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If you have owned an agricultural property or a home with some land, you are likely aware of the laws or regulations associated with the property.
You may only encounter them when looking at the pros and cons of taking out a secured loan, which can make the process feel more complicated.
However, often there is usually a solution that can be found for even the most complex of situations.
From land restrictions to listed property regulations, we answer some of the most common questions asked about farms, small holdings, listed buildings and covenants.
If you are the owner of a working farm or property and want to use it as security for your loan, there are lenders that will consider it as an option.
Smallholdings are generally classed as a residential property situated on land that is less than 50 acres.
When reviewing your application, lenders will usually look to establish the acreage of the farm or smallholding to confirm its status.
Please get in touch if you need more insight into how farms and smallholdings can be used as security against a loan.
A property with an outbuilding shouldn’t cause any specific issues that will stop you using it as security.
If you have a garage, shed, workshop, summerhouse or barn on your land, this would typically be classed as an outbuilding.
Using land as security can be challenging as it requires a slightly different approach from lenders.
But while it can be more complex, that is not to say it is not impossible. Some specialist lenders will consider it after they have carried out certain checks.
For example, they may want to establish if the necessary planning permission is in place or if an application has been made. They could also consider land for sale that has the right planning permission in place.
Your affordability and credit history will also have a role to play, so the stronger your application, the better chance you have of being successful.
Before you start your application you may find it helpful to speak with one of our advisors who can give you specific guidance based on your land and property.
Although a property with an agricultural tie could have fewer loan options, you still stand a chance of finding a specialist lender that will review your application.
There are several legal and compliance issues that will need to be reviewed along the way, and you may be asked to apply to your local planning authority to have the agricultural tie removed.
This means the application process will take longer than usual, but with the right support and expertise your application can be successful.
To find out how we can help and match you with the right lender, get in touch and we’ll let you know how it all works.
This refers to holiday homes (cottages, apartments, chalets etc.) that are situated on the same land as your residential home and let to tenants on a short-term basis.
There is usually a referral process in place for properties that have separate holiday homes on their land.
Lenders will ask for more information about how all the properties on the land are used, which will help them establish if you meet their criteria.
We can give you more clarity about the type of things lenders look for in an application and what sort of information you may need to prepare in advance.
If you are unsure about how valid period, listed and grade properties are for secured loans, the general rule is that Grade II listed buildings are accepted by most lenders.
Grade I listed properties are buildings of the highest significance and have much stricter regulations regarding renovations, repairs and alterations, so it can be more difficult to use them as security for a loan.
While the process will be more complex for Grade I buildings, there is still a chance that you can find an experienced, specialist lender that can offer you a deal.
Period properties usually refer to houses built before the First World War, which can be Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian. As long as it is a residential property we will always refer any property to our lenders.
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Properties with a restrictive covenant or usage can be considered as security for a loan once the lender has more details about the contract.
A restrictive covenant is an agreement made between two landowners, with one committing to not perform certain acts on their own land. This is usually linked to the use of buildings, their appearance and modifications.
We work with several lenders with experience in this area and can answer any questions you have about this or any other related issue.
If you are thinking of using a property that has a section 106 restrictive covenant in place, we should be able to connect you with a lender that can help.
A Section 106 (S106) is an agreement drawn up between the local authority and the property owner to reduce the impact of the development on the local community and environment.
Properties that are subject to restricted occupancy clauses (Such as the property may be restricted to occupation by agricultural workers or individuals employed in rural industries), and properties with planning or agricultural restrictions, will usually require a referral so the lender can assess the agreement in more detail.
We’re extremely proud to be rated ‘Excellent’ for our service standards. We’ve helped thousands of customers across the UK over the last 15 years to find the right finance for their needs – no matter how complicated the circumstances. And we look forward to helping you.
The best way to find a secured loan lender that has the right experience to understand your situation is to speak with a broker. The Willows team can help you source the best possible rates to suit your circumstances, using our market expertise to identify deals and opportunities that suit your finances.
Get in touch with us today if you need more information about using farms, small holdings, covenants or listed buildings for your loan security. Call us on 01656 766 158 and we’ll be more than happy to help.
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