Frequently asked questions

Question 1

What is a loan note?

Accepted Answer

A loan note is a formal agreement between a lender and a borrower - similar to an IOU, but more structured and legally binding. It allows the borrower (often a developer) to receive funds from an investor for a set period, with an agreed interest rate and repayment date.

Unlike a simple IOU, a loan note clearly sets out the legal obligations of both parties, including what happens if either side doesn’t meet the terms of the agreement. It's a widely used tool in property investment and development to raise finance efficiently.

Question 2

How does a loan note work?

Accepted Answer

At its core, a loan note is a promise by the borrower to repay the investor in full, along with the agreed interest, by a specific date. It outlines the key terms of the loan, including the amount borrowed, the interest rate, the repayment structure, and any relevant dates.

Typically, the lender (in this case, the investor) prepares the document, but both parties must agree to the terms. Once the final payment is made, the agreement is considered fulfilled. Until then, the loan note remains a legally binding contract.

Question 3

What information does a loan note include?

Accepted Answer

A loan note includes all the essential details of the loan arrangement. This usually covers the names and contact details of the parties involved, the loan amount, interest rate, duration of the agreement, and the repayment schedule.

It also outlines any penalties that may apply - for example, if payments are missed or the loan is paid off earlier than agreed. In many cases, early repayment may only incur a charge if it happens within a set timeframe (such as the first few years). The exact terms will vary depending on the lender, so it's important to review the agreement carefully.

Question 4

What are the benefits of a loan note?

Accepted Answer

Loan notes offer a flexible and efficient way to raise capital, particularly for developers and growing businesses. They allow funding to be secured without giving away equity, which is why they're often used during early-stage growth or to support specific projects.

From an investment perspective, loan notes can be issued to multiple investors, which makes them an attractive option for both developers and backers. They’re also more structured than standard agreements and are often easier to enforce, giving both parties greater security and clarity.

Question 5

Key loan note takeaways

Accepted Answer

Loan notes are legally binding agreements that outline the full terms of a loan between a borrower and an investor. They include important information like the loan amount, interest rate, repayment timeline, and any associated penalties.

Used widely in the property sector, loan notes offer a practical way for developers to access funding and for investors to earn fixed returns. They provide more legal weight and structure than informal IOUs, and are well suited to larger, asset-backed investments.

Question 6

What is an investment property?

Accepted Answer

An investment property is a property sourced and purchased specifically as a buy-to-let with the purpose to generate income and achieve long term capital growth.

Question 7

Where to invest in property?

Accepted Answer

The latest census shows the UK’s population has increased by a record 7% (4 million) in the last decade to just over 63 million. Since 2002, demand for rental property has almost doubled. We can advise you on the many areas within the UK where we believe you can achieve maximum return on your monies invested, whilst maximising capital growth and generating income. Get in touch, have a look at our current opportunities to find out where.

Question 8

How to start property investment?

Accepted Answer

Let us walk you through it! Our promise to you is our full VIP treatment to ultimately achieve financial Peace of Mind for you, through the sourcing and securing of property that will lead to long-term success and gain.

Question 9

How does property investment work?

Accepted Answer

Unlike other asset classes, property enables you to gear your investment through investing a percentage of your cash rather than all of it. Property provides an attractive and sustainable income for investors, which if compared to a typical savings rate will provide income of up to 10 times that amount. Since the 1950s property values have doubled on average every 7 to 10 years. By investing in property, you are using your money to generate more money. You are making your money work for you.

Question 10

How to calculate return on investment property?

Accepted Answer

Yield is the term which investors use to calculate a return. To calculate the yield all you do is times the monthly rental amount by 12 and divide it into the property value.

Question 11

How much higher are mortgage rates for investment property?

Accepted Answer

Historically, buy to let mortgages have been in the region of 1.00% more expensive than the typical residential mortgage. However, over the past few years the gap between residential and buy to let rates has reduced as lenders have gained an appetite for buy to let lending. Furthermore, lender arrangement fees tend to be higher, with the more expensive buy to let mortgages charging a percentage of up to 2.5% of the mortgage amount.

Question 12

What is the interest rate for investment property?

Accepted Answer

This is highly dependent on the current market conditions as well as varying from lender to lender. Please speak to us so that we can arrange to provide you with a personalised mortgage illustration through our sister company Insight Private Finance.

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