MSP Capital has unveiled plans to more than double its loan book to £750m by 2030 as it marks 45 years in business.
The Dorset-based property finance lender, founded in 1981, is positioning itself for national expansion, with a renewed push to deepen broker relationships and extend its regional footprint across the UK.
The firm’s loan book stood at £300m two years ago. The new target represents a significant scaling of its development and bridging operations at a time when funding lines and specialist lenders are facing heightened scrutiny across the market.
Backed by institutional capital and operating as a principal lender, MSP has evolved from a regional development funder into a national specialist finance player, supported by a 50-strong team with further hires planned this year.
In 2018, private equity firm Cabot Square Capital acquired a controlling stake in the business, strengthening its funding base. Additional backing has since come from Pollen Street Capital, Shawbrook Bank and JPMorgan Chase, providing the firepower to support competitive development and bridging rates.
FLEXIBLE FUNDING
Chief executive Leigh Bartlett (main picture, inset), who joined in 2024, says: “It is a real achievement to make it to 45 years, with MSP now established as a major force in the property development market.
“We want to deliver an expanded geography with more core regions. We’re looking to work more closely with brokers and intermediaries on a national basis. It’s all about continuing to evolve, grow and make MSP Capital an even stronger partner for our customers in the years ahead.”
LENDER OF CHOICE
Board chairman Philip George adds: “Reaching our 45th anniversary is a great achievement. When the firm was founded, its single purpose was to help small property developers access funds when they had been shut out by the banks and other traditional lenders.
“Forty-five years later, that still holds true. With the business led by Leigh, I believe the next five years are going to be the most exciting yet. Team MSP have proved their resilience in the past and the aim now is to grow to become the lender of choice for specialist property finance in the UK.”
The growth ambition comes against a dramatically altered housing market backdrop. When MSP launched in 1981, average UK house prices ranged between £19,737 and £23,730 – roughly three times a typical annual salary.
According to Rightmove, the average UK asking price now stands at £368,031, equating to more than six times earnings in many areas and over ten times in some markets.
CHANGING NEEDS
Bartlett says: “These figures tell a powerful story about how the market, and the needs of borrowers, have evolved.
“What was once a relatively straightforward path to homeownership has become more complex, with higher entry costs, tighter affordability metrics, and increased pressure on developers and landlords to structure projects carefully from day one.
“As property values have climbed and traditional lending criteria have shifted, specialist finance has played an increasingly important role in keeping transactions moving and developments viable.
“Flexible funding solutions, faster decision-making, and a deeper understanding of regional markets have become essential tools for investors, developers, and brokers navigating today’s landscape.
“Despite the challenges posed by higher prices and changing economic cycles, opportunity remains strong across the UK property sector. Demand for quality housing continues to outstrip supply in many areas. With the right financial partner, borrowers can adapt to market conditions, unlock value and move forward with confidence.”
