Disclaimer
Market Financial Solutions are a bridging loan and buy-to-let mortgage provider, not financial advisors. Therefore, Investors are encouraged to seek professional advice. The information in this content is correct at time of writing.
Another unprecedented year, one filled with opportunities, and challenges. Despite appearances, 2024 hasn’t been all bad. Inflation continued its downward trajectory[1], we finally saw the base rate cut[2] and overall, confidence is returning[3].
But, there’s no getting away from the challenges of 2024. It’s been a tough year for some landlords[4], the housing crisis is still prevalent[5], and property investors have had to contend with a new government, and a new set of priorities[6].
A lot has been thrown at the property market this year but with every twist and turn, we have adapted at Market Financial Solutions. We’re proud to say we’ve achieved a lot this year, and we hope that our achievements ultimately benefit our brokers and borrowers.
In no particular order, here’s our highlights for 2024.
1. The launch of Bridge Fusion
Our Bridge Fusion product launch was, arguably, our biggest piece of news this year. Simply put, there is nothing else like it on the market.
Combining the best of bridging loans and bespoke BTL finance, it provides yet more optionality for brokers and borrowers who are unsure of where the economy is headed. Allowing cautious borrowers to embrace a “wait and see” approach and ride out market uncertainty, with an optional one-year extension at the end of a term.
This new product is ideal for largescale refinancing plans, BTL portfolio investments, and particularly long-term strategies. This new product has gone from strength-to-strength since it’s launch too, with secured funding lines behind it[7], and in-house tweaks to better support our clients[8].
We’ve already witnessed incredible demand for Bridge Fusion since its launch, and we can’t wait to put it to more use in 2025.
2. Our CPD Academy
Following on from the launch of Bridge Fusion, we determined that there was scope to educate brokers on exactly how this new product could help them and their clients. This eventually led to the launch of the Market Financial Solutions CPD academy[9].
Our first ever in-house CPD event – Bridge Fusion 101- brought together nearly 50 brokers and industry insiders to understand exactly how our new product works. We had presentations, roundtable discussions, Q&As, and more.
We’re happy to say the gathering was a resounding success, and we hope everyone in attendance walked away with a better understanding of how our unique services can support them. We can’t wait to host our next CPD academy event, and add to our educational efforts.
3. The Wider Launch of Commercial BTL Mortgages
Another product launch, our commercial and semi-commercial BTL mortgages were launched this year following a pilot launch in late 2023[10]. Now, on top of our commercial bridging loans, we’re able to support commercial landlords with bespoke mortgages.
We listened to the feedback we received from our pilot’s participants, and tweaked the product to perfection ahead of our wider launch. Currently, our commercial and semi-commercial BTL mortgages range between £150,000 and £10m.
They have maximum term lengths of 10 years, and can incorporate a number of our lending tools. Specifically, borrowers can benefit from deferred and rolled-up interest plans to maximise their loan sizes, where appropriate.
4. Telling Stories at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo
We’ve embraced creativity in our promotional efforts this year. For our NACFB Commercial Finance Expo, we embraced an “Every Loan Tells a Story” campaign, reflecting the uniqueness that every deal has to it.
Our stand incorporated this reality through a fictional aesthetic. It was designed to resemble a library, complete with mystical case studies, free giveaway books, and other unique features. It was greatly received by those in attendance and we built many new relationships simply through the appeal of our designs.
If you were in attendance, we hope you popped by and enjoyed what we had to offer!
5. Setting Trends at the FP Show
If anything topped our NACFB expo attendance, it was our FP Show Presence. Here, we embraced specialist finance with style!
Our stand was designed to resemble a fashion catwalk, and our team were dressed up to encapsulate the best “seasonal trends” in bridging and bespoke BTL lending. We assigned each of our brand’s core colours – navy, orange, and teal, – to respective products in our range. Bridge Fusion featured in our couture collection, bridging was classic, while BTL was timeless.
We put a lot of effort into making our stand as enjoyable as possible for attendees. So, among other things, we included an interactive runway, “catwalk shows”, freebie giveaways such as ring lights and scrunchies, and competitions.
We believe in standing out. It’s why we’ve been able to make a name for ourself, and come to the forefront of this industry since launching in 2006. As we get ready for 2025, we’ll continue to find ways to differentiate ourselves.
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[1] https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/consumerpriceinflation/september2024
[2] https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/the-interest-rate-bank-rate
[3] https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2024/09/rental-growth-slows-as-housing-market-confidence-booms/
[4] https://bestadvice.co.uk/landlords-facing-crisis-of-confidence-and-complexity-of-regulation/
[5] https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/right-to-buy-prices-council-homes-major-increase-housing-crisis-3337144
[6] https://moneyweek.com/investments/property/labour-election-impact-on-property-market
[7] https://www.mfsuk.com/press-releases/title-insurance/
[8] https://www.mfsuk.com/press-releases/mfs-reduces-rates/
[9] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tiba-raja_im-so-happy-to-see-our-bridge-fusion-101-ugcPost-7245023281496358913-JplV/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
[10] https://www.mfsuk.com/press-releases/pilot-semi-commercial-btl-mortgage/