United Trust Bank is a specialist bank on the panel that has genuinely widened its criteria through 2026: a near-prime range launched in August 2026 for borrowers with historical credit blips, heavy refurbishment reintroduced, and dual legal representation extended to non-regulated cases. It suits bridging loan cases needing bank-level certainty alongside genuine flexibility.
United Trust Bank at a glance
| United Trust Bank | |
|---|---|
| Loan size | From around £50,000 (sources vary, £50,000 to £125,000) to £15 million |
| Security | First or second charge |
| Coverage | England, Wales and Scotland |
| Term | Up to 24 months |
| Residential LTV | 75% |
| Semi-commercial | Residential element can cover up to 100% of the facility |
| Refurbishment | 75% LTV on light, medium and heavy |
| Re-bridging | 70% LTV, or 75% on a closed bridge |
| Rates from | 0.61% per month at low LTV, first charge |
| Fees | Completion fee around 2%; admin £495, or £1,495 plus a £500 asset manager fee on heavy refurbishment |
What this means in practice
A specialist bank behind the facility gives a different kind of certainty of funds compared with some non-bank lenders. At the same time, UTB's 2026 criteria updates (near prime, reintroduced heavy refurbishment and extended dual representation) have made it considerably more flexible than a bank-only profile might suggest.
How it works
Loans run from around £50,000 up to £15 million, secured by first or second charge across England, Wales and Scotland, with terms up to 24 months. The minimum is quoted anywhere from £50,000 to £125,000 depending on the source, so confirm it with your broker. Standard residential LTV reaches 75%. On semi-commercial property there is an enhanced structure where the residential element can cover up to 100% of the facility, subject to the value of that element, which is useful for mixed-use buildings.
Refurbishment reaches 75% LTV on light, medium and heavy schemes, with light refurbishment works funded to 25% of the initial LTV up to a £200,000 works budget. Rates start from 0.61% per month at low LTV on a first charge loan.
How a case with UTB typically runs
On standard residential and light refurbishment purchases and refinances up to £1 million in England and Wales, dual legal representation lets one firm act for both lender and borrower, which is a genuine time and cost saving. Admin fees are payable relatively early in the process, so it is worth confirming the fee position with the lender before the case is submitted rather than assuming a figure.
Near-prime cases need the credit history explained clearly: what the blip was, when it happened, and why it does not reflect the borrower's current position. The near-prime range covers both regulated and non-regulated bridging.
How United Trust Bank compares with other lenders on the panel
Against Shawbrook, the other specialist bank, UTB is the more flexible on credit and re-bridging, while Shawbrook has the published 75% commercial LTV and larger loan ceiling. The Shawbrook vs United Trust Bank comparison covers the detail.
For refurbishment where the scope may grow, Hope Capital and its FLIP product are the natural comparison. For heavier adverse credit than near prime, Together or MT Finance are usually better placed. See our guide to bridging loans for semi-commercial property for more on mixed-use cases.
Who it suits
UTB suits re-bridging (up to 70% LTV, 75% on a closed bridge), refurbishment projects including heavy refurbishment, and near-prime borrowers with a historical credit blip that falls outside standard criteria but is not severe adverse.
Where it is not the strongest fit
UTB's minimum loan is quoted inconsistently across sources, and its admin fees are payable relatively early in the process. Both are worth confirming directly with a BDM before assuming a figure. Commercial LTV is by referral rather than a published headline figure.
Planning a re-bridge
A re-bridge is usually needed because the original exit took longer than planned. The new lender will want to know why, and what has changed to make the exit achievable now. A clear explanation, supported by evidence such as a sale agreed, planning granted or works completed, makes the case far easier to place.
Questions worth asking before you apply
- What is the confirmed minimum loan for your case?
- When are the admin fees payable, and which fee applies to your level of refurbishment?
- Is the existing bridge closed? That decides whether re-bridging reaches 70% or 75%.
- On mixed-use property, how much of the facility can the residential element support?
- Does the case qualify for dual representation?
Summary
United Trust Bank is a strong, increasingly flexible choice for re-bridging, refurbishment and near-prime credit, backed by the certainty of a specialist bank. Figures above are correct as of August 2026 and should be confirmed with your broker before an application.
