Sorting out the right finance for premises can be confusing and time consuming. What are the main things to look at to make sure you get the right deal for your practice?
We spoke to GP property finance expert Ian Crompton. Medics’ Money readers can contact Ian by email for a free review of your loan situation. Ian is a fee-free independent specialist broker recommended by Medics’ Money.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Practices that own their own premises will sooner or later have to deal with the finance issues around partners leaving and new ones wanting to buy-in. This can often be an unwelcome distraction but currently is potentially even more problematic as one of the top finance providers is no longer renewing their loans when they mature.
Time is always short, and it may be tempting to take any quick fix, get the job done and move on. However, with a little support and planning you can get a good deal and a loan structure which may also make it easier for future partner buy-ins.
Things to consider:
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Decide who is borrowing the money
Should the borrowing be in the name of individual partners, the partnership or even a limited company? How the loan is set up will affect the cost but may also impact the ease of borrowing in the future if partners changes etc. Also consider any connected issues e.g. partners changes will mean you need to update your partnership agreement or there may be the need for a lease; are there any tax implications?
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Will you minimize repayments or minimize outstanding debt?
Some GPs want to pay the minimum they can each month so they can take any ongoing ‘profit’ along the way, with less equity when they leave. Others may want to pay off their loan as soon as possible and take any benefit at the end as a lump sum. The right loan may allow some partners to do it one way and some the other.
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Don’t assume your bank will give you the best deal
A common assumption is that your current bank will provide the best deal. They might; but often the best rates are used to attract new custom or ’switchers’. As with some insurance and utility contracts, banks can take advantage of your loyalty. Also make sure the person you talk to at the bank understands GP Premises Finance and that the bank has specific credit and pricing policies which reflect the sectors ‘low risk’.
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Look beyond headline rates
Most people look at the proposed interest rate as the main comparison between providers. You should question whether the rate covers the entire loan or just any ’secured’ element; can it change for any reason after say 3 years; is it fixed or variable? As with many things what appears to be the cheapest may not be the best value or the best deal for you.
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Make sure you compare offers like-with-like
There are different ways banks ‘commit’ funds, and this will impact the rate offered. Some will commit for the full term of say 25 years; others want to review every 5 years. In general, the shorter the commitment the lower the interest rate but subsequent renewals may see the rate rise and additional fees incurred. When comparing rates make sure you compare offers with the same terms and commitment.
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Don’t over commit
A major consideration should be the monthly loan repayment commitment. What may be comfortable now may not be in a couple of years and remember if interest rates rise your repayments will increase. For this reason, do not over-commit and if appropriate go for a slightly longer loan term e.g. 25 years instead of 20, with the option to repay early without penalty.
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It doesn’t have to be either-or
You will probably be asked to decide between fixed rates or base rate linked; 20 or 25-years term, full repayment or interest only (if available). With the right provider however, it need not be ‘all or nothing’; as an example, you may be able to have part fixed, part variable and possibly some interest only. Decide what is best for you and get in built into your loan.
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Try and future-proof the loan
Try and make sure the loan has sufficient flexibility to allow for future partners changes, retirements etc. Consider what might happen; is there the possibility of a merger or surgery development? Do not commit to fixed rates if the contract may have to be ‘broken’ incurring large penalties. Also build in some flexibility to enable lump sum capital reductions or potentially increase the borrowing if circumstances change.
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Check all the ’small-print’
All contracts and agreements tend to have more ‘terms and conditions’ than the headline features. Make sure you understand anything which may impact your plans or mean additional fees. As examples, are personal guarantees required, are there restrictions on early repayments or the need for regular re-valuations at your expense?
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If it’s complicated take a step-by-step approach
Existing arrangements can be complicated with historic partner loans, some with fixed rates and penalties, others at very cheap rates, and all with different maturity dates. Refinancing every loan and every partner at the same time may not be possible. Decide how the ideal structure would look and then work towards it in stages if necessary. Make sure the bank works with you to provide what is best for the practice.
At the start of this article it was suggested the choices around practice loans can be confusing: the 10 items above probably reinforce that view! This leads to the final suggestion: use an experienced, independent specialist broker who knows all the banks healthcare teams and will help build the best loan package for you. They should work for you on a ‘no fee’ basis because if they arrange new finance, they will be paid an ‘Introducer Fee’ by the bank concerned.
Finally, always sense-check the loan offer with your accountant to ensure there are no hidden tax issues.
Ian Crompton ACIB
Contact Ian here for a review of your loan situation
E-Mail: [email protected]
Ian was the Head of HealthCare at Lloyds Banking Group until last year when he retired after 43 years with the bank. He has now established PrimaryCare Finance Consultancy Limited a fully independent specialist consultancy and is a finance broker as an Authorised Representative of Medifinance Ltd which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and a member of the NACFB
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