FRP Real Estate Advisory has arranged a £7.9 million acquisition bridging loan with commercial lender CSBF to fund the purchase of a mixed-use property in Mayfair, London. The facility was secured for an office developer specialising in sustainable refurbishments.
The property, measuring approximately 7,500 square feet net internal area, comprises vacant ground-floor retail space and upper-floor offices behind a listed façade. The planned refurbishment targets a BREEAM Excellent rating.
Four-week completion timeline
Philip Kay, director at FRP Real Estate Advisory, led the transaction, which completed within four weeks from initial instruction. The loan was structured without a formal valuation or personal guarantees, and was closed ahead of formal planning consent determination.
Westminster Council’s planning portal has experienced administrative delays following a cyberattack, affecting the timeline for planning approvals across the borough. The proposed refurbishment includes replacement and restoration of the listed façade, internal refurbishment, and addition of a roof terrace.
The deal demonstrates how specialist lenders are adapting their processes in competitive markets, particularly as interest rate conditions remain uncertain. FRP Real Estate Advisory is working with the developer to arrange a subsequent capital expenditure facility to fund the construction phase, targeted to close within weeks.
Internal valuation approach
Jourdan Rajwan, director at CSBF, said the lender conducted an internal valuation and handled underwriting in-house without reliance on external funding lines. “In a competitive market, speed and deliverability are key to securing prime assets,” he said.
The transaction reflects continued demand for commercial property financing in central London, even as property yields show mixed performance across different segments of the market.
The developer plans to proceed with the refurbishment once planning consent is formally granted, with the project focused on converting the property to modern office and retail space whilst preserving its listed elements.
