GB Bank has successfully completed a substantial £33 million bridging finance facility against a mixed-use London property portfolio, providing the necessary funds within an exceptionally swift seven-day timeframe. This rapid turnaround enabled an established property investor, boasting over £500 million in real estate assets, to meet a critical exchange deadline for a subsequent acquisition.
The transaction, facilitated in collaboration with broker SHC Capital, saw GB Bank provide an initial facility secured against an unencumbered portfolio of income-producing assets. This strategic structuring allowed the borrower to efficiently unlock equity from their existing holdings, crucial for advancing their broader acquisition strategy in a competitive market. The security for the loan comprised income-generating properties with robust occupancy levels, underpinning the viability of the facility.
Pankaj Thukral, chief lending officer and deputy chief executive at GB Bank, highlighted the collaborative effort, stating that working closely with SHC Capital allowed them to structure a solution that unlocked essential equity, facilitating the wider acquisition within the tight seven-day window. This rapid execution demonstrates the continued availability of bridging finance for well-capitalised investors, even as some segments of the property market experience delays in purchase decisions among other buyer types.
Professional advisers played a pivotal role in the speedy completion. Simon Noonoo, a partner at Seddons, provided legal support throughout the complex transaction, while Simon D’Arcy from Savills acted as the valuer, working within the compressed timeline. Hardik Gogia, relationship manager at GB Bank, noted that the ability to release equity from a high-performing portfolio at pace gave their client the certainty required to proceed with the next stage of their investment.
This deal underscores ongoing activity within London’s commercial property market, where experienced investors are actively pursuing portfolio expansion. Bridging finance remains a vital tool for time-sensitive transactions, particularly when traditional mortgage products cannot accommodate such expedited timelines. The seven-day completion period for a facility of this magnitude is notably short, requiring precise coordination among all parties involved, including the lender, broker, legal advisers, and valuers.