Can a trust borrow against property?
Yes — investment property held in trust can be financed with a Berkeley Credit bridge, for business and investment purposes on property the beneficiaries do not occupy. We lend on the asset and the exit. Loans from £50,000 to £25,000,000, with a same-day decision.
Trust ownership is something most mainstream lenders avoid because of the trustee documentation and the parties involved. We are comfortable with it: the trustees borrow in their capacity as trustees, the security is a charge over the property, and guarantees are structured to suit. The key boundary is purpose — this is investment lending on property the beneficiaries don’t live in, not finance on a family home.
Because trust lending carries legal and tax considerations specific to the trust, trustees should take their own independent legal and tax advice. Acceptance is subject to underwriting and AML checks on the trustees and beneficiaries.
Can the trust’s beneficiaries occupy the property?
No. We lend for business and investment purposes on property the beneficiaries don’t occupy — owner-occupied lending falls outside what we do as an unregulated lender.
Do trustees need their own advice?
Yes. Trust lending has legal and tax implications specific to the trust, so trustees should take independent legal and tax advice. We don’t provide regulated, tax or legal advice.
Berkeley Credit Limited is registered in England & Wales (Company No. 16111009) and with the FCA under the Money Laundering Regulations (No. 1029007); not fully FCA authorised; no regulated advice. All lending is for business and investment purposes only, on property the borrower does not occupy, and subject to valuation, legals and underwriting.