Commercial Acceptances is a specialist short-term property lender that forms part of the Close Brothers group. At the time of writing (October 2026), its product guide shows bridging loans from £50,000 to £10m at up to 75% of the 180-day market value, development finance up to 60% of gross development value (GDV), and a revolving cash flow facility for investors and traders. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of Commercial Acceptances, so we can compare it with other bridging and development lenders. You can read more on Close Brothers' Commercial Acceptances page.
About Commercial Acceptances
Commercial Acceptances describes itself as a bridging and development finance specialist since 1983. It is listed among the lending businesses of Close Brothers Group, the UK merchant banking group, which describes it as providing short-term and bridging finance for residential and commercial property acquisitions.
Its product guide stresses bespoke lending packages built around each project, and a specialism in auction finance and trading scenarios, where a property is bought, improved and sold on. It does not offer regulated mortgage contracts.
Commercial Acceptances is one of the lenders we compare for bridging loans, auction finance and development finance.
What Commercial Acceptances funds
The 2026 product guide sets out a range of short-term and medium-term products, all for unregulated, investment or trading purposes.
| Product | Loan size | Maximum leverage | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridging finance | £50,000 to £10m | Up to 75% of 180-day market value | Up to 12 months |
| Heavy refurbishment and conversion | £50,000 to £10m | Up to 65% of GDV, works up to £500,000, no new build | Agreed case by case |
| Development (refurbishment, conversion and new build) | £50,000 to £10m | Up to 60% of GDV | Agreed case by case |
| CA Revolve cash flow facility | From £100,000 | Up to 75% LTV | 12 to 24 months |
| CA Flex (bridge or development to let) | £50,000 to £10m | Bridge that converts to a longer term loan once the property produces income | 6 to 12 month bridge, then up to 60 months |
| Investment term loan | £50,000 to £10m | Up to 70% of 180-day market value | 36 to 60 months |
Two features stand out. First, Commercial Acceptances says its standard bridging loans carry no arrangement, set-up, early repayment or redemption fee. Second, CA Revolve works like a revolving bridging facility, with drawdowns agreed by negotiation, which can suit investors buying several properties over a year or two. CA Flex works as a bridge-to-term loan.
Valuations are based on the 180-day market value rather than open market value, which can mean a lower figure to lend against than some competitors use.
Who Commercial Acceptances suits (and who it may not)
Commercial Acceptances tends to suit:
- Auction buyers who need certainty of funding to meet a completion deadline.
- Property traders who buy, refurbish and sell, including heavy refurbishment and conversions.
- Investors in residential, semi-commercial or commercial property.
- Experienced developers with schemes up to £10m who are comfortable at 60% of GDV.
- Active investors who want a revolving facility rather than a new loan for each purchase.
It is not suitable where you or a family member will live in the property, now or in the future, because it does not offer regulated loans. Its development product is for experienced developers, so first-time developers will usually look elsewhere. Borrowers who need higher leverage may also find the 60% of GDV and 180-day valuation basis restrictive.
What Commercial Acceptances looks at
Commercial Acceptances says it creates a bespoke lending package for each project. For bridging and refurbishment, lenders like this typically look at:
- The property, its condition and its 180-day market value.
- The purchase price and, for auctions, the completion deadline.
- The scope and cost of any works, with a schedule of works for refurbishment.
- A clear exit, whether sale, refinance or conversion to a term loan.
- The borrower's experience and assets and liabilities.
For development, expect to provide planning consent, a cost plan, build programme, contractor details and evidence of previous completed schemes. For the investment term loan and CA Flex conversion, the property's rental income must cover the interest by the margin Commercial Acceptances sets.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Loans up to £10m across residential, semi-commercial and commercial property.
- No arrangement or early repayment fee on standard bridging, according to its guide.
- Revolving facility and bridge-to-let options alongside standard bridging.
- Specialist experience in auction and trading cases.
- Part of an established banking group.
Cons
- No regulated bridging for owner-occupied homes.
- Lends against 180-day value, which can reduce the amount available.
- Development leverage up to 60% of GDV, lower than some specialists.
- Development lending limited to experienced developers.
Going through a broker vs going direct
You can approach Commercial Acceptances directly. Comparing first helps because bridging lenders differ in how they value property, which fees they charge and how they treat refurbishment costs. A no-fee bridge on a 180-day value may be better or worse than a loan on open market value with fees, depending on your numbers.
We search the market, set Commercial Acceptances alongside other suitable lenders and manage the application. It is free to enquire, and any broker fee is disclosed before you proceed.
Alternatives to Commercial Acceptances
- Close Brothers: the wider group's property finance arm lends to developers on larger schemes.
- Hampshire Trust Bank: a specialist bank with bridging and development lending.
- MT Finance: bridging and refurbishment across residential and commercial property.
- Hope Capital: a bridging lender often used for auction and refurbishment purchases.
- United Trust Bank: a bank lender offering bridging and development finance.
Common questions
Is Commercial Acceptances part of Close Brothers?
Yes. Commercial Acceptances is listed among the lending businesses of Close Brothers Group, and says it has specialised in bridging and development finance since 1983.
Does Commercial Acceptances offer regulated bridging?
No. Its guide says it does not provide regulated mortgage contracts, so it will not lend where you or an immediate family member intends to live in the property.
How much can Commercial Acceptances lend?
At the time of writing (October 2026), its bridging, refurbishment and development products run from £50,000 to £10m, with bridging up to 75% of the 180-day market value.
What is CA Revolve?
CA Revolve is a cash flow facility from £100,000, up to 75% LTV over 12 to 24 months, with a minimum initial drawdown and further drawdowns agreed by negotiation. It can suit investors making repeated purchases.
Does Commercial Acceptances fund new build?
Yes, through its development product, which covers refurbishment, conversion and new build for experienced developers up to 60% of GDV. Its heavy refurbishment product excludes new build.
This review is our independent summary of the lender's publicly stated lending, checked in October 2026. Criteria change, so confirm the current position before relying on it. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of any lender reviewed. Finance is subject to status, valuation and lender approval.
