Proplend's Foundation and Operating Model in the United Kingdom
Proplend, officially known as Proplend Ltd (company number 08315922), commenced operations in the United Kingdom following its registration on December 3, 2012. The platform itself launched in 2014, establishing its headquarters at 20–22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU. As a privately owned limited company, Proplend has attracted significant institutional backing, notably from its Series A investors in July 2025, which included Salamanca Group as the lead investor, alongside prominent figures like Eamonn O’Hare and Peter Johnson.
Proplend operates a distinctive peer-to-peer lending model, which intelligently connects commercial property borrowers with a diverse pool of retail and institutional lenders. This includes high-net-worth individuals, sophisticated investors, and those utilising tax-efficient structures such as ISA and Pension wrappers. The company's primary target market encompasses commercial property investors, whether they operate through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) or as personal owners, who require financing for various needs, including short-term VAT funding, bridging finance, or medium-term property loans. This specialisation in commercial property distinguishes Proplend within the broader UK lending landscape.
Leadership at Proplend is robust, guided by Chief Executive Officer Brian Alexander Bartaby, with a strong team comprising Theo Theodosiadis as Head of Origination, William Bottoms as Underwriter, Stewart Bruce as Operations Director, and Rafina Alexiou as Head of Risk & Underwriting. The board further benefits from the expertise of Eamonn O’Hare, former Virgin Media CFO, Peter Johnson, founder of Park Group, and representatives from Salamanca Group. This blend of experienced financial and property professionals underpins Proplend's operational integrity and strategic direction. Crucially, Proplend is recognised as the United Kingdom’s only Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-regulated digital marketplace exclusively funding commercial property loans, a testament to its focused and compliant approach. Since its inception, the platform has successfully funded over £190 million in loans, demonstrating remarkable loan quality with only £40,000 in write-offs, positioning it as one of the UK’s safest specialist peer-to-peer property platforms.
Detailed Loan Products, Interest Rates, and Associated Fees
Proplend offers a focused suite of loan products tailored specifically for the commercial property sector in England and Wales. These include:
- Term Loans: These are available for durations ranging from 12 to 60 months, catering to medium-term financing needs. Interest rates for term loans typically fall between 5% and 8% per annum, reflecting the specific risk profile and loan characteristics.
- Bridging Loans: Designed for shorter-term financial gaps, bridging loans are offered for periods from 30 to 365 days. The interest rate for bridging finance is approximately 0.83% per month, equating to around 10% per annum.
- VAT Loans: A unique offering, VAT loans provide very short-term funding for Value Added Tax requirements, with terms usually between 90 and 120 days. These loans carry a fixed interest rate of 9% per annum.
Loan amounts facilitated by Proplend are substantial, starting from a minimum of £100,000 (though some sources mention £250,000) and extending up to £15,000,000 for larger commercial clients. This wide range ensures that Proplend can support a variety of commercial property ventures, from smaller investments to significant developments.
Proplend's innovative tranche structure is central to its lending model, particularly for its term and bridging products. This structure divides loans into different risk categories, allowing lenders to choose their preferred risk and return profile:
- Tranche A (Senior Loans): These represent the lowest-risk portion of the loan, typically capped at a 50% Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio. The average lender rate for Tranche A loans is around 6.3% per annum, reflecting their secured and senior position.
- Tranche B/C (Junior Loans): These tranches carry higher risk and consequently offer higher returns, with interest rates potentially reaching up to 12% per annum, depending on the specific risk assessment of the loan.
Regarding fees, borrowers can expect to incur an origination or processing fee, which is generally estimated to be between 1% and 2% of the total loan value, although this should always be verified directly. A late payment fee, standard in commercial lending, is applied at 4% over the base rate. Additionally, borrowers are responsible for covering underwriting and valuation costs. All loans are secured against freehold or long leasehold commercial property located within England and Wales. The maximum gross Loan-to-Value (LTV) can reach up to 75%, with the senior Tranche A portion strictly capped at 50% LTV to enhance lender security.
Application Process, Digital Interaction, and Underwriting Excellence
Engaging with Proplend for commercial property finance in the United Kingdom is a streamlined process designed for efficiency and clarity. Potential borrowers can initiate an enquiry through various convenient channels:
- Online Enquiry Form: Available directly on the Proplend website, this form allows for an initial submission of interest and basic loan requirements.
- Email: Borrowers can send detailed enquiries directly to [email protected].
- Telephone: Direct communication is available by calling 020 3637 8418, enabling immediate discussion of specific financing needs.
It is important for prospective borrowers to note Proplend's approach to digital interaction. While the platform boasts a robust and responsive web portal, offering comprehensive borrower and lender dashboards, it does not currently provide a dedicated native iOS or Android mobile application. Although a "Mobile App" feature might be listed in some contexts, there are no public store reviews or available applications, confirming that access is primarily via their mobile-optimised website.
The Know Your Customer (KYC) and onboarding procedures at Proplend are rigorous and fully compliant with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) directives. These checks are often facilitated by reputable third-party providers. Borrowers will be required to submit a comprehensive set of documents, including corporate records, detailed property information, and proof of funds, to ensure compliance and transparency.
