build.

⚡

Fast Turnaround Potential

When momentum matters, speed counts. Some providers may be able to complete quickly, subject to valuation, legal work, due diligence and the lender. Timescales depend on the project and the provider.

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All Property Types

Houses, flats, HMOs, commercial-to-resi conversions, mixed-use — providers may consider a range of property types and borrower profiles.

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Portfolio Landlords

Seasoned investors running multiple projects simultaneously are welcome. Glender can introduce you to providers experienced with portfolio-scale refurbishment programmes.

How It Works

Four steps to renovation funding

From enquiry to keys and tools in hand — one place, no chasing, you in control.

Describe Your Project

Property details, purchase price, scope of works, estimated end value, and your exit plan.

Smart Matching

Our smart matching engine compares your enquiry with criteria supplied by participating providers and surfaces potential matches for your project type.

Compare Offers

Interested providers can respond with indicative terms, side by side. See rates, fees, LTV, and works funding clearly laid out.

Complete & Renovate

Funds released for purchase and works. Start your renovation and add value to the property.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

Refurbishment finance is popular with property investors and landlords looking to add value. Whether it is your first project or your fiftieth, Glender can introduce you to potential providers. Providers may consider a range of property types and borrower profiles.

✓ Individual property investors
✓ Limited companies and SPVs
✓ Portfolio landlords
✓ First-time refurbishers welcome
✓ Adverse credit may limit availability, increase costs or reduce the amount offered

What you'll need

● Property details and current condition
● Schedule of works with cost breakdown
● Estimated end value (post-refurb)
● Exit strategy (sell or refinance)
● Proof of identity and deposit/equity
● Planning permission (for heavy refurb only)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Light refurbishment covers cosmetic improvements that do not require planning permission or structural changes — think new kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, decoration, and landscaping. Heavy refurbishment involves structural alterations, extensions, loft conversions, basement digs, or changes of use that may require planning consent and building regulations approval. Rates and LTV differ between the two categories.

Yes. Most refurbishment bridge lenders will fund the works on top of the purchase price. For light refurb, the works element is often released as a single lump sum at completion. For heavy refurb, funds are typically released in stages as works are verified by a monitoring surveyor. Some lenders fund up to 100% of the works costs.

BRRR stands for Buy, Refurbish, Refinance, Rent. You purchase a property using a refurbishment bridge, carry out the renovation works, then aim to refinance onto a buy-to-let mortgage at the new value. Where a project performs as planned, some of the initial capital may be released to recycle into the next project. Refurbishment projects carry risks including cost overruns, delays, reduced end values and failure to secure an expected sale or refinance. Borrowing costs remain payable even where a project does not perform as planned.

LTV for refurbishment bridges is typically calculated against the current (as-is) property value for the initial advance, with the works element assessed separately. Some lenders calculate LTV against the post-works (gross development) value, which can mean a higher total facility. Glender shows both metrics in your offer comparison so you can understand the true leverage available.

No. While experienced investors may access better rates, many providers welcome first-time refurbishers. For light refurb, experience requirements are minimal. For heavy refurb, lenders may want to see that you have a competent contractor or project manager in place. Glender can introduce you to providers who may consider your experience level.