CASE STUDY
The Situation
Henry Dannell was approached by a returning client who had previously secured a personal mortgage through us. Now seeking support with a commercial transaction, they required a high-value commercial remortgage to release equity from a Prime Central London property. The intention was to reinvest this capital into a full-scale refurbishment, transforming the building into a flagship premises to coincide with a major business milestone.
This was not a passive investment. It was a statement project for the client’s company, positioning the site as a cornerstone of their brand presence and future operations.
The Challenge
While the request initially appeared straightforward, the nuances of the client’s needs quickly revealed a more complex picture. The client required a lender willing to offer:
- An interest-only structure to preserve cash flow during the refurbishment phase.
- A competitive fixed rate to provide cost certainty.
- The option to overpay beyond the fixed period, without punitive charges.
The nature of the security, a high-value commercial asset in a central urban zone, meant lender appetite was strong, but not always aligned with the desired flexibility.
Further complications emerged during the legal phase. The lender’s solicitor raised a series of technical queries, leading to delays and the risk of further cost exposure. Our ability to mediate between all parties became critical.
The Solution
Drawing on our deep lender network across high street, specialist, and private banking channels, we were able to reframe the application and identify a commercial lender with both the flexibility and appetite to accommodate the full set of requirements.
By proactively engaging with the lender’s credit team and responding swiftly to legal concerns raised by their solicitor, we maintained momentum and kept the transaction moving forward. The structure we negotiated delivered:
- A £1 million interest-only commercial remortgage
- A competitive rate with no upfront arrangement fee, fixed for a 5 year term
- Overpayment flexibility post-fixed term, enabling early partial repayment from operating surplus once the premises are fully utilised.
The remortgage unlocked the necessary equity, and works have since commenced. The refurbished premises will serve as a landmark presence for the client’s business, marking a new phase in its strategic growth.
Charles Alexander, Mortgage & Protection Adviser at Henry Dannell, reflects:
“This case illustrates the importance of tailored structuring. It was not simply about finding a loan, it was about ensuring the terms aligned with both the refurbishment timeline and the broader financial strategy. Our commercial desk worked closely with the lender to accommodate nuanced requirements and deliver a seamless result.”
This case is a strong example of refinancing to release equity from a commercial property. Whether for strategic refurbishment, liquidity generation, or portfolio leverage, the key lies in aligning structure with outcome.
If you are considering a commercial remortgage to unlock capital from an existing asset, particularly in a high-value or mixed-use scenario, we invite you to speak with our team. Our commercial desk specialises in complex structuring for:
- Offices and retail premises
- Mixed-use or part-commercial properties
- Corporate borrowers and LLPs
- Portfolio refinancing strategies
Speak With a Specialist
To discuss your commercial financing needs in confidence, contact Henry Dannell for a tailored consultation from a commercial mortgage broker.
This is a case study and not indicative of typical results. Past performance is not necessarily representative of future results. This information is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.
Please note: a mortgage is secured against your home or property. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Please also note: The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate most forms of buy to let mortgage.
