The Property Franchise Group (TPFG), one of the UK’s largest estate agency franchisors, has secured a bespoke lending facility with Barclays in a move designed to accelerate growth across its nationwide network.
The agreement creates a streamlined route for franchisees to access acquisition finance and refinance existing debt at more competitive rates – a long-standing barrier for many small and mid-sized operators in the property sector.
The funding structure, developed over several months, is intended to tackle the difficulties franchisees have traditionally faced in securing timely and affordable lending.
By leveraging its scale, TPFG has negotiated a dedicated facility that gives its network clearer, faster access to capital at a time when consolidation in the estate agency market is continuing and many high-street firms are pursuing growth through targeted acquisitions.
AVAILABLE TO ALL
Under the terms of the facility, franchisees can borrow up to £1.25m, subject to standard lending assessments, with loans available for business purchases or for refinancing existing arrangements.
Up to 70% loan-to-value will be offered, with pricing described by the parties as competitive. The package will be available to all franchisees across TPFG’s brands.
A pilot phase that began in April tested the structure with a group of franchisees, with demand split between acquisition funding and refinancing of previously arranged loans, including those originally advanced by the franchisor.
STEP FORWARD
Ben Dodds (main picture, inset), Chief Financial Officer of The Property Franchise Group, says: “We know that access to the right funding has historically been a challenge for our franchisees, often limiting opportunities to expand their businesses.
“Working with Barclays on this bespoke pathway represents a significant step forward – using the strength and scale of our Group to deliver real financial advantages for our network.
“We are delighted to roll out this facility to all franchisees.”
“We are delighted to now be able to roll out this facility to all franchisees, helping them to pursue acquisitions, refinance existing debt and ultimately accelerate their growth.”
The facility is now fully available, with franchisees able to work directly with Barclays’ dedicated franchise team to assess their options.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Louise Jones, Franchise Business Development Manager at Barclays, adds: “We are proud to work with The Property Franchise Group to create this bespoke lending facility.
“By understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within TPFG’s franchise network, we have been able to provide a solution that helps open up access to funding.
“We look forward to supporting TPFG franchisees as they expand, refinance, and strengthen their businesses.”
The deal represents one of TPFG’s most significant financial initiatives to date, giving its network a competitive advantage as the sector enters a period of renewed consolidation and heightened cost pressures.
