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This guest blog is brought to you by Phoebe Sellars, BDM at Bridge Help
In bridging finance, time is often the most valuable commodity. Brokers know that a deal can live or die by the speed at which obstacles are overcome — and sometimes, a lender’s ability to think outside the box can be the difference between a missed opportunity and a delighted client.
Recently, we worked with broker Junayd Iqbal at Aura Capital on a refinance that illustrates this perfectly.
The challenge: an ambitious rural property
The property in question was anything but straightforward: a three-bedroom farmhouse with stables, multiple outbuildings, and more than 20 acres of land in rural Nottinghamshire. The borrower had big plans to transform it into a boutique retreat for holidays, weddings, events, and even horse-drawn dining carriage experiences — but first, she needed an urgent refinance.
By the time the case reached us, the clock was ticking. Other lenders had stalled, requiring upfront fees without certainty they could deliver.
The turning point: meeting face-to-face
One of the most important steps in progressing the deal came when our CEO, Chris Sellars, visited the property in person. By meeting the borrower, seeing the site firsthand, and discussing the vision, we were able to quickly assess the risks, opportunities, and route forward.
For brokers, this is a reminder that sometimes the fastest way to move a case on is to get all parties together — in person — to cut through the delays that can build up whenhfgh# communication is purely via email.
The solution: pragmatism over process
We kept the focus on what mattered: the borrower’s end goal, the property’s potential, and the short deadline. This pragmatic mindset helped the legal, valuation, and lending teams pull in the same direction, allowing completion on time.
For brokers, the lesson here is that when you have an unusual or time-critical case, a lender that values flexibility over rigid process can make the impossible possible.
The result: a win for everyone
The borrower can now move ahead with her plans to create a unique hospitality venue — and the broker strengthened their client relationship by finding a funding partner willing to go the extra mile.
Key takeaways for brokers
- Act early on complex assets – rural, mixed-use, or non-standard properties can require more groundwork.
- Prioritise lenders with a proven track record in niche cases – not all lenders approach them the same way.
- Champion face-to-face meetings – they can accelerate decision-making when time is tight.
- Look for flexibility in underwriting – this is often what gets challenging deals over the line.
When deadlines are tight, and the case isn’t textbook, the right combination of speed, human engagement, and adaptability can be your best tools as a broker.
