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First Charge vs Second Charge Bridging Loans

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What’s the Difference?
When it comes to bridging finance, understanding the difference between a first charge and second charge loan can help you choose the right funding solution for your project. At Reim Capital, we tailor every facility to your circumstances, but knowing how each works is the first step.

What is a First Charge Bridging Loan?
A first charge loan is secured against a property as the primary debt.

  • The lender holds the first legal right to the asset if it’s sold.
  • Typically used when there’s no existing mortgage or the bridging loan replaces the current one.
  • Interest rates are generally lower than second charge loans, as the lender’s risk is reduced.

Example:
 You purchase an auction property and need funds to complete in 28 days. You take a first charge bridging loan to secure the property until your long-term mortgage is arranged.

What is a Second Charge Bridging Loan?

A second charge loan sits behind an existing mortgage or loan.

  • The first lender keeps priority in repayment if the property is sold.
  • The bridging lender gets paid after the first charge lender.
  • Usually carries a slightly higher interest rate due to increased risk.

Example:
 You already have a mortgage on your property but need quick access to funds for renovations or a new investment. A second charge bridging loan allows you to release equity without disturbing your current mortgage.

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your situation:

  • First Charge – Ideal if you own the property outright or want to refinance fully.
  • Second Charge – Suitable if you want to keep your existing mortgage in place while raising additional funds.

At Reim Capital, we offer both first and second charge bridging loans from £100,000 to £25 million, with up to 75% LTV, tailored to fit residential, semi-commercial, and commercial projects.

Why Work With Reim Capital?

  • Speed – Completion in as little as 3 working days.
  • Flexibility – Bespoke solutions for each deal.
  • Transparency – Clear terms, no surprises.

If you’re unsure whether a first or second charge bridging loan is right for you, our experienced team is here to guide you.

Reim Capital Completes London Residential Deal in Just 3 Working Days

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At Reim Capital, speed, precision, and reliability are at the heart of everything we do. Our latest success story is a testament to how our agile approach and trusted partnerships allow us to deliver outstanding results fast.

We’re proud to announce the successful completion of a £248,500 bridging loan on a residential asset in West London, finalised in just three working days.

The 12 month term facility was secured at a 70% (LTV), demonstrating our ability to move quickly without compromising on thorough underwriting and risk management.

How It Happened
The deal landed on our desk late Friday evening, with an urgent request from our Co-Founder, Amar Khiroya, to complete it by Wednesday. With the clock ticking, our team at Reim Capital wasted no time.

We immediately engaged our legal partners at Harold Benjamin, who responded promptly and began progressing the deal overnight.
Their team Rima Sengupta, Karan Lotay, and Jai Sharma had worked closely with us to ensure all documentation and due diligence were completed with speed and accuracy.

Key members of the Reim Capital team, including Jigar Patel, our Senior Underwriter, and Co-Founder Kunal Vaitha, dedicated their weekend to keep the process on track. The result: a seamless, efficient deal completed well within the deadline.

A Word from Our Co-Founder
“The deal progressed exceptionally well. We received it Friday evening, and when Amar requested completion by Wednesday, we immediately got to work. We contacted Harold Benjamin right away and began moving things forward. An email came through from Harold Benjamin late that night, and from there, both Rima and Jigar dedicated their weekend to ensuring everything stayed on track.”
 — Kunal Vaitha, Co-Founder, Reim Capital

This deal reflects the Reim Capital promise:

    •   Fast, responsive lending
    •   Strong collaboration with legal partners
    •   Transparent communication
    •   Weekend dedication to deliver under pressure

If you’re working on a time-sensitive auction, refinance, or residential acquisition, get in touch with the team that delivers fast.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your next deal.

 

REIM Capital Crowned 2025 Champions at Prideview Cricket Day

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REIM Capital is proud to announce that they were crowned the 2025 Champions at this year’s Prideview Group Cricket Day an incredible event in support of the charity One Kind Act. 

