Sustainability in Prime Bridging Finance: A Strategic Imperative

By Stacey Baxter, Associate Lending Director at CapitalRise

At CapitalRise, we’ve always believed that real estate finance should be forward-thinking. In 2025, that belief is being tested and proven more than ever, as sustainability firmly moves from a ‘nice to have’ to a strategic imperative in bridging finance.

The UK’s evolving regulatory landscape – from EPC requirements to net-zero targets – is reshaping how developers approach residential, mixed-use, and commercial schemes.

But beyond compliance, there’s a growing recognition that sustainable design and construction can have commercial benefits too – from enhancing asset value, reducing long-term costs, and attracting a more discerning buyer.

We are seeing this shift play out across our lending portfolio too. Developers are increasingly seeking finance for projects that incorporate energy-efficient materials, low-carbon technologies, and smart building systems.

For instance, we recently funded the full refurbishment of a luxury mews house in Mayfair, which integrated modern insulation, rooftop solar panels, upgraded windows and car charging into the 130-year-old building.

We also provided a £2.2m development loan for the construction of a 6,100 sq. ft.  ‘eco-luxury’ home in Epping Forest. This house is designed with a natural swimming pond, solar panels, rainwater harvesting system, air-source heat pumps, EV charging points and biodiversity enhancements.

Bridging finance is uniquely positioned to support this transition. Its speed and flexibility allow developers to act quickly on opportunities, whether acquiring a site with sustainable development potential or funding a heavy refurbishment of a historic building that includes EPC upgrades.

But sustainability isn’t just about the buildings – it’s about the people behind them. We’re proud to work with developers who are pushing boundaries, and we’re committed to being a partner in that journey. That means understanding the nuances of delivering specialist finance for high-end projects, being agile in our underwriting, and staying ahead of market expectations.

As the specialist property finance market continues to evolve, we see sustainability as a key driver of innovation and long-term value. CapitalRise is here to back borrowers who are delivering top-quality projects that meet the demands of tomorrow’s buyers.