Shawbrook Bank Mortgages, Property Finance and Business Lending

Shawbrook Bank is a specialist UK lender offering a wide range of property finance and business lending solutions.

Rather than being a typical high street mortgage lender, Shawbrook is often associated with more specialist borrowing. This can include buy-to-let mortgages, commercial mortgages, bridging loans, development finance, asset based lending, corporate leverage finance and funding solutions for specialist lenders.

For landlords, property investors, developers and business owners, Shawbrook may be considered when the case does not fit neatly with a mainstream lender, or where the funding requirement needs a more flexible or specialist approach.

At Kerr & Watson, we can help you review Shawbrook Bank alongside other suitable lenders, so you can understand which option may be most appropriate for your circumstances.

Why do people consider Shawbrook Bank?

Specialist Property Finance

Shawbrook Bank is known for supporting property investors, landlords and developers with specialist property finance.

This can include buy-to-let mortgages for portfolio landlords, finance for commercial and semi-commercial property, short-term bridging loans and development finance for experienced developers.

Specialist property finance is often more detailed than a standard residential mortgage. The lender may need to understand the property, rental income, business structure, ownership, experience, exit strategy and long-term plan.

Buy-to-Let Lending

Shawbrook offers buy-to-let mortgages for property investors, including those building or managing more complex portfolios.

This may include landlords with multiple properties, limited company applications, larger portfolios, houses in multiple occupation, blocks of flats and other specialist property types, subject to criteria.

For landlords, lender choice can make a significant difference. Some lenders are more comfortable with simple single-property applications, while others are more experienced with portfolio landlords, limited company structures and complex property types.

Commercial Mortgage Options

Shawbrook also offers commercial mortgage finance for a range of commercial investment property types.

This may include semi-commercial or mixed-use properties, retail units, industrial units, offices and other commercial property types. Shawbrook may also consider commercial trading cases where a business is looking to purchase premises it occupies, buy a site it currently rents, refinance or raise funds for business expansion.

Commercial mortgage applications are usually assessed differently from residential or buy-to-let cases. The lender may look at the property, lease terms, trading performance, rental income, borrower experience, deposit, security and repayment plan.

Bridging Loans

Shawbrook provides bridging finance for professional landlords and property investors who need short-term funding.

A bridging loan may be considered where speed or flexibility is needed. This could include buying at auction, refurbishing a property, completing a purchase before longer-term finance is ready, or refinancing existing short-term borrowing.

Bridging loans are usually short-term and need a clear exit strategy. The exit may be a sale, refinance onto a buy-to-let mortgage, refinance onto a commercial mortgage, or another suitable repayment route.

Development Finance

Shawbrook offers development finance for experienced property developers.

This may be used for new build, refurbishment, conversion, residential, commercial, mixed-use and specialist living schemes. Development finance is typically structured around the project, with funds released in stages as the development progresses.

This type of finance is more detailed than a normal mortgage. A lender will usually consider planning permission, development experience, build costs, gross development value, professional team, contingency, sales plan and exit strategy.

Business Lending

Shawbrook also provides business lending for UK SMEs, including asset based lending and corporate leverage finance.

Asset based lending can help established businesses release capital from assets such as debtors, stock, plant, machinery, property and cash flow. Corporate leverage finance may be used by established businesses for growth, acquisitions, ownership changes or other corporate purposes.

This makes Shawbrook relevant not only for property investors, but also for businesses looking at wider funding options.

Shawbrook Bank Product Highlights

Buy-to-Let Mortgages

Shawbrook’s buy-to-let mortgage range is designed for property investors, from smaller landlords to larger and more experienced portfolio landlords.

They may consider a range of property types, including standard houses and flats, larger portfolios, blocks of flats and investment-grade HMOs, subject to criteria.

Buy-to-let applications can often depend on rental income, property type, personal income, landlord experience, portfolio background and whether the application is in personal names or through a limited company.

Commercial Mortgages

Shawbrook’s commercial mortgage range can support investors and businesses purchasing, refinancing or raising capital against commercial property.

This may include commercial investment properties, semi-commercial or mixed-use buildings, retail units, offices, industrial units and commercial trading premises.