Held annually, the Prideview Cricket Day has raised over £250,000 for charitable causes, and REIM Capital was proud to be part of such a meaningful day. With strong performances in the morning and victories over OakNorth and Vail Williams, the team progressed to the finals and secured a well-earned win against Eastway Estates Limited. 

Beyond the competition, the day was filled with fantastic food, drinks, and entertainment all for a truly worthy cause. Congratulations to everyone who took part and contributed to such a memorable event. 

REIM Capital is already looking forward to returning next year to defend the title, enjoy another brilliant day, and most importantly, continue supporting the vital work of One Kind Act. 

 

Stuck in 2025’s Fast Lane? How Bridging Finance Became Britain’s Go-To Speed Tool (And Why Reim Team Makes It Work)

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Jigar Patel – Senior Under Writer

Let’s face it: In 2025, waiting feels… ancient. We stream movies instantly, get groceries delivered in minutes, and yet, until recently, property finance could still drag on for months. That disconnect? It’s why bridging finance has exploded. It’s not just growing; it’s fundamentally reshaping how deals get done across the UK. And it all comes down to one modern necessity: Pace.

Why Speed Isn’t Just Nice, It’s Non-Negotiable in 2025

    • Bridging’s Boom is Real: The stats back it up. The Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) reported bridging volumes hit new peaks in 2024, and 2025’s trajectory looks even steeper. Why? Because traditional timelines feel out of step with today’s tempo.
    • The Old Way vs. The Now: While some lenders still operate on 6–8 week mortgage cycles (or longer!), life moves faster. Auction deadlines haven’t budged; you still get just 28 days. Chain breaks still cause panic. Opportunities vanish in a blink. In 2025, waiting weeks for cash isn’t just frustrating; it’s often a deal-breaker.
    • Real People, Real 2025 Pressures: We see the drivers daily:
        • Chain Breaks: Buyers pulling out? Bridging plugs the gap instantly.
        • Auction Wins: Winning that lot? Funds needed yesterday.
        • Refurbishments: Unlock cash fast to transform a property before refinancing.
        • Opportunity Knocks (Once): Grabbing that below-market gem before it’s gone.
        • Business Needs: Urgent capital for growth or pivots? Property equity is your fastest lever.

Bridging Finance, by it’s nature, is designed to “Bridge” these critical gaps. But not all bridging lenders are created equal. The difference seizing an opportunity and losing it boils down to days, even hours.

Enter Reim Capital: Where Human Expertise Meets 2025 Speed

At Reim Capital, we understood this shift early. We know that in 2025, a bridging loan isn’t just money, it’s a lifeline to momentum. And delivering that lifeline reliably? It hinges entirely on one thing: Our People. In a world obsessed with automation, we doubled down on what machines can’t replicate: human judgment, empathy, and relentless focus. Our team isn’t just our support; they’re the core of our promise.

How the Reim Capital Team Delivers Your 2025 Pace:

    1. Your Dedicated Point of Contact: Forget passing calls roulette. From the first call, you get a personal Point of Contact. They live and breathe your case, understand your unique urgency, and drive it forward like it’s their own mission. One human, one point of contact, total ownership.
    2. Deciders, Not Delayers: Our underwriters are bridging veterans, forged in the fires of complex deals. Crucially, they’re empowered to make smart decisions fast. No needless hurdles, just experienced people cutting through complexity with common sense.
    3. Broker Partners in the Fast Lane: Brokers are our co-pilots. In 2025’s fast market, clear, constant communication is oxygen. Our team updates you proactively, gives straight answers quickly, and ensures you’re never left guessing with your clients. Speed thrives on transparency.
    4. Humans as the Engine: It’s our team who ensures it works for you. They proactively manage the flow, chase down details, and keep every cog turning smoothly. The tech would handle the admin; but our people handle the urgency.
    5. “We Deliver” It’s Our 2025 Mindset: This isn’t a slogan; it’s the air we breathe. Every single team member is united by one goal: Getting your deal funded, on time, without drama. Your success in seizing an opportunity is our success metric.

