We began 2025 asking ourselves the same question we ask every year: Why should bridging be difficult? At Somo, we believe that securing a bridging loan should be as straightforward as borrowing from a high street bank. That’s why, throughout the year, we set out to challenge the perception that bridging is complicated or out of reach - and to make the process genuinely easier for brokers and their clients.
Here’s how 2025 unfolded:
- January: We renewed our promise - no upfront lender legal fees until completion. Brokers could continue to help clients move forward faster, with less friction and fewer upfront costs.
- March: We launched Somo Prime, our new loan product for straightforward bridging cases. Prime introduced our lowest rates and highest LTVs for prime locations and prime clients.
- April: For the second year running, Somo was crowned #1 for financial health by 4thWay - reassurance for brokers and their clients that they’re partnering with a lender built on stability.
- June: We were named Regional Lender of the Year at the Bridging & Commercial Awards, a testament to the support we provide brokers nationwide. We also brought the broker community together by hosting the NACFB breakfast in Manchester and made deals happen at NACFB's Commercial Finance Expo.
- July: We became even more competitive, cutting rates and increasing LTVs, giving brokers more options and better deals for their clients.
- August: We celebrated brokers with 90% off valuations and free beers - because making things easier should be rewarding in every way.
- September: We hosted the NACFB Broker Breakfast in London, keeping the conversation (and the deals) flowing.
- October: Somo was nominated for three NACFB awards.
- Our Valuation Only product - infamous for lending against the asset, not the borrower profile - became our flagship, making up nearly half of all deals and simplifying the process for brokers and clients alike.
- November: We welcomed our 20,000th broker, and saw repeat business reach an all-time high - proof that brokers value the ease, speed, and reliability Somo brings.
- Throughout 2025: We connected with brokers in person - over pool, darts, football, and 114,694 miles of face-to-face meetings - because relationships matter.
- We strengthened our specialist in-house team, cementing our position as the kings of second charge. With no valuations, no consents, and no income proofs required, we made bridging simpler and faster than ever.
- A New Milestone: As 2025 closes, we celebrate a landmark achievement: over half a billion pounds lent to date. But the real milestone is what that means for brokers. More deals done, more clients helped, and more bridging made easier.
Here’s to 2026: Even Easier
As we step into 2026, our commitment remains unchanged: making bridging straightforward, accessible, and rewarding for brokers and their clients. The challenges of the market may evolve, but our focus on transparency, flexibility and partnership will continue to set Somo apart.
We’re grateful for the trust and collaboration of our broker community - without you, these milestones wouldn’t be possible. In the year ahead, expect even more innovation, faster processes and the same dedication to service that has defined Somo from the start.
Here’s to new opportunities, stronger relationships and another year of making bridging easier.
Ready to discuss a case? Get in touch:
📞 0161 312 5656
Find your Regional Relationship Director today or explore our full range of bridging loan products.
Categories: Broker News, Borrower News
