Frequently asked questions
Is the whole loan process managed online? If so, how can I apply?
You can apply online now by using our contact us form and we will respond within 24 hours. Or you can just call us on 01392 345778.
Do you offer loans for pensioners?
Yes, Bricks Finance lends to pensioners. You can apply now by calling 01392 345778 or use our contact us form.
Can I get a loan even if I am retired?
Yes, Bricks Finance lends to people who are retired. You can apply now by calling 01392 345778 or use our contact us form.
What are the different types of bridging loans available to businesses?
Bricks Finance provides regulated and unregulated bridging loans to individuals, trusts and businesses.
Am I eligible to receive a bridging loan?
Contact us and we will tell you if you qualify for a Bricks Finance bridging loan.
Do you offer personal loans as well as commercial loans?
Yes, Bricks Finance lends to people, trusts and businesses.
Are your bridging loans regulated or unregulated?
Both, Bricks Finance offers regulated and unregulated loans.
Do you offer bonds or mini bonds?
Yes. The minimum investment is £50,000. Everybody, including the Bricks Finance founders and families, lend their money to the same investment fund and then the Bricks Finance founders decide who the fund lends to.
Is Bricks Finance a peer to peer (P2P) lender?
No. Everybody, including the Bricks Finance founders and families, place their money in the same investment fund and then the Bricks Finance founders decide who the fund lends to.
How long can I invest for?
Following a minimum term of 12 months, we have options for 6, 9, or 12 months’ notice.
As Bricks Finance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, am I covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
No, money you lend to Bricks Finance is not covered by the FSCS.
What happens if I need to extend the repayment date of my loan beyond our agreement?
We recognise that in the real world, projects can take longer than anticipated. We are under no obligation to extend our loans but where the fundamental basis of the loan is still sound, we do offer loan extensions.
What happens if I need the money I loaned to Bricks Finance before the maturity date?
Although we are under no obligation to repay loans early except as specified in each loan document, we will consider the circumstances and, if cash reserves permit, repay early if there is a compelling need.
How do you minimise the risk of fraud?
The legal documentation is undertaken by carefully chosen Legal Firms such as Trowers & Hamlins LLP, Ashfords LLP or Michelmores LLP to ensure the Company has the highest standard of legal protection and security. We make certain identity, fraud and credit checks, in addition to the checks on valuation and certificate of title. Being regulated, we follow Financial Conduct Authority guidelines and meet all of our borrowers. Once the loan is in place, the Company collects all the interest and principal repayments from the borrower.
How would borrowers and investors be affected if there was a dramatic increase or fall in UK interest rates?
Every Bricks Finance borrower and lender signs an agreement with a fixed interest rate and consequently we are independent of UK interest rate changes.
How would Bricks Finance cope with a dramatic downturn in the UK property market?
Because the security documents create security over property or assets, if there were to be a dramatic downturn in the UK property market, or other markets, this could affect borrowers’ ability to repay the amounts due to Bricks Finance. However, even if the value of the security falls the borrower could continue to pay the interest and the principal as it falls due. We pass the Bank of England stress test of a 31% fall in UK residential property values.
When I lend to Bricks Finance, what is the main risk?
The main risk is that we are unable to continue to make the interest payments when they fall due or to repay the loan principal amount when it falls due. In order to minimise that risk: (i) We meet and check the creditworthiness of every borrower; (ii) Certain security documents are entered into between Bricks Finance and the borrower (apart from probate loans) to secure the total amount repayable under the loan contracts against a property or other assets owned by the borrower; and (iii) We request certain due diligence material, check valuations, and a certificate of title, or we take secure possession. These steps help to reduce the risk of Bricks Finance losing its capital but does not completely eliminate the risk.
As an investor, when I lend to Bricks Finance, who has risk priority?
Bricks Finance enables you to make fixed-rate loans indirectly to a borrower either secured by assets or, in the case of probate loans, with a very strong covenant. Your loan will be made under an individual loan instrument directly between you and Bricks Finance. Loan instruments may have different maturities and interest rates but all rank equally including the directors, founders and their families own lending to Bricks Finance.
Does Bricks Finance provide financial advice?
Bricks Finance does not give financial advice or recommendation. It is up to you to seek advice from an authorised person who specialises in advising on non-readily realisable securities. Your capital is at risk and is not protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
As a short term loan investor, how much can I invest?
Between £50,000 and £3,000,000.
How long does it take to arrange a loan?
We have made loans as quickly as two days from initial request.
Do you offer short term and long term loans?
We offer loans from 3 to 36 months.
How long can I invest for?
Following a minimum term of 12 months, we have options for 6, 9, or 12 months’ notice.
What’s the maximum amount of money I can borrow?
Between £50,000 and £2,000,000. Larger loans may be possible.
Where does the funding come from for each loan?
We use our own family money plus funds from a small group of investors. We do not rely on institutional funding and can therefore make quick decisions on new loans.
What security do you accept for bridging and short term loans?
Bridging loans can be arranged against land, investment properties, commercial properties, or high value assets. The secured properties don’t have to be owned by you but could be pledged by a guarantor.