A commercial mortgage may be suitable where a borrower wants to buy business premises, refinance an existing commercial loan, raise funds from a commercial property or diversify from residential property into commercial property.

Bridging Finance

Shawbrook bridging loans can support short-term property funding needs.

This may be useful for auction purchases, refurbishment projects, property conversions, time-sensitive purchases or cases where a borrower needs temporary finance before moving onto a longer-term mortgage.

Because bridging loans are short-term, it is important to have a realistic repayment plan before applying. The lender will want to understand how the loan will be repaid and whether the exit route is achievable.

Development Finance

Shawbrook development finance can support experienced developers with property projects.

This may include residential developments, conversions, refurbishment schemes, build-to-rent projects, student accommodation, care home developments and development exit finance.

Development finance is usually assessed around the project as a whole. The lender will review the site, planning, build costs, professional team, developer experience, projected value, timescales and exit strategy.

Asset Based Lending

Shawbrook’s asset based lending is aimed at established businesses with value in their balance sheet.

This can help a business release funding from assets such as receivables, stock, plant, machinery and property. The funding can then be used for growth, acquisitions, refinancing, working capital or other major business events.

This type of facility may be more suitable for established businesses with meaningful assets and a clear funding need.

Corporate Leverage Finance

Shawbrook corporate leverage finance is designed for established businesses that need senior debt funding.

This may be used for growth, acquisitions, changes of ownership, management buy-outs, employee ownership transitions, restructuring or other corporate purposes.

These facilities are usually more bespoke than standard business loans and are assessed on the strength of the business, cash flow, earnings, security and future plans.

Specialist Lender Funding

Shawbrook also provides funding facilities for specialist non-bank lenders.

This includes products such as block discounting, revolving credit facilities, platform lending and fund finance. These are specialist institutional funding options and are generally aimed at finance providers rather than individual borrowers.

Is Shawbrook Bank suitable for standard residential mortgages?

Shawbrook Bank is not usually thought of as a mainstream residential mortgage lender for typical home movers or first-time buyers.

Their property finance range is more focused on landlords, property investors, commercial borrowers and developers. If you are looking for a normal residential mortgage, Kerr & Watson can review other lenders that may be more suitable.

If your case involves buy-to-let, commercial property, bridging, development finance or business lending, Shawbrook may be one lender worth considering.

What to consider before applying to Shawbrook Bank

Before approaching a specialist lender such as Shawbrook, it is important to understand how your case is likely to be viewed.

The right lender will depend on the type of finance, property, borrower structure, experience and repayment plan.

For buy-to-let, the lender may assess rental income, property type, landlord experience and portfolio background.

For commercial mortgages, they may assess lease terms, business use, commercial valuation, property type and repayment strategy.

For bridging loans, the lender will usually focus heavily on the property, loan purpose and exit route.

For development finance, they will want to understand the site, planning, build costs, experience, professional team and projected value.

For business lending, they may consider the strength of the business, cash flow, assets, management team and purpose of funds.

This is why advice can be valuable before submitting an application. A well-packaged case can help the lender understand the proposal clearly from the outset.

How Kerr & Watson Can Help

At Kerr & Watson, we can help you review Shawbrook Bank alongside other suitable lenders across the market.

We will take time to understand what you are trying to achieve, whether that is buying an investment property, refinancing a portfolio, raising capital, purchasing commercial premises, arranging short-term finance or funding a development project.

We can help assess which lenders are likely to consider the case, what documents may be needed and how the application should be presented.

For specialist finance, the right structure matters. A case may be declined by one lender but fit well with another, depending on the details. Our role is to help you understand the options and avoid unnecessary delays.

Speak to a Specialist Mortgage and Finance Adviser

If you are considering Shawbrook Bank for buy-to-let, commercial property finance, bridging, development finance or business lending, speak to Kerr & Watson.

We can review your circumstances, explain the options and help identify suitable lenders for your plans.

Contact Kerr & Watson today to arrange an initial conversation.

The information on this page is not tailored to any individual reader and should not be considered financial advice under any circumstances.

If you are seeking advice about a mortgage or specialist finance, you should speak with a qualified adviser.