The 2025 Reim Capital Difference:

    • Speed You Can Feel: From initial chat to indicative terms, we move faster.
    • Clarity, Not Confusion: Even complex scenarios get expert, swift assessment.
    • Completion Velocity: This is our signature. We consistently hit timelines others can’t, think days, not weeks, when the clock is critical. In 2025, this isn’t just an advantage; it’s essential.

Bridging Finance: No Longer the Alternative, But the Answer

The surge isn’t slowing down. Bridging finance has moved firmly into the mainstream because it aligns perfectly with the pace of modern UK life and business in 2025. Agility and certainty aren’t luxuries; they’re expectations.

In this landscape, the lender you choose isn’t defined just by their product, but by their people and their pace.

At Reim Capital, we’ve built our entire 2025 operation around a simple truth: The right team, empowered and focused, is the ultimate accelerator.

Ready to move at the speed of 2025? Talk to the Reim Capital team today and experience finance that finally keeps up

 

Bridging Finance Today: Where We Stand & How We Move Forward Together

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Three months ago, I wrote about the human side of bridging; the trust, the stories, and the teamwork that makes what we do special. Right now, things around us are changing, and that human touch feels more important than ever.

What’s shaping our world right now?

Interest rates show signs of stabilising, but lenders are understandably sharpening their focus. It’s about strong viability, not just speed. Regulatory expectations (especially under the FCA’s Consumer Duty), are raising the bar for transparency and fair outcomes at every step. Despite this, demand remains robust, particularly for short-term funding solutions to bridge the gap, when speed or flexibility is critical, for auction purchase, refurbishment projects, and those crucial chain-break rescues. The need is clear, but working together is the only way forward now.

To the incredible stakeholders I work with every day:

  • Brokers, your knowledge is gold. As criteria tightens, your ability to understand a client’s real story and match it to the right lender turns complex situations into successes. A tip? Helping us understand the full context, the ‘real reason’ behind the deal, is often the key that unlocks the solution.
  • Solicitors, you are the backbone ensuring deals actually complete. Delays hurt everyone, the client most of all. Let’s keep talking early, especially on potential title wrinkles or timeline pressures. Proactively flagging (through an email and call) a possible hurdle isn’t bad news; it’s actually the quickest way for us to fix it together.
  • Valuers, your honest opinion, and professional judgment anchors everything. When property prices shift, we really need your clear and careful assessments. We deeply value your expertise and clarity, even when the message requires careful handling. Your upfront insights build lender confidence and keep deals moving.

Looking ahead:

Tech will keep streamlining processes, but it won’t replace the heart of our job: human judgment, relationship-building, and finding solutions that fit just right. True win-win outcomes, built on fair terms, clear communication, and shared goals, aren’t just nice ideal; they’re how we all keep growing. And because regular banks are often playing it safe, bridging loans have a huge chance to bridge the gap and help people where others can’t.

My commitment to you?

To keep listening deeply, pushing for sensible answers, and ensuring every voice in the process, “especially yours”, feels heard and respected. At REIM Capital, we’re all about building partnerships based on trust, because when you do well, we all do well.

Let’s keep building those bridges, stronger and more connected.

To every broker, solicitor, and valuer out there: Your dedication makes this industry work. How are you finding the current climate? What support from us makes the biggest difference to you right now? I’d genuinely value hearing your thoughts.

 

Need a Fast & Reliable Bridging Loan? Here’s How to Secure One with Reim Capital!

Need a Fast & Reliable Bridging Loan? Here’s How to Secure One with Reim Capital!

By Blog

 

Brokers – looking for a lender who delivers?

Borrowers – need quick access to funds for your next property deal?

