Real Estate Finance
Ann Ebberson
August 2025
Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance team are delighted to have completed two loan transactions for Castle Trust Bank after the recent appointment to their legal panel.
These deals mark the beginning of a strong and collaborative relationship with Castle Trust, and the team responded to the client’s needs with dedication and efficiency under tight deadlines.
Castle Trust offers a range of specialist bridging finance solutions, including standard bridging loans as well as light and heavy refurbishments, and their Buy to Let product provides longer-term funding with competitive fixed rates. Following significant increases in business volumes over the last nine months, Castle Trust expanded its legal panel to meet growing demand, appointing Lawrence Stephens as part of this initiative.
Loan 1
The first loan involved an amount of £1,120,000 for business purposes and refinancing.
Acting on a dual representation basis for both the borrower and the bank, the team worked to a tight deadline to secure an exclusive rate for the client.
The borrower, a portfolio landlord, used the funds in relation to property comprising two House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Buckinghamshire. In order to meet the tight deadline and secure the exclusive rate for the client, the first loan was completed within approximately two weeks of instruction, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver under pressure and within strict time constraints.
Loan 2
The second transaction involved a £740,000 refinance out of an existing mortgage. The team acted again on a dual representation basis, supporting both the bank and the borrower, who was a portfolio landlord refinancing a freehold house.
As the borrower required an expedited process, our team provided timely and efficient support, responding to the urgency of the transaction whilst also remaining focused on delivering a smooth and effective outcome for the client.
The team, led by Director and Head of Real Estate Finance Ann Ebberson and Director Laura Brown, was also supported by Senior Associate Zahra Shah and Associate Natasha Ali.
Ann Ebberson commented on the completed loans, adding: “We are delighted to have completed these loans for Castle Trust Bank. This marks the beginning of a strong collaborative relationship and displays our commitment to delivering high-standard expertise under tight deadlines as their trusted legal advisers. We are proud to support Castle Trust Bank and look forward to supporting their continued growth.”
Anna Lewis from Castle Trust Bank added: “The responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to meet challenging deadlines from the Lawrence Stephens team have made them a valuable addition to our legal panel. These initial transactions were handled with efficiency and professionalism, and we’re confident this marks the beginning of a strong and productive partnership.”
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