Proplend’s underwriting process is a cornerstone of its low-default track record. An experienced in-house credit team meticulously assesses each application, focusing on several critical factors: the borrower’s financial history and track record, thorough property valuations conducted by independent professionals, and the stability of projected rental income from the commercial asset. The unique risk-tranche allocation system further empowers lenders by allowing them to select an investment profile that aligns with their risk appetite, enhancing the overall security and attractiveness of the loans. Once a loan is approved and legal formalities are complete, funds are efficiently disbursed directly to the borrower’s solicitors via bank transfer on the completion day, ensuring a smooth and timely transaction.
In terms of loan management and recovery, Proplend employs proactive strategies. An interest reserve is typically held, often covering multiple months of payments, to provide a buffer and stabilise payments to lenders even if a borrower faces temporary challenges. In the rare event of a default, Proplend has a dedicated recovery team that initiates rapid resolution through legal enforcement and, if necessary, the sale of the secured commercial property. This robust approach to collections and recovery significantly mitigates potential losses for lenders and underscores the platform’s commitment to security.
Regulatory Oversight, Market Standing, and Borrower Experience
Proplend's operations are firmly rooted in a strong regulatory framework, providing a high degree of confidence for both borrowers and lenders in the United Kingdom. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), holding firm reference number 726646. This oversight ensures that Proplend adheres to stringent financial conduct standards. Furthermore, Proplend is an HMRC-approved IFISA (Innovative Finance ISA) manager, allowing investors to benefit from tax-efficient lending opportunities. There are no public records of any enforcement actions or penalties against Proplend, indicating a consistent history of compliance.
Consumer protection is an integral part of Proplend’s operational ethos. While peer-to-peer lending, by its nature, is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), Proplend implements clear risk warnings to ensure all participants understand the potential risks. Critically, the platform's innovative interest reserves and the structured tranche system (Tranche A, B, C) are designed to significantly mitigate potential losses for lenders, thereby indirectly enhancing the stability of the funding mechanism for borrowers.
Within the UK's specialist lending market, Proplend has carved out a robust niche as a leader in investor-funded commercial property lending. Its market position is further validated by independent analysis, with P2P market analysts 4thWay awarding it a "3/3 4thWay Plus" rating for safety and performance. This accolade underscores its consistent track record and prudent risk management. Proplend differentiates itself from competitors such as LendInvest and Assetz Capital through its unique tranche structure, its specialised VAT financing product, and its exceptionally low historical write-off rate, which stands at less than 0.02% of funded capital (only £40,000 from £190 million funded). These differentiators highlight Proplend's focus on secure, well-underwritten commercial property loans.
Customer experience with Proplend is generally highly positive. User ratings and reviews, particularly on platforms like Trustpilot, frequently describe the service as "excellent" and praise Proplend as "one of the top and safest" platforms. Reviews from 4thWay also consistently highlight reliable lender payments and minimal defaults, reflecting the quality of the loans originated. One common complaint, however, often originates from the lender side: difficulty re-investing repaid capital due to a £1,000 minimum investment and high demand for Proplend's secure opportunities. For borrowers, this indicates a strong and eager lender base.
Proplend maintains dedicated borrower and lender support teams, offering assistance via phone and email. They are known for providing fast indicative offers, often within the same day, with funding typically completed within a matter of weeks. Notable case studies include a £1.05 million term loan for public houses in Sheffield (a 36-month loan at 45% LTV) and the full repayment of an initial six VAT loans totalling over £4 million, demonstrating their capability across various commercial property scenarios.
Practical Advice for Potential Commercial Property Borrowers in the UK
For commercial property investors and developers in the United Kingdom considering Proplend for their financing needs, understanding the platform's specific characteristics and preparing accordingly will lead to a smoother application process and a higher chance of success. Proplend is not a general lender; it is a specialist. Therefore, its offerings are best suited for those involved in commercial freehold or long leasehold property projects within England and Wales.
Firstly, clearly define your financing requirement. Whether you need short-term bridging finance to acquire a property before securing a long-term loan, a medium-term loan for development or investment, or specific VAT funding, Proplend has tailored products. Understanding these distinctions will help you determine if Proplend is the right fit. Pay close attention to the Loan-to-Value (LTV) requirements; Proplend generally works with up to 75% LTV gross, with its senior tranche capped at 50%. Ensure your property's valuation aligns with these parameters.
Secondly, prepare your documentation thoroughly. As an FCA-regulated entity, Proplend requires comprehensive information for its Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. This includes corporate documents if you are borrowing through an SPV, detailed financial statements, a robust business plan for the property, and comprehensive valuation reports. A well-organised and complete submission will expedite the in-house credit team's assessment of your track record and the property's income potential.
Thirdly, familiarise yourself with the cost structure and repayment terms. Proplend's loans are typically interest-only with the capital repaid at term end. Understand the interest rates applicable to your specific loan type and the tranche structure, if relevant. Factor in the origination fees (typically 1-2% of the loan value) and be prepared to cover underwriting and valuation costs. While early redemption is permitted, be aware of any associated fees or notice periods. Having a clear exit strategy for your loan, whether through property sale, refinance, or rental income, is crucial.
Lastly, leverage Proplend's specialisation. Their expertise in commercial property and unique offerings like VAT loans can be a significant advantage. Do not hesitate to engage with their dedicated borrower support team via phone or email for indicative offers and to discuss your specific circumstances. While they do not have a dedicated mobile app, their responsive website offers a comprehensive portal for managing your loan. By approaching Proplend with a clear, well-documented proposal and understanding their niche, commercial property borrowers in the UK can benefit from a professional, regulated, and efficient financing partner known for its secure and reliable lending practices.