Some forms of buy-to-let, commercial, bridging, development and business finance are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Your Mortgage In 3 Easy Steps…

Conversation

Schedule a call to talk to a mortgage advisor about your goals, challenges and vision for your mortgage.

Alternatively give us a call on 01252 224620 or email us on info@kerrandwatson.co.uk.

Research

We will take the information gained on the call and carry out some research before sending you a bespoke recommendation.

If you would like an agreement in principle, we’ll also arrange this for you.

Application

We will submit the full application to the mortgage lender, sending them the documents and liaising with the underwriters until the mortgage has been fully offered on the new interest rate.

We will also communicate with you at every stage, from application to completion.

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Frequently Asked Questions

▸ ▾ Is it better to use a mortgage broker or go directly to a bank?

Using a mortgage broker gives you access to multiple lenders rather than just one bank’s products. An independent, whole-of-market mortgage broker can compare options across high street and specialist lenders, helping you apply for the most suitable mortgage first time.

▸ ▾ What does a mortgage broker do?

A mortgage broker assesses your income, outgoings, credit history and deposit to recommend the most suitable mortgage for your circumstances. They compare lenders across the market, submit your application, liaise with underwriters and work alongside your conveyancer until your purchase or remortgage completes.

▸ ▾ Can a mortgage broker access better deals?

An independent mortgage broker can compare products across a wide range of lenders, including some intermediary-only deals. While rates are set by lenders, a broker helps ensure you apply for the most suitable and competitive option available.

▸ ▾ What does whole-of-market mean?

Whole-of-market means a mortgage broker can access products from a broad range of lenders rather than being restricted to one bank or a limited panel. This gives you more flexibility and potentially better-suited mortgage options.

▸ ▾ How much does a mortgage broker cost?

Mortgage adviser fees vary depending on the complexity of your case. Some advisers charge a flat fee, while others are paid via lender commission. At Kerr & Watson, our fees are explained clearly upfront so you understand exactly what you’re paying and why.

▸ ▾ How much can I borrow for a mortgage?

Most lenders offer between 4 and 4.5 times your annual income, subject to affordability checks. The exact amount depends on your income, monthly commitments, credit history and deposit size. A mortgage broker can provide a personalised estimate based on your full financial situation.

▸ ▾ How quickly can I get an Agreement in Principle?

An Agreement in Principle can often be arranged within 24 hours once your key financial details have been reviewed. This provides an indication of how much you may be able to borrow and can strengthen your position when making an offer on a property.

▸ ▾ How long does it take to get a mortgage offer?

A mortgage offer is typically issued within two to six weeks after submitting a full application. Timescales vary depending on the lender, valuation process and complexity of your case. Providing accurate documents from the outset can help speed up the process.

▸ ▾ What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?

Most lenders require proof of identity, proof of address, recent payslips or tax calculations, bank statements and details of your deposit. Self-employed applicants may also need accounts or SA302s. Your mortgage adviser will confirm exactly what is required before applying.

▸ ▾ Do I need a deposit to get a mortgage?

Yes, most mortgages require a minimum deposit of 5% of the property value. A larger deposit can improve the range of lenders available to you and may secure a more competitive interest rate.

▸ ▾ Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?

Yes, many lenders offer mortgages to self-employed applicants. You will usually need at least one to two years of accounts or tax returns. A specialist mortgage broker can help match you with lenders who understand variable or complex income structures.

▸ ▾ Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?

It may still be possible to get a mortgage with adverse credit, depending on the severity and how recent the issues were. Specialist lenders consider applicants who may have been declined elsewhere. An independent mortgage broker can review your options carefully before applying.

▸ ▾ What happens if I’ve been declined for a mortgage?

A mortgage decline does not necessarily mean you cannot secure a mortgage. Different lenders have different criteria. A mortgage broker can identify why you were declined and approach lenders whose criteria better fit your situation.

▸ ▾ Can I arrange my mortgage remotely?

Yes. Our mortgage advice process can be completed remotely via telephone, email and video call, allowing us to support our customers wherever you are located.

▸ ▾ Do I need a mortgage broker if I’ve already found a property?

Yes. Once you’ve found a property, a mortgage broker can help secure an Agreement in Principle, compare lenders, submit your application and manage the process through to completion.