 

At Reim Capital, we specialize in fast, flexible, and transparent bridging loans. Whether it’s an auction purchase, refinancing, or a development exit, our streamlined process ensures quick approvals and funding without the red tape.

Here’s how you can secure a loan with us in just 7 simple steps:

Step 1: Define Your Loan Needs

Ask yourself:

    • What’s the loan amount?
    • What’s the property type? (Residential, semi-commercial, commercial)
    • What’s the loan purpose? (Purchase, refinance, exit)
    • What’s the exit strategy?

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

The right paperwork = faster approvals. Have these ready:

    • Property details & valuation (if available)
    • Proof of ownership or purchase agreement
    • Financials (business/personal)
    • Exit plan

Step 3: Apply with Ease

Step 4: Quick Loan Assessment

    • Fast-tracked underwriting – decisions typically within 24-48 hours
    • Property & financial review to assess deal viability

Step 5: Get a Transparent Loan Offer

    • Loan terms, rates, and repayment schedule (No exit fees – because we believe in fairness!)

Step 6: Legal & Compliance – at Reim, we Keep It Smooth!

    • Due diligence & valuation
    • Signing loan agreements

Step 7: Receive Funds – On Time, Every Time

    • Once formalities are done, your loan is disbursed swiftly, so you can move forward with confidence!

Why Brokers & Borrowers Love Reim Capital:

    1. Fast Approvals – Deals completed in days, not weeks
    2. No Exit Fees – Transparent lending with no surprises
    3. Tailored Solutions – Lending that works for your deal
    4. Expert Support – A dedicated team that understands the market
    5. A Relationship-Driven Approach – We don’t just fund deals, we build long-term partnerships
    6. A Highly Experienced Team – Seasoned lending professionals who know how to structure deals efficiently
  • Brokers – work with a lender that delivers!
  • Borrowers – let’s fund your next deal quickly and efficiently!

Call us now: 0203 488 4913
Apply online: https://reimcapital.com/apply-for-a-loan/

 Reim Capital – Fast. Flexible. Trusted.

 

Cracking the Code: Smart Funding Strategies for SMEs in 2025

By Blog

 

Introduction

In 2025, SMEs are not just navigating the market, they’re redefining it. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling your operations, access to the right funding can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. But let’s face it: the funding landscape is complex, and finding the right solution can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube blindfolded.

At Reim Capital, we’re passionate about empowering SMEs with financial tools that don’t just meet their needs, they fuel their ambitions. Let’s unpack the top funding strategies that will drive growth in 2025 and how bridging finance could play a pivotal role.

The SME Funding Landscape: What’s Changing in 2025?

The funding world is evolving, and SMEs need to stay ahead of the curve. Here’s what’s shaping the market: 

  •  Faster Decisions, Bigger Opportunities: Traditional loans are being outpaced by agile funding solutions like bridging finance, which offers fast approval and disbursement.
  • The Rise of Alternative Finance: Platforms like P2P lending and crowdfunding are growing, but they’re not always reliable for urgent or high-value needs.
  • Property as Power: SMEs with real estate assets are leveraging their value to secure quick capital, giving them a competitive edge.

Funding for SMEs: What Are Your Options?

Here’s a quick rundown of the top funding choices and why bridging finance stands out:

1. Bank Loans

  • Great for long-term projects but often slow and rigid.

2. Crowdfunding

  • Engaging but unpredictable, it’s not a guaranteed win.

3. Bridging Finance (Our Favourite!)

  • Ideal for SMEs with property assets who need fast, flexible funding for growth, acquisitions, or cash flow.

Small business owner discussing funding opportunities with investors in a modern office, with financial charts and documents on the table

 

How Bridging Finance Can Help SMEs Shine

Bridging loans are the unsung hero of SME growth strategies. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

  • Speed Wins Deals: Need capital quickly to secure a business deal or property? Bridging loans can deliver funds in days.
  • Cash Flow Without Compromise: Avoid tying up working capital by leveraging real estate assets instead.
  • Flexibility on Your Terms: With shorter repayment periods and customizable solutions, bridging loans fit your unique business goals.

