The lender had to provide the funding quickly as the property (pictured above) was under notice to complete and there was another bidder ready to go.

In order to do this, Aspen had to overcome hurdles, including the complex trust structure with the ultimate beneficiary in New Zealand and the property being in a remote area.

•   Aspen funds Grade II-listed hotel acquisition
•   Aspen funds HMO purchase and refurb in 15 days
•   Masthaven completes urgent bridging loan within six days

Aspen provided a timeline outlining how it made it to completion:

Monday

• 15.03: The case was illustrated by the broker on Aspen’s portal ‘Broker View’ after speaking to an Aspen underwriter directly.
• 17.23: Initial info submitted online and Aspen underwriter assigned.
• 23:40: Fully underwritten formal DIP issued with full searches and legal issues resolved and valuation and legals instructed by the Aspen underwriter.

Tuesday

• 10:43: Trust structure info received.
• 15:49: Costs undertaking is confirmed and the requisitions list is sent out by Aspen’s lawyers and by the underwriter to the customer directly.
• 16:58: Aspen arranges for an underwriter to visit the property to complete all forms with the customer and undertake due diligence.

Wednesday

• 09:50: Aspen helps the borrower to alter the trust structure with minimal effort.
• 11:25: Aspen’s underwriter meets the borrower on the Isle of Wight.
• 13:58: Aspen receives the valuation report and sends for review.
• 20:34: Aspen’s underwriter Skypes the ultimate beneficiary in New Zealand.

Thursday

• 09:28: Aspen’s valuation review – external and internal – is completed.
• 10:33: Aspen helps the client ensure documents are with the lawyers rapidly.
• 13:44: Aspen puts the lawyers in funds to enable them to complete faster.
• 14:48: Signed facility letter received after Aspen and the broker arranged for its receipt at a special office nearby and funds are released to the client.
• All brokerage fees are paid out in full that day.

“The client and broker were a pleasure to deal with, and it’s gratifying to see our processes working well in order to complete cases quickly with no disruption or delay,” said Ed Ahrens, managing director at Aspen Bridging.

The client said they were delighted to complete and was impressed with how quickly Aspen agreed and provided funds.

“Quite genuinely, I can’t think when I have ever dealt with people who have been so pragmatic, knowledgeable about their work, passionate about their work, but most of all forward thinking to spot potential problems and then work around them to a successful conclusion.

“Communication throughout has been excellent and coordinated.

“Aspen’s approach to all of the obstacles that cropped up was flexible and pragmatic.

“It’s been a pleasure dealing with such a professional team.”