Specialist Lending Solicitors
When it comes to specialist lending, the expertise of your legal adviser can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a costly delay. Our specialist lending team - led by Ashley and Leah - brings over two decades of combined experience, advising first-time buyers, high-net-worth individuals, and property companies seeking complex lending solutions. We are easy to reach, easy to talk to, and with you every step of the way.
Over two decades of specialist lending experience.
A true one-to-one service – you work directly with Ashley or Leah throughout.
Fixed fees and clear communication from day one.
Specialist lending covers any transaction that falls outside standard high street mortgage products. This includes bridging finance, commercial and company buy-to-let lending, self-build mortgages, family-backed or Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangements, and Independent Legal Advice for company directors. If your lender or transaction is not straightforward, we can help.
Bridging loans are time-sensitive by nature. Our team understands the pace these transactions demand and the precision they require. We work proactively with lenders and brokers to keep things moving, and our established relationships across the industry mean we can resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
Property companies and portfolio landlords face a level of legal complexity that standard conveyancing solicitors are not always equipped to handle. We have extensive experience acting for companies using specialist lenders, and we understand the detailed requirements each lender brings to the table.
Self-build mortgages involve a series of staged drawdowns and close coordination between you, your lender, and your build team. We guide you through each stage, ensuring the legal work keeps pace with your project.
If you are a company director being asked to sign a personal guarantee, your lender will require you to receive Independent Legal Advice from a solicitor acting solely in your interests. We provide this service clearly, quickly, and at a fixed fee.
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor arrangements – where a family member supports a mortgage without going on the title – require careful legal advice for all parties. We act for both the buyer and the supporting family member, ensuring everyone fully understands their position.
We have established working relationships with a wide range of specialist lenders, including:
Equity release allows homeowners aged 55+ to access some of the value tied up in their property without having to move home. This is usually done through a lifetime mortgage. The money released can be used for anything — home improvements, supplementing retirement income, or paying off existing borrowing.
“We offer a true one-to-one service. When you instruct Ashley or Leah, you work directly with them throughout - you are never just a number. Our detailed knowledge of each lender's processes means we can deliver a tailored, efficient, and highly personal experience every time.”
Ashley Sowerby
Specialist Lending Team
Specialist Lending
Bridging lenders require specialist legal work because the transactions are fast‑paced, document‑heavy, and involve detailed lender requirements. A solicitor ensures all conditions are met, checks the title, handles searches, manages completion funds, and protects you from potential risks. Without a solicitor experienced in bridging work, a deal can be delayed — or fail entirely.
Yes. Bridging loans are commonly used for auction purchases because buyers typically must complete within 28 days. A bridging loan can provide the funds quickly, even if a mortgage will be obtained later or works are required before long‑term lending becomes available.
However, be careful that you have the agreed loan in place before committing to an auction purchase due to the time pressures which come with auction transactions.
You may need separate independent legal advice (ILA) depending on the lender’s requirements and the structure of the transaction. This is especially common where:
We would advise you at the outset whether ILA is required and arrange this promptly to prevent delays.
Regulated equity‑release lenders require you to receive independent legal advice to ensure you fully understand the long‑term implications. Your solicitor explains the terms, reviews the offer, checks the title to your property, liaises with the lender, and ensures the mortgage is registered correctly. They also protect you from undue pressure or misunderstanding, which is especially important for later‑life borrowing.
If your plan is a lifetime mortgage, yes — you remain the legal owner of your home. The lender places a charge against the property, which is repaid when you pass away or move into long‑term care.
Equity release is usually repaid when:
At that point, the property is sold and the loan plus any interest is repaid from the proceeds. Some plans also allow voluntary repayments or interest‑only options during your lifetime.
In many cases, yes. Most lifetime mortgages approved by the Equity Release Council are “portable”, meaning they can be transferred to a new suitable property with the lender’s consent. We will check the terms of your plan, advise you on any restrictions, and support the legal work required if you decide to move.
Start Your Specialist Lending Journey with Confidence
Our team can help with all specialist residential lending cases, with affordability criteria becoming far stricter it is essential to understand eligibility and whether any bespoke solutions apply, contact our team today for a friendly discussion about your circumstances.
Legal Notice: Information on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please contact us directly.
info@ridleyandhall.co.uk