Masthaven Finance is a UK specialist lender offering bridging, refurbishment and development finance on residential, semi-commercial and commercial property in England, Wales and mainland Scotland. It is one of the fairly small number of lenders that offers second charge bridging and regulated bridging alongside its unregulated range. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of Masthaven Finance, so we can compare its terms with other bridging lenders. You can read more on Masthaven's own website.
About Masthaven Finance
Masthaven says it was founded in 2005 as a specialist property finance lender and took investment from the William Pears Group in 2011. It was granted a UK banking licence in 2016 and traded for a time as Masthaven Bank. Today it trades as Masthaven Finance, and its website does not describe it as a bank.
In 2025 Masthaven came together with Spring Finance, a lender set up in 2011 to offer second charge mortgages to borrowers who may not fit high street criteria. Spring had moved into bridging and development finance in 2022. The combined business now trades under the Masthaven name, offering mortgages and secured loans, bridging and development finance. Masthaven Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, which allows it to offer regulated bridging as well as unregulated loans.
Masthaven Finance is one of the lenders we compare for bridging loans and second charge bridging.
What Masthaven Finance funds
At the time of writing (October 2026), Masthaven's non-regulated bridging guide (July 2026) sets out the following. Loan amounts are net of fees and interest, and larger loans may be considered on referral.
| Product | Loan size | Key limits |
|---|---|---|
| Residential bridging, first charge | £50,000 to £3m | Up to 75% of purchase price or 70% of value; non-structural works permitted |
| Residential bridging, second charge | £50,000 to £3m | Up to 65% LTV, usually with the first lender's consent |
| Refurbishment, first charge | £100,000 to £1.5m | Up to 70% of purchase price or value plus up to 100% of works costs, capped at 70% of gross development value |
| Refurbishment, second charge | Up to £500,000 | Up to 60% of value plus works costs, capped at 60% of gross development value |
| Semi-commercial and commercial | £100,000 to £2m | Up to 65% LTV, first charge only; holiday lets considered |
Residential bridging covers standard houses and flats and HMOs of up to 12 rooms. The refurbishment product allows structural work, including loft and single-storey extensions that increase floor area by up to a third, with funds released in arrears as work is completed.
Masthaven also offers regulated bridging, on first and second charge, for homes the borrower or their family live in. These are regulated mortgage contracts and are covered by a separate guide. Its range has also included smaller development loans on single units, self-build finance and development exit loans, which are assessed case by case.
Who Masthaven Finance suits (and who it may not)
Masthaven tends to suit:
- Property investors buying or refinancing residential, semi-commercial or commercial property up to around £3m.
- Borrowers who want to raise money on a second charge without disturbing their existing mortgage.
- Homeowners needing regulated bridging, including on a second charge.
- Borrowers with credit issues, as residential bridging considers all credit histories.
- Experienced investors refurbishing or extending property.
It is less likely to suit large development schemes, property in Northern Ireland or the Scottish islands, or first-time investors on refurbishment loans, which are for experienced borrowers with cleaner credit.
What Masthaven Finance looks at
Masthaven's guide sets out three credit tiers, from clean credit to recent missed payments, CCJs or debt management plans. Residential and commercial bridging consider all three, with pricing adjusted for higher risk cases. Refurbishment loans are limited to the two stronger tiers. It will also look at:
- The exit, whether sale or refinance.
- For companies, personal guarantees from majority shareholders and a debenture.
- Borrower residency: UK residents with acceptable passports.
- Age: 18 to 85 at completion.
- For refurbishment, a detailed schedule of works, builder contracts and any planning or building regulations approvals.
- For second charges, a questionnaire from the first lender and usually its consent.
Pros and cons
Pros
- First and second charge bridging, regulated and unregulated.
- All types of credit history considered on residential and commercial bridging.
- Refurbishment loans can fund up to 100% of works costs within overall limits.
- HMOs up to 12 rooms and holiday lets considered.
- Some companies registered in the Channel Islands, Switzerland or the BVI considered.
Cons
- Commercial and semi-commercial capped at 65% LTV.
- Higher risk cases are priced higher.
- Refurbishment loans need experience and cleaner credit.
- Not available in Northern Ireland.
Going through a broker vs going direct
Masthaven's bridging guides are written for intermediaries. Second charge and adverse credit bridging can vary a great deal in price between lenders, so comparing several offers is worthwhile. We search the market, approach suitable lenders and present your case, including any credit history, in a clear way.
For regulated bridging on your own home, advice must come from an FCA-authorised adviser. It is free to enquire, and any broker fee is agreed with you before you proceed.
Alternatives to Masthaven Finance
- Together: first and second charge bridging, regulated and unregulated, with flexible credit criteria.
- Glenhawk: bridging including regulated and second charge loans.
- MT Finance: residential and commercial bridging, including regulated cases.
- Precise Mortgages: bridging from a specialist bank group, including second charges.
Common questions
Does Masthaven offer second charge bridging?
Yes. Masthaven offers second charge bridging up to 65% LTV on residential property, and a second charge refurbishment product. The first lender's consent is usually required.
Does Masthaven offer regulated bridging?
Yes. Masthaven Finance is FCA-authorised and offers regulated bridging on first and second charge for homes the borrower or their family live in.
Will Masthaven lend with bad credit?
Masthaven says all types of credit history are considered on its residential and commercial bridging, with pricing adjusted for higher risk. Refurbishment loans need cleaner credit.
How much can I borrow from Masthaven?
Its unregulated residential bridging ranges from £50,000 to £3m net, with higher amounts by referral. Commercial and semi-commercial loans go up to £2m.
Where does Masthaven lend?
Masthaven's bridging is available in England, Wales and mainland Scotland.
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.
