A property investment firm-cum-lender has announced that it is set to boost its property lending business by a further £200 million.

As part of its strategy, Topland has also made two new hires; Antony Iannaccone from Singer & Friedlander and Edward Matthews from Bank of London and Middle East to bolster its lending team.

The news signals that whilst continuing to lend through platform partnerships, Topland is now actively lending directly to clients.

Lending has become Topland's second core business after property investment and in less than two years has completed 22 loans in excess of £100 million.

Topland’s established book is now maturing with a number of redemptions having been made and a further £100 million of lending is currently in its pipeline.

Its current focus is on stretched senior lending for bridging and prime residential development finance, but will also consider mezzanine finance and preferred equity.

Commenting on the announcement, Director of structured finance at Topland, Tom Betts, said: “We will consider loans between £1 million and £100 million. Prime central London residential continues to be our major focus, however we are currently exploring lending opportunities in established regions and also alternative sectors. We place a strong emphasis on track record and will only look at the best product in the best locations.”

Antony Iannaccone said: “Unlike many property lenders Topland can make decisions very quickly and follow through on those decisions, recognising the importance of deliverability for the client. Our speed of delivery will continue to set us apart. The focus at Topland is in forging lasting relationships with those developers who are considered best in class.”

Edward Matthews added: “Many of Topland’s borrowers are particularly attracted by the realisation that Topland has a much deeper level of understanding of the commercial realities of property investment and development than other lenders.”

The Topland Group is a London-based property group run by Israeli-born billionaires Eddie and Sol Zakay.