INTERVIEW
ASTL
What’s happening in the bridging market? There is little sign of a slowdown – but there are challenges
T
he bridging market is continuing the momentum it built coming out of the pandemic, according to Vic Jannels, chief executive at the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL). Jannels explained that there seems to be little sign of a slowdown in the number of new enquiries reaching lenders and brokers. “This is great news, of course, particularly in this challenging economic environment, but there remains an ongoing challenge for the sector,” he said. While enquiry levels are sky-high, Jannels said the proportion of those enquiries that go on to complete remains relatively low. He explained that there are a number of reasons for this, such as single cases being pitched to a number of different lenders or via a number of different brokers. “Sometimes it is due to customers changing their minds. In some cases, particularly in the current environment, it is because the reason why the bridging loan was initiated is no longer valid by the time the application progresses,” Jannels added. The whole purpose of bridging finance is that it spans the gap to a longer-term solution, and Jannels said there will always be occasions when the longer-term solution, such as the sale of a property or completing on a term loan, comes about more quickly than expected. “The longer it takes for a bridging application to progress to completion and release of the funds, the more likely it is that the short-term loan will no longer be required,” he said. Consequently, he explained, the longer it takes for bridging loans to
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BRIDGING INTRODUCER JULY 2022
complete, the more likely it is that conversion rates will remain low. In a competitive market, lenders compete on service and speed of delivery, but Jannels said that, as we all know, the pace at which an application progresses is not influenced by lenders alone. It relies on brokers and customers providing any required information or documentation promptly and, importantly, on external processes, such as valuation. “We know that the time taken to secure the physical valuation of a property is becoming more drawn out and the costs of valuations are also increasing,” Jannels said.
“The average age of valuers is now more than 60, with more people retiring from the role than joining the profession. This means that the pool of resources is dwindling, [and] securing a valuer takes longer” He added that after having spoken with professionals in this area, he believes the main cause of this is demand for valuations exceeding the supply of trained valuers. The average age of valuers is now more than 60, with more people retiring from the role than joining the profession. This means that the pool of resources is dwindling, securing a valuer takes longer, and, naturally, with the economic forces of supply and demand, it is becoming more expensive. According to Jannels, this is a long-term problem, and there is no simple solution. “While we understand that it can be
Vic Jannels frustrating for lenders and for brokers that valuations are taking so long, we believe the best way to address the issue is through understanding and open communication,” he said. He went on to add that another longterm issue facing the market is that of the minimum energy-efficient standards for rental properties due to come into force in 2025. From then on, in order to let a property, the proposals are that it must achieve a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of “We know that much of the UK housing stock is currently below this level, and so changes to properties will be necessary in order for them to be compliant,” Jannels said. As the deadline looms, Jannels explained that it is likely there will be a great many demands made on tradespeople to carry out remedial work and on EPC inspectors to assess properties. “So it would be prudent to address the issue sooner rather than later with prospective buyers, so that plans can be made and finance sourced if it is required,” he concluded. www.sfintroducer.com
