By Michael Horner, Business Development Director at CCBS
How stability in the lending market is reshaping investor decisions.
The past few years have reshaped the way investors think about property funding. In early 2026, the backdrop has finally steadied: borrowing conditions are more predictable and lenders are taking a clearer, more consistent approach to new proposals.
As a result, many portfolio investors and the advisers who support them are revisiting their funding structures, preparing for upcoming maturities and exploring opportunities that were less practical during recent volatility. While funding specialists do not forecast property values, conversations across the lending market offer a reliable sense of shifting confidence and behaviour.
A calmer environment helps investors plan, not react
With borrowing costs stabilising, long?paused discussions are resurfacing. Many investors are restructuring older loans agreed during less predictable periods or releasing equity to support acquisitions or operational investment. Others are consolidating borrowing to simplify their position or reviewing semi?commercial and mixed?use opportunities in search of balanced income and long?term value. These conversations often begin with trusted advisers who recognise early when a funding review could unlock options.
What lenders are comfortable with in 2026
Although selective, lenders are showing a clearer appetite for certain assets. Mixed?use properties, commercial units with reliable tenants, well?managed residential blocks and industrial or logistics sites all fall within the areas of strongest confidence. Value?add opportunities also remain attractive where plans are detailed and deliverable.
Together, one of the specialist lenders on our panel, is reporting similar trends:
“We’re seeing strong appetite for wellprepared cases this year,” says Helen Calderley, Commercial Lending Specialist at Together. “Investors with mixed-use, commercial or value-add projects can move quickly when the proposal is clear, and the exit strategy is thought-through. Lenders are active and they have appetite to support, even in the most complex scenarios, but they want clarity, structure and a professional approach.”
Why larger portfolios need a funding strategy – not just a loan
As portfolios grow, funding decisions become more complex. Rather than selecting a single lender, most investors now require a coordinated approach: bridging finance to secure speed before refinancing; different lenders for different asset types; or development?exit facilities to allow works to complete without pressure. Many are also consolidating legacy borrowing to release capital or improve clarity over their wider position. In each case, the structure matters as much as the product.
What investors and advisers are seeing
Across the market, strategic thinking is returning. Businesses are directing more capital into their property interests; investors are upgrading weaker assets and mixed?use opportunities remain resilient. Those rolling off older fixed rates are reassessing their entire funding position, rather than replacing like?for?like.
Why work with a broker?
The commercial funding landscape is broad, and even strong lenders naturally focus on cases aligned with their criteria. A broker’s role is to understand the whole market, shape proposals effectively and match each requirement to a lender best placed to support it. This brings clarity and efficiency for investors, while giving lenders accurately presented cases that meet their appetite.
Clarity gets attention; structure gets deals done.
About the author
Michael Horner is Business Development Director at CCBS. He leads property funding product development and works with investors, advisers, and lenders in structuring effective funding strategies.
www.ccbsg.co.uk | 0191 211 1471