Interview: “We are removing the obstacles in the mortgage market”

At Beleggingspanden-financiering.nl, we are proud to support real estate investors and developers in a dynamic market. In this interview with Vastgoedjournaal, we share how we have expanded our offering to serve our customers even better. In addition to commercial mortgages, we now also offer guidance on renovations, sustainability, permits, and legal and tax issues. In this way, we help entrepreneurs to seize opportunities as soon as they arise, without any obstacles.

We provide insight into our unique approach: from our fast turnaround time and extensive financing network to the way we offer customized solutions to optimally support our clients in their growth ambitions.

To ease the burden on real estate investors and developers, Beleggingspanden-financiering.nl’s services are no longer limited to providing commercial mortgages. The company now also offers various additional services, as Bas van der Meer, Chris de Mol, and Esther Wiegersma explain in this interview. “We want to remove obstacles in the market so entrepreneurs can seize opportunities as they arise.”

As a result, clients can now also receive assistance and advice on renovations, sustainability improvements, permits, and legal and tax matters. However, the primary product remains the commercial mortgage; everything else is optional. The company originated as a broker that matches supply and demand for real estate acquisitions and (re)developments. Currently, the company provides real estate investors with approximately €400 million annually. This applies to all types of investment properties: residential, retail, office, hotel, or recreational properties, for example, both singular and plural, sometimes combined. This also frequently involves land positions for construction. Projects can be financed within a week.

“What sets us apart is not only the speed with which we can act, but also our access to capital,” explains Commercial Director Bas van der Meer. “We have contracts with over 35 financiers across Europe, which is truly unique. We also have a network of over 50 wealthy Dutch families who also finance projects. So we don’t offer just one financing solution, but potentially over 85. The borrower decides which party they ultimately choose based on various proposals.”

Collateral

Financing works differently than at a bank, Chris de Mol emphasizes, which often allows for much more flexibility. “Of course, you have to demonstrate that you can pay the interest, but we rarely, if ever, consider personal income. With us, the value of the collateral and the income from rental or sales are key. That’s why we can help entrepreneurs who are just starting to invest in real estate. If the real estate project is sound, you can borrow up to 80 percent of the purchase price, plus 100 percent of the construction fund.” Of course, Beleggingspanden-financiering.nl also arranges exit financing, allowing clients to retain their properties for rental purposes. That’s why we see that many clients with a limited down payment can quickly buy multiple properties and build substantial equity in real estate.

It’s worth mentioning right away: we’ve never had a financing transaction fail. “Of course, we critically assess all risks beforehand and act based on collateral,” adds Esther Wiegersma. “The financier receives the first mortgage on the collateral, and the borrower co-signs privately. You have to believe in your own plan.”

Additional Services

Currently, there’s a lot of interest in transformation and renovation projects, which add value to real estate. Flipping—that is, buying, renovating, and reselling—is currently one of the most lucrative investments. To better serve these clients, Beleggingspanden-financiering.nl is offering more and more additional services in addition to mortgage products. “For example, we noticed that our clients’ projects were often running late,” says Van der Meer. “That was almost always due to contractors who didn’t keep their word.” That’s why the Beleggingspanden-financiering.nl team looked for medium-sized contractors who actually have their business in order, Wiegersma explains. “We recommend these companies, and our clients really appreciate that. These contractors aren’t more expensive, but they do deliver efficient and high-quality work. Our financiers (Dutch entrepreneurs/families) are also very happy with this, because they see that things are moving forward and the schedule is being met. They are now even more inclined to lend more money to clients who choose one of our vetted contractors.”

Removing Obstacles

The unburdening doesn’t stop there. “We’re identifying more obstacles in the market,” says De Mol. “We want to remove them by building various specializations around us. For example, we’ve partnered with IJzer Advocaten to draw up sound lease agreements that comply with all laws and regulations.” The company also offers tax assistance and has developed a tool to easily find new investment properties. “We spoke with many investors who still had financial capacity but couldn’t find suitable conversion properties,” says Van der Meer. “With our tool, they can find suitable investment opportunities with a good margin, free of charge and based on data. They’re grateful for that opportunity.”

We also have specialists available with extensive knowledge and experience in permitting processes, adds Wi.