October 22, 2025
Lender Comparisons

Lendingcrowd vs Assetz Capital: Compare Loans

Compare Lendingcrowd and Assetz Capital for loans. Find out about rates, eligibility, and customer service.
James Laden
Co-founder and CEO

This guide compares two well-known UK lenders that serve SMEs with term and property-backed funding. LendingCrowd focuses on fast, fixed-rate business loans for established firms. Assetz Capital specialises in property-secured lending, including development and bridging facilities. If you are weighing unsecured or lightly secured cash flow funding against property-backed finance, this comparison will help you pick a route that fits your plans today.

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TL;DR
  • LendingCrowd offers fixed-term business loans up to £500,000 with no early repayment fees and clear arrangement charges.
  • Assetz Capital focuses on property-backed lending, with products for development, bridging and commercial mortgages.
  • Choose LendingCrowd for straightforward working capital and refinancing where speed and simplicity matter.
  • Choose Assetz Capital if you can provide property security and want larger ticket sizes or staged development drawdowns.
  • Headline pricing differs: unsecured term loans usually cost more than senior, property-secured facilities, but fees and structure vary.

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Products and Terms at a Glance

LendingCrowd overview, loan sizes, fees, repayment style, terms, eligibility

LendingCrowd business loans are designed for UK SMEs that want fixed monthly repayments over a defined term. Typical loans range from £75,000 to £500,000, with terms from 6 to 60 months. Repayments are capital and interest on a monthly schedule. There are no charges for early settlement or partial overpayments (minimum £5,000). Personal guarantees are standard up to £350,000, with additional security potentially required above that level. Arrangement fees apply and are usually deducted from the advance on completion. Eligibility focuses on affordability, trading history and clean credit behaviour.

Key facts: £75,000–£500,000; 6–60 months; fixed monthly repayments; arrangement fee (up to 9% indicated in broker materials); no early repayment charges; overpayments allowed from £5,000; PGs expected; extra security more likely above £350,000. Sources linked in Sources.

Pros of LendingCrowd

  • Transparent, fixed-rate amortising loans with predictable monthly payments.
  • No early repayment penalties, allowing you to reduce interest by settling early.
  • Quick digital application and clear documentation requirements.
  • Suitable for refinancing existing borrowing or funding growth without property security up to mid-six figures.

Cons of LendingCrowd

  • Personal guarantees are required and tangible security may be needed on higher loan amounts.
  • Total cost can be higher than senior, property-secured lending for the same amount and term.
  • Loan sizes capped at £500,000, which may not suit larger projects.

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Assetz Capital overview, loan sizes, fees, repayment style, terms, eligibility

Assetz Capital is focused on property-backed SME finance. Core products include development finance (typically £1–£50 million on staged drawdown with LTGDV up to c.72% including interest), bridging finance (often 2–24 months, arrangement fee from 2%, max LTV up to 75% and indicative rates from c.9.25% p.a.), and commercial mortgages. Repayment styles vary: interest-only, interest-retained or serviced during the term, with capital repaid on exit for short-term facilities. Lending is secured on property, with guarantees expected for corporate borrowers. Pricing is tailored case by case.

Key facts: Bridging typical term 2–24 months; fee from 2%; up to 75% LTV; rates from c.9.25% p.a.; development finance up to £1–£50 million with LTGDV c.72% (including interest). Sources linked in Sources.

Pros of Assetz Capital

  • Large ticket sizes with bespoke structuring for property-backed projects.
  • Range of options: bridging, development, commercial mortgages and secured term loans.
  • Flexible repayment structures (retained, serviced or interest-only).
  • No early repayment charges advertised on bridging, aiding quicker exits if a sale completes sooner.

Cons of Assetz Capital

  • Requires property security and robust exit strategy; not ideal for unsecured working capital needs.
  • Arrangement fees and professional costs (valuations, legal) can increase the effective cost of capital.
  • Underwriting is bespoke, which can lengthen timelines compared with smaller, unsecured loans.

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Two lenders, one view: costs, limits, pace and digital ease

This dashboard turns a long comparison into eight quick charts. Each chart shows a range, and the small dot marks a typical case. Use it to size up rates, loan ceilings, repayment terms and how quickly cash arrives. The goal is simple: give a UK business owner a fast, visual sense of whether a fixed rate term loan or a property backed facility makes more sense today.

Rates shift with credit strength, sector and security. A 1% difference on £100,000 over five years adds about £3,000 in extra interest. A wide band means the lender prices case by case. If your file is strong, you are more likely to land near the low end. Gather accounts and bank data early if you want to anchor at the bottom of the range.

Unsecured loans cap out around £500k. Property backed deals stretch to many millions. Smaller sums suit fit outs or stock buys. Larger tickets cover acquisitions or capex. Remember that headline maximums rely on affordability and collateral, not just appetite.

Longer terms cut monthly repayments but increase the total interest. At £50,000, three years means higher monthly strain but cheaper overall. Six years halves the monthly but adds more than £10,000 in extra interest. Use longer terms if cash flow is tight, shorter terms if profits are close and you can settle early.

Fast cases can complete in days if files are clean. Delays usually come from missing bank statements or property checks. If payroll is due soon, choose speed over headline price. Have IDs, accounts and any property papers ready to avoid bottlenecks.

Arrangement fees are usually 1% to 2% of the facility. On £250,000 that is several thousand pounds. They may be deducted on day one or added to the balance. Model the all in cost before you sign, as the cheapest looking rate can be offset by a high fee.

Digital scores combine open banking, accounting integrations, API, mobile app and user experience. Higher scores mean faster underwriting and less admin. If digital ease matters, test the portal and connections before you apply.

Trustpilot and Google stars give one view, while NPS shows customer loyalty. High counts mean more reliable signals. Read the latest reviews for detail on speed, document handling and service, as these vary by case.

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Costs and Repayments in Practice

Pricing differs by product and risk. With LendingCrowd, you pay a fixed annual interest rate and an arrangement fee, with no early repayment charges. Repayments are amortising, so the interest portion falls as the balance reduces. With Assetz Capital, rates depend on the asset, LTV or LTGDV and borrower profile. Bridging and development loans are interest-only or interest-retained with fees on entry (and sometimes other professional fees). You repay the capital at exit, often when a refinance or sale completes.

Headline costs (illustrative) LendingCrowd