- May 17, 2024
- Mark Elwes
What Are Private Lender Loans and How Do They Work?
Table of Contents
Many people get turned down for loans from big banks. Private lenders can help when this happens. They look at more than just credit scores and lend to people in unique money situations.
Major banks have very strict lending rules, with lots of boxes to check off. Many people don’t fit into those tight boxes. Private lenders fill gaps left by banks. Their loans are more flexible and ideal for borrowers who don’t qualify elsewhere.
One drawback is that interest rates tend to be higher with private lenders. Private lenders in the UK take on more risk lending to people rejected elsewhere, so rates reflect that higher risk. But those able to repay quickly can manage it. Shop around for the best terms, just in case.
Types of Private Loans
When it comes to financing for real estate ventures, folks have a few options these days for private lending.
Fix and flip loans
Fix and flip loans let people buy and remodel beat-up properties to sell at a profit later. The loans are short-term, usually 6 months to a year, with higher interest rates that allow flexible renovation timelines. Lenders focus more on the future resale value than the purchase price upfront. Some construction experience helps reassure lenders that projects will be managed well.
Rental property loans
If you’d rather hold onto a property and collect rental income, rental property loans allow you to buy real estate and become a landlord. The rates are generally lower than fixed and flip loans if you plan to rent it out long term – from 5 years to even 30 years. Lenders look carefully at your financial situation, assets, the home’s value and your ability to manage tenants. The rental payments each month make the mortgage more affordable. Still, being a DIY landlord has pros and cons to weigh.
Real estate loans
Lastly, commercial buildings like storefronts take large commercial real estate loans. You typically need solid business credit and money to put 20-25% down. Lenders dig into profit potential based on location, competitors, past performance. You better have good reasons backing up expected rental income!
Comparing Secured vs Unsecured Loans
Aspect | Secured Loan | Unsecured Loan |
Interest Rates | Lower, due to collateral | Higher, as no collateral is required |
Approval Criteria | Requires asset as collateral | Requires good credit and proof of income |
Risk | Asset at risk if unable to repay | No specific asset at risk |
Loan Amount | Higher, as loan is backed by collateral | Typically lower |
Repayment Terms | Longer terms available | Shorter terms |
Benefits Of Private Lending
Private lending has become popular for real estate financing when traditional bank loans don’t work out. What makes folks go toward private loans instead of regular mortgages? Here are some of the main benefits private lenders offer:
Private lenders can fund loans much more quickly than big banks. They take days or weeks instead of months to review applications and decide. This matters a lot when you find a good investment or want to act fast on a hot fix-and-flip project.
Focus on the property
Private lenders care more about the money-making potential of the actual property. They don’t get too focused on your credit scores. You still need to show you can repay the loan. However, they focus more on how viable the real estate opportunity looks overall.
Flexible repayment terms
Private lenders really stand apart with flexible repayment structures. Borrowers like customising terms to match real timelines instead of rigid boxes that don’t fit the project.
For example, fix-and-flips may only need 6-12 months before sale, while commercial space means 10-20 year loans. Private lenders personalise durations, rates, and fees. Real estate investing doesn’t always follow formulas, so this custom approach helps a lot.
Getting a Private Loan
To get a private loan, you’ll need a solid business plan. This shows the lender you’ve really thought things through. Lay out your investment strategy step-by-step. Explain what properties you’ll buy, how you’ll add value, and your profit projections. Back it all up with research and data. A strong plan proves you’re a safe bet.
Detailed Cost Breakdowns
Private lenders want to see your numbers in black and white. Give them a line-item budget with all expected costs, from purchase price to repair estimates, fees, carrying costs, and more. Leave nothing out—they’ll grill you on it. Detailed breakdowns show you understand the full financial picture.
Solid Exit Strategy
You also need a clear exit plan for the loan, whether you’ll refinance, sell the property, or hold it long-term as a rental. Map out a few scenarios so the lender knows you’ve considered all angles. Backup plans also help ease their minds about risk. A solid strategy for paying off the loan is crucial.
The more preparation you put in front of you, the better. Private lenders want to see passion and expertise behind the numbers. They take bigger risks than banks, so convince them you’re a smart investment. Specific details and contingency planning go a long way.
Loans for Bad Credit from a Direct Lender
Poor credit can make it tough to get a loan from a bank. Banks tend to have strict scoring cutoffs that automatically disqualify people. However, private direct lenders look beyond just numbers on a page. They take a more personalised approach when reviewing applications.
The Full Financial Picture
Loan Type | Loan Amount | Interest Rate |
Payday Loan | £100 – £1,200 | High APR |
Personal Loan | £500 – £3,000 | 50% – 500% APR |
Guarantor Loan | £1,000 – £15,000 | Lower APR with guarantor |
Secured Loan | £1,000 – £50,000 | 3% – 50% APR |
Instalment Loan | £300 – £5,000 | Higher interest rates |
While credit scores matter, direct private lenders consider your financial situation holistically. They’ll look at factors like income, assets, and the specific purpose of the loan. By taking a broader view, they can still approve loans for bad credit from a direct lender.
For those with credit challenges blocking traditional loans, direct private money offers a path. The personalised underwriting means your story matters, not just a three-digit score.
Conclusion
Private lenders provide fast cash for all sorts of needs. For example, when a builder requires funds quickly for supplies, the application process is simple and speedy. There are no long waits or piles of paperwork like banks.
Private money lenders can also help in personal situations, like covering an emergency home repair bill or getting a small business off the ground. Their flexible lending makes funds accessible.
Mark Elwes is the Editor-in-Chief at Extramilefinance. He is a notable member of the content strategy team since his joining in 2017. Driven by his fondness for the finance industry, he has spent years gathering as much knowledge as possible about various financial products that include loans also. Previously, Mark worked as a senior journalist writer with experience in writing blogs and articles.