International developers

UK property finance for Dutch, Swiss and European developers

Investing in UK property through a UK SPV raises questions UK-based developers never face. We help you structure the borrower and find lenders that are genuinely comfortable with overseas sponsors.

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01Why it is different

The UK market is open to European developers — on its own terms

UK lenders lend to overseas-owned companies every day, but each sets its own rules on residency, ownership structures and guarantees. Knowing those rules before you apply saves weeks.

The UK SPV

Most lenders prefer a UK-registered special purpose vehicle as the borrower. It keeps the property, the loan and the liabilities ring-fenced and makes security straightforward. Directors and people with significant control of UK companies now need to verify their identity with Companies House.

Overseas ownership

If an overseas entity is to hold UK land directly rather than through a UK company, it must generally register on the Register of Overseas Entities first. Using a UK SPV avoids this for the property-owning company, though lenders will still look through to the beneficial owners.

Tax and stamp duty

Non-UK resident purchasers can pay a higher rate of stamp duty land tax on residential property, and UK corporation tax applies to UK property profits. Your advisers should model this before you commit — it changes the appraisal.

Currency

UK property loans are made in sterling. If your equity is held in euros or Swiss francs, consider when you convert it, as exchange movements during a project affect your returns.

General information only, not tax or legal advice. Rules change — take advice from qualified advisers in the UK and in your home country.

02Lender requirements

What UK lenders will typically ask for

Verified identity and address for every director and significant shareholder
Evidence of the source of the equity going into the deal
A clear ownership chart if the SPV is owned by a holding company
Personal guarantees, usually from the main shareholders
A UK solicitor acting for the borrower, and a UK business bank account
Your track record, including projects completed outside the UK

How we help

1
Before you incorporate
We talk through which borrower structures UK lenders accept, so the SPV your advisers set up is one that lenders will lend to.
2
Choosing lenders
We focus on lenders that are comfortable with overseas sponsors and European holding structures, rather than discovering objections late.
3
Presenting the deal
We prepare your track record, appraisal and sponsor information in the form UK credit teams expect.
4
Managing the process
We coordinate the UK valuation, solicitors and lender conditions, keeping you updated at each stage.

03Questions

Questions from overseas developers

Can a Dutch BV or Swiss AG own the UK borrowing company?

Often, yes. Many lenders will lend to a UK SPV owned by a European holding company, provided they can identify and verify the ultimate beneficial owners. Some prefer individuals to hold the UK SPV directly. We will tell you which lenders accept your proposed structure before you incorporate.

Do I need to live in the UK to borrow?

No. A number of UK lenders actively lend to UK companies run by directors living elsewhere in Europe. Expect thorough identity and source-of-funds checks, and usually personal guarantees from the main shareholders.

Do I need to travel to the UK to complete?

Not always. Identity checks and signing can often be handled remotely or through a local notary, depending on the lender and solicitors. Some lenders like to meet sponsors, which can usually be arranged by video call.

Do I need a UK bank account?

The UK SPV will normally need a UK business bank account to receive funds and pay contractors. Opening one for a company with overseas directors can take time, so it is worth starting early.

Can my experience outside the UK count as track record?

Many lenders will take relevant development experience in the Netherlands, Switzerland or elsewhere into account, particularly if you are working with an experienced UK contractor and professional team. We present your track record in the format UK lenders expect.

Can you advise on tax or company structure?

No — we are a finance broker, not tax or legal advisers. We work alongside your accountants and lawyers in both countries so the finance fits the structure they recommend.

Planning a UK project from abroad?

Tell us about the site, your structure and your timetable. We will tell you which lenders are likely to fit — before you incorporate or commit.

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