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Somo News


Autumn Budget 'Time Bomb': Why Landlords and Investors Are Bracing for Impact
"Landlords and investors are now contributing far more stamp duty than before. With another budget weeks away, there is real uncertainty about what comes next for their increasingly eroding yields."
Oct 6, 20252 min read


Business Bridging Finance UK: Fast Funding Solutions for Businesses and Property Developers
TL;DR: Rising interest rates and tight lending criteria are creating funding challenges for UK property investors and developers. Somo's business bridging finance offers fast, flexible short-term loans (1-24 months) for refurbishment, development and refinancing - with decisions based on asset value, not the borrower’s credit file. Ideal for auction purchases, commercial conversions, and time-sensitive opportunities across the UK. Table of Contents The Remortgaging Wave and R
Oct 1, 20254 min read


Somo Launches Free Valuations Promotion for October 2025
Somo, the award-winning bridging lender, has announced a Free Valuations promotion running throughout October 2025, offering brokers and borrowers the opportunity to save up to £5,000 on valuation fees.
Oct 1, 20252 min read


Second-Charge Bridging: From Misconceptions to Market Momentum
As investors reviewing the property-backed lending landscape, you may already have noticed the rising prominence for second-charge bridging finance, particularly as we move into 2026. At Somo, we see this shift first-hand. Read our Director of Investor Relations perspective on the common misconceptions around second-charge loans - and why the latest numbers suggest they’re becoming an increasingly important part of the market.
Sep 2, 20254 min read


What I Wish I Knew About Bridging Loans Before I Started at Somo
New to bridging finance? Somo’s Phoebe Shaw explains what bridging loans are, who they’re for, and why brokers should see them as a flexible problem-solving tool.
Sep 2, 20254 min read


The Resilience of Property-Backed Private Lending
Louis Alexander, chief executive of Somo, discusses how property-backed private lending has shown resilience during global market turbulence, consistently delivering higher, stable returns compared to equities and traditional lending. In the UK, Somo demonstrates how private credit is emerging as a reliable, high-growth investment strategy, offering security, diversification, and long-term performance for sophisticated investors.
Aug 18, 20251 min read


How Much Can I Borrow with a Bridging Loan in 2025?
Discover how much you can borrow with a bridging loan in 2025 with Somo. Learn loan amounts, LTVs, timelines, and requirements. Get a quick quote today.
Aug 11, 20252 min read


How We Completed a First Charge Bridging Loan in Just 14 Days with Somo Prime
We completed a £215,250 bridging loan on a 6-bed HMO in Luton in just 14 days using Somo Prime. Learn how our fast, structured lending supports prime borrowers.
Jul 30, 20252 min read


How to Get a Bridging Loan for your Business in 2025
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what bridging loans are, how they work, the difference between regulated and unregulated options, and how to apply. Whether you’re a first-time borrower or looking for a faster way to fund your next venture, this step-by-step breakdown will help you decide if bridging finance is right for your UKbusiness in 2025.
Jul 25, 20255 min read


Bridging Loans for Adverse Credit: How Somo Turns Past Credit into New Opportunities
Somo offers bridging loans even if the borrower has adverse credit. Our Valuation Only™ product focuses on the property’s value, not the borrower’s credit score. That means, no proof of income, no clean credit, no evidence of an exit strategy - no problem.
Jul 14, 20252 min read


Somo Wins Best Regional Bridging Lender at the B&C Awards 2025
We’re incredibly proud to announce that Somo has been named Best Regional Bridging Lender of the Year at the 2025 Bridging & Commercial Awards.
Jun 12, 20252 min read


Free Legals this May
It's back! Don't miss out on last year's most popular promotion - Free Legals.
Lock-in a deal with Somo this May and we'll pay your lender legal fees up to £2,000*.
May 1, 20252 min read


Protecting Investor Interests: Alternative Credit Investor Reports on Somo's Recent Court Victory
Publication, Alternative Credit Investor, has reported on Somo's recent success at court against borrowers who attempted to evade repayment, reinforcing our commitment to protecting investor capital through robust documentation and diligent underwriting. Read the full story below:
Mar 19, 20253 min read


EXCLUSIVE: Somo awarded No. 1 for Financial Health for the second year running.
We’ve been ranked No. 1 for best financial health by alternative Investments ratings and research firm, 4thWay for the second year running. Plus we’ve proudly maintained our +++ ‘Exceptional’ rating into 2025. In 4thway's latest review, Neil Faulkner also talks about why a Lending Platform’s financial health is always going to be a priority for Investors. Why? Because a business a profitable business reduces the risk of closure. And closure can create uncertainty around loans
Mar 12, 20251 min read


Somo: A Proven Track Record with the Financial Ombudsman
Somo welcomes the recent Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) decision, which dismissed a complaint relating to a bridging loan issued in November 2019. The ruling confirms that Somo acted fairly and reasonably throughout the loan agreement process, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible lending. Background The complaint centred on a bridging loan, secured against a property, and used for business purposes. The borrowers experienced financial difficulties citing fi
Mar 6, 20253 min read


Unlocking Capital: The Role of Second Charge Loans in Business Growth and Cash Flow Management
By leveraging equity without altering existing mortgages, second charge loans are flexible solutions to empowering clients to fund business ventures, manage cash flow, and seize growth opportunities—all while maintaining their financial stability. As the property market cautiously steps into 2025, the economic recovery provides a wealth of opportunities for those seeking flexible solutions to unlock capital for business ventures and address cash flow challenges. Second charge
Jan 24, 20252 min read


First Look: Watch Somo's Latest Advert
We’re pleased to share an exclusive viewing of our new campaign. This isn’t just an advert; it’s a reflection of our investment world and our relationship with you, our Social Investors, going beyond return rates and success stories to capture the essence of what matters to you and inspires us all. The advert has just debuted on our Investor Homepage. Follow the link and let us know what you think of Somo’s first ad.
Jan 6, 20251 min read


Changing Perceptions: Why Make Bridging Difficult?
Somo are changing the game in Bridging finance by making loans more accessible, straightforward, and beneficial. Learn about our flexible lending options and market-leading rates as we attempt to change the perceptions of Bridging. We’re on a mission In the world of finance, traditional lending is often synonymous with complexity and delay. With mainstream lenders continuing to work with tighter lending restrictions, borrowers who don’t fit the standard lending criteria are l
Oct 1, 20244 min read


Staff Spotlight: Simon Cottrell, Head of Recoveries and Investor Relations
Meet Simon Cottrell, our Head of Recoveries and Investor Relations at Somo. With over 30 years of experience in debt recovery, Simon ensures swift and secure loan recoveries and provides excellent service to our valued investors. Simon Cottrell has a dual role at Somo, both managing the recovery team and as the most senior point of contact for its valued investors. According to Somo’s Social Investors an excellent track record of safe and prompt recovery of loans is the most
May 24, 20243 min read


Treasury Reverses Changes to Investor Thresholds for High Net Worth and Sophisticated Investors
Learn about the Treasury's decision to reverse the 2024 changes to High Net Worth (HNW) and Sophisticated investor thresholds, including the implications for investors and the financial community. Content: The Treasury Reverse Plans Change Investor Thresholds. High Net Worth Investor Definition Sophisticated Investor Definition Why are the Investor Definitions Necessary? How does this affect Somo Investors? In late 2023, the Treasury announced plans to change the criteria fo
Apr 1, 20244 min read
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