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Real Estate Finance & Refinancing

Expert legal advice on bridging finance, property refinancing, development finance and secured lending transactions for lenders, brokers, investors and developers.

...with you every step of the way since 1927

Real estate finance transactions require more than funding alone. Whether refinancing an investment property, arranging bridging finance, funding a development project or securing lending against a commercial asset, success often depends on identifying and resolving property-related issues efficiently.

We advise lenders, finance brokers, investors, developers, landlords and business owners on a wide range of real estate finance matters. Our commercial property team works closely with all parties involved in a transaction to help manage risk, satisfy lender requirements and keep deals progressing towards completion.

Our Real Estate Finance Services

We regularly advise both borrowers and lenders on:

  • Commercial property refinancing
  • Portfolio refinancing
  • Bridging finance transactions
  • Development finance
  • Investment property finance
  • Semi-commercial and mixed-use property finance
  • Secured lending arrangements
  • Commercial property acquisitions funded by debt finance
  • Property-backed borrowing facilities

Whether acting on a single investment property or a complex portfolio transaction, we provide practical advice focused on achieving a commercially successful outcome.

For Borrowers, Investors and Developers

We support property investors, developers, landlords and business owners seeking finance for acquisitions, development projects and refinancing opportunities.

Our team can assist with:

  • Title investigations and due diligence
  • Resolving title defects and property-related issues
  • Satisfying lender conditions
  • Reviewing leasehold and tenancy arrangements
  • Property refinancing transactions
  • Development and investment property funding
  • Managing the transaction through to completion

We understand the importance of timing, particularly where transactions involve bridging finance, development opportunities or refinance deadlines.

For Lenders and Finance Brokers

We work with lenders, bridging finance providers and finance brokers to help transactions progress efficiently and identify potential issues before they impact completion.

Our support includes:

  • Due diligence investigations
  • Title reporting
  • Security reviews
  • Certificate of Title requirements
  • Review of occupational leases and tenancy arrangements
  • Complex ownership and property structures
  • Commercial property security 

By working collaboratively with lenders, brokers, valuers and borrowers from the outset, we help identify risks early and minimise unnecessary delays.

Why Choose Eaton Smith?

Our Commercial Property team combines legal expertise with a practical understanding of the commercial realities driving finance transactions.

Clients choose Eaton Smith because we provide:

  • Experienced commercial property and real estate finance expertise
  • Commercially focused advice
  • Proactive transaction management
  • Clear communication throughout the transaction
  • Strong working relationships with brokers, lenders and property professionals
  • Support for clients across Yorkshire and throughout England and Wales

Related Services

  • Business Sale & Purchases
  • Commercial Leases & Lease Surrenders
  • Option Agreements & Conditional Contracts
  • Overage Agreements
  • Complex Title Issues

Speak to Our Real Estate Finance Team

Whether you are refinancing an investment property, arranging bridging finance, funding a development project or acting as a lender, our team can provide practical and commercially focused legal advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Real Estate Finance refers to the funding of of property acquisitions, developments, investments and refinancing transactions. It can include commercial mortgages, bridging finance, development finance, portfolio lending and other forms of property-backed borrowing.

A property refinance involves replacing an existing loan with new borrowing, often to secure a more competitive rate, release capital, fund future investment opportunities or repay short-term finance such as a bridging loan.

Bridging finance is a short-term lending solution typically used to facilitate property purchases, refurbishments, development projects or time-sensitive transactions. Borrowers usually repay the loan through a sale, refinancing or another agreed exit strategy.

Yes. We advise lenders, finance brokers, investors, developers, landlords and business owners on a wide range of real estate finance transactions, providing commercially focused legal support throughout the process.

We advise on finance transactions involving a wide range of assets, including:

  • Commercial property
  • Investment property
  • Mixed-use property
  • Semi-commercial property
  • Development sites
  • Property portfolios
  • Industrial and office premises

Some of the most common causes of delay include:

  • Title defects
  • Unregistered rights or easements
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Planning and building regulation issues
  • Defective lease documentation
  • Complex ownership structures
  • Incomplete due diligence information

Identifying these issues early can help transactions progress more efficiently.

Yes. We regularly advise property investors and portfolio landlords on the refinancing of multiple properties, helping manage lender requirements, title reviews and transaction coordination across the portfolio.

Yes. Our Commercial Property team advises developers and investors on the property aspects of development finance transactions, including due diligence, title investigations and lender requirements.

A Certificate of Title is a document provided to a lender confirming that the property offers suitable security for a loan and that relevant legal requirements have been satisfied before funds are released.

Ideally, legal advisers should be instructed as early as possible. Early involvement helps identify title issues, planning concerns or lease-related problems before they affect lender decisions or completion timescales.

Ideally, legal advisers should be instructed as early as possible. Early involvement helps identify title issues, planning concerns or lease-related problems before they affect lender decisions or completion timescales.

A lender may be willing to fund a transaction in principle, but legal due diligence can uncover issues affecting the property's suitability as security. Common examples include title defects, lease irregularities, planning concerns or matters that impact value, marketability or enforceability. Identifying and resolving these issues early can significantly improve the prospects of a successful refinance.

Need Advice on Real Estate Finance & Refinancing?

We've been advising clients since 1927. Get in touch for clear, practical guidance from our experienced team

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