Why Choose Reim Capital?

At Reim Capital, we don’t just provide loans, we’re your partner in success. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Quick Turnaround: From application to approval, we act fast so you can seize opportunities.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team has years of experience in bridging finance, ensuring you get the right solution for your business.
  • Transparent Process: No hidden fees or surprises, just straightforward funding tailored to you.
  • People-First Approach: We’re here to help you succeed, not just meet quotas.

SME Success Story: Turning Ambition into Reality

Here’s how bridging finance changed the game for one of our clients:

An SME in an Automobile industry needed £500,000 to upgrade its infrastructure. Traditional lenders estimated a 3-month process, but Reim Capital delivered the funding in just 15 days. The result? The business was able to upgrade their Research and Development department, scale operations, and grow its revenue by within six months.

Tips for SMEs: Funding Like a Pro

1. Get Your Finances in Order: Maintain a healthy credit score and detailed financial records.
2. Know Your Options: Explore funding solutions that align with your goals.
3. Act Fast: In a competitive market, timing is everything, choose lenders who value speed.
4. Partner Strategically: Work with a lender like Reim Capital, who understands your business and acts as a trusted advisor.

Ready to Fuel Your Business Growth in 2025?

The clock is ticking, and 2025 is packed with opportunities waiting for you to seize. Whether you need fast funding for expansion, acquisitions, or working capital, Reim Capital has your back.

Let’s grow together. Reach out today to discover how bridging finance can unlock your potential.

The Labour Party’s 2024 Housing Manifesto: A Strategic Vision for Addressing the UK’s Housing Crisis 

By Blog

The Labour Party’s 2024 housing manifesto outlines an ambitious and comprehensive plan to tackle the UK’s housing challenges. The manifesto focuses on increasing housing supply, protecting greenbelt areas, enhancing affordable housing, strengthening renter protections, and reforming leasehold arrangements. Here’s a detailed overview of the key highlights and their potential impact on the UK housing market. 

Housing Development and Supply 

The Labour Party targets a substantial increase in housing supply, with a goal to build 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament. The strategy includes: 

    • Updating the National Policy Planning Framework: This will involve restoring mandatory housing targets and emphasizing brownfield first development, which prioritizes the redevelopment of previously used land.

Greenbelt and Strategic Planning 

The manifesto stresses the importance of strategic planning to balance development needs with environmental protection: 

    • Preserving Greenbelt Land: Protecting greenbelt areas while focusing on the release of lower quality ‘grey belt’ land for development.
    • Building New Towns: Developing a new generation of towns and engaging in large-scale urban regeneration projects to create vibrant, sustainable communities.

Affordable Housing 

Labour commits to delivering the largest increase in social and affordable housebuilding in a generation by: 

    • Strengthening Planning Obligations: Ensuring that new developments include a significant proportion of affordable housing to meet the needs of low and middle-income families.

Renter Protections 

To create a fairer and more secure rental market, Labour proposes: 

    • Abolishing Section 21 ‘No Fault’ Evictions: Preventing unfair evictions and exploitation in the private rented sector.
    • Implementing Higher Standards: Introducing stricter regulations to improve the quality and safety of rental properties.

Building Safety and Leasehold Reforms 

Addressing safety and leasehold issues is another critical area of focus: 

    • Improving Building Safety: Taking decisive action to enhance building safety standards.
    • Ending the Feudal Leasehold System: Abolishing residential leaseholds and capping ground rents to eliminate unfair practices and empower homeowners.

Potential Impact on the UK Housing Market 

Increase in Housing Supply 

Both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats propose significant increases in housing supply, which could alleviate the current housing shortage and stabilize or reduce house prices over time. This increased construction activity is also expected to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the construction and related sectors. 

Renter Protections 

Enhanced protections for renters, including longer tenancies and a ban on no-fault evictions, could improve housing stability and affordability for tenants. Establishing a national register of landlords and implementing higher rental standards may further enhance the quality of rental properties. 

Leasehold Reforms 

Abolishing residential leaseholds and capping ground rents could empower homeowners and eliminate unfair practices associated with leaseholds, potentially increasing property ownership satisfaction. 

Homelessness Initiatives 

Efforts to end rough sleeping and provide emergency accommodation could significantly reduce homelessness rates and improve public health and safety. 

Energy Efficiency and Green Homes 

Programs aimed at making homes more energy-efficient and zero-carbon could reduce energy costs for homeowners and contribute to environmental sustainability. 

Conclusion 

Overall, the proposed policies by both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats aim to address housing shortages, enhance tenant protections, and improve housing quality and affordability. If successfully implemented, these policies could significantly impact the UK housing market, promoting a more balanced and equitable housing sector. The focus on sustainability, affordability, and fairness reflects a comprehensive approach to resolving one of the most pressing issues facing the UK today. 

The Integral Role of Case Management: Navigating KYC and Due Diligence

By Blog

In the labyrinth of financial transactions and lending processes, Case Management stands as the gatekeeper, ensuring that every deal adheres to stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards. Sarah Barnard, a seasoned professional in this field, provides valuable insights into the pivotal role of Case Management, shedding light on the nuances of KYC documentation, attention to detail, and the necessity for thorough scrutiny.

Know Your Customer: The Cornerstone of Due Diligence

The mantra of Case Management begins with knowing your customer inside-out. This entails a meticulous understanding of standard KYC document requirements. Sarah emphasises the significance of key documents like passports, driving licences, and current council tax statements. These documents not only verify identity but also establish residency and electoral registration—all essential facets of due diligence.

However, the KYC landscape is not one-size-fits-all. Enhanced due diligence becomes imperative for offshore residents, necessitating a deeper understanding of documentation requirements. Sarah underscores the criticality of scrutinising proof of address, highlighting instances where unconventional documents were rejected for lacking official validation.

Moreover, Sarah warns against the pitfall of “over-provision,” where clients inundate Case Management with unnecessary documentation, raising red flags about the client’s intentions and potentially complicating the due diligence process.

Attention to Detail

In the realm of KYC, meticulous attention to detail is non-negotiable. Sarah recounts instances where KYC documents fell short of acceptance criteria, citing expired documents, discrepancies in addresses, and unsigned passports. These oversights not only impede the due diligence process but also raise questions about the credibility of the provided information.

Furthermore, Sarah emphasises the importance of solicitors and brokers in ensuring the integrity of KYC documents. Certified documents lacking essential signatures or containing outdated information only serve to prolong the due diligence process, underscoring the need for proactive compliance measures.

Courage to Question: Upholding AML Standards

Case Management isn’t just about processing paperwork—it’s about asking the tough questions. Sarah delves into the necessity of questioning anomalies that arise during screening, whether it’s adverse media findings, credit discrepancies, or property ownership queries. While most cases have straightforward resolutions, some demand in-depth investigations and candid conversations with stakeholders.

Sarah advocates for transparency in the application process, stressing the repercussions of withholding crucial information. The discovery of adverse information may lead to deal collapse, necessitating honest communication from brokers and borrowers to mitigate risks.

Conclusion

In the intricate ecosystem of lending, Case Management emerges as the unsung hero, safeguarding against financial malfeasance and upholding the integrity of transactions. Sarah Barnard’s insights underscore the indispensable role of Case Management in navigating the complex terrain of KYC and due diligence. By adhering to strict AML standards, Case Management ensures that every deal stands on solid ground, free from the shadows of financial impropriety.

 

By Sarah Barnard, Case Manager at REIM Capital