Posts Tagged ‘real estate finance; refinance; bridging loan; finance transaction’

Lawrence Stephens Advises on Major Bridging Loan for Greymax Capital

Posted on: February 6th, 2026 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens’ Real Estate Finance team is delighted to announce the successful completion of a substantial bridging loan for client Greymax Capital.

The loan enabled Greymax Capital to fund the share acquisition of a company holding a substantial industrial estate across multiple land titles. At £6,500,000, this represents the largest loan we have completed for the client to date.

The transaction was notably complex, involving a significant number of property titles, numerous occupational interests, and detailed consideration of the corporate aspects arising from the share acquisition structure. Our team’s expertise in both real estate and corporate finance was crucial in navigating these complexities and delivering a smooth outcome.

Greymax capital is widely recognised for delivering its relationship-led approach to bridging finance. Clients deal directly with the principals for fast, clear decision-making.

The transaction was led by Director David Freedman, with key support from Director Ausra Triantafyllidou.

David Freedman commented:

We are pleased to have delivered a strong outcome through close collaboration across all parties. With this bridging loan, Greymax Capital is able to deliver a significant result for its client through a complex share acquisition.”

Alan Margolis of Greymax Capital commented:

“Variety is the spice of bridging loans, and this slow burn complex deal was very different to the typical speedy, residential security property, Greymax transaction, never mind that for the first time we funded 100% of the Day One purchase price. Working with David Freedman was its usual pleasure.”

You can read more about our Real Estate Finance team here.

Lawrence Stephens Welcomes Two New Directors to Real Estate Finance Team

Posted on: October 3rd, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors to the Real Estate Finance team, Joe Jarvis and Josip Stajfer who both join from Arch Law. 

Joe Jarvis brings extensive experience across commercial and residential property finance. Known for his pragmatic approach and strong communication skills, Joe has built a reputation as a trusted legal advisor who consistently delivers high-quality results under pressure. He has acted for a broad range of clients including banks, borrowers, PLCs, overseas investors, and trusts, with particular expertise in development finance and planning matters. 

Joe Jarvis said: 
“I’m excited to be joining Lawrence Stephens at such an exciting time for the firm. I look forward to working with the Real Estate Finance team and continuing to deliver commercially focused, solutions-driven advice to our clients.” 

Josip Stajfer’s practice centres on lender-side transactions, with particular experience in bridging, development, and residential finance. He also brings specialist knowledge in co-living and hotel finance and has advised on a wide range of investment and corporate real estate matters. Josip’s international experience, especially across Central and Eastern Europe, adds a valuable cross-border dimension to the team’s capabilities. 

Josip Stajfer said: 
“Joining Lawrence Stephens is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking and ambitious team. I’m looking forward to supporting our clients across a broad spectrum of real estate finance matters.” 

Together, Joe and Josip’s appointments reflect the firm’s continued investment in building a versatile and high-performing Real Estate Finance team, capable of supporting clients across a wide range of sectors and deal types. 

Ann Ebberson, Director and Head of Real Estate Finance as Lawrence Stephens said: 

“I’m thrilled to welcome Josip Stajfer and Joe Jarvis to our Real Estate Finance team. Both bring outstanding experience, excellent sector knowledge, and strong client relationships that will further enhance our capabilities and broaden our commercial reach. Their appointments mark an exciting chapter for our team, and I’m confident they’ll play a key role in our continued growth.” 

To read more about the Real Estate Finance team’s services, please click here.

Lawrence Stephens Appointed to Aspen Bridging’s Legal Panel

Posted on: September 15th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce that we have been appointed to Aspen Bridging’s legal panel.

Aspen Bridging is a specialist lender known for delivering expert, fast, and dependable service. As a family-run business, Aspen is deeply committed to building long-term relationships and prides itself on being a reliable partner through every market condition.

Jack Coombs, Managing Director at Aspen, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Lawrence Stephens and are confident, especially when combined with our No Valuation product, that we are providing borrowers and brokers with not only a competitive offering, but one that can credibly be regarded as best-in-class.”

Ann Ebberson, Head of Real Estate Finance at Lawrence Stephens commented: “We are delighted to be appointed to the legal panel and to support Aspen deliver their services. Our team looks forward to working collaboratively to provide commercially focused, responsive legal solutions that support both lenders and borrowers. Whether it’s a refinance, purchase, or refurbishment, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all parties involved.”

For more information on our Real Estate Finance and Banking solutions please click here.

Lawrence Stephens Swiftly Completes Two Loans for Castle Trust Bank after Recent Appointment to their Legal Panel

Posted on: August 11th, 2025 by Ella Darnell

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

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.”

For more information on our services and expertise in the Real Estate Finance sector, please click here.

Lawrence Stephens advises LHV Bank on £7.4m refinancing of prominent retail parade

Posted on: December 4th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

The Lawrence Stephens Real Estate Finance team is pleased to have advised regular client LHV Bank on the £7.4m refinancing of a parade of shops located in a prominent Essex town, secured across multiple titles with more than 20 tenants and leases. The facility also refinanced a bridging loan, ensuring the client’s financial goals were met within a tight timeframe.

The team worked closely with LHV Bank to review multiple cash flow scenarios across more than 20 leases while ensuring clarity on security positions across multiple titles. Collaboration across internal departments including credit, operations, and finance was vital to work to the tight deadline. Our team ensured that the entire process was completed ahead of schedule. Originally targeted for completion on 29 November, the deal was finalised two days early thanks to seamless collaboration between our team and the bank.

Conor McDermott, Director of SME Lending at LHV, commented: “The team worked tirelessly with Fine Mortgages to complete this on challenging timescales, with the transaction completed within eight working days of approval. Special thanks to the legal team at Lawrence Stephens led by Anna Christou, who worked on this over the weekend to ensure a successful refinance.”

Greg Palos, Head of Real Estate Finance at Lawrence Stephens responded: “Despite the complexity and speed of this transaction, our sector expertise and the strength and depth of our team contributed to an excellent outcome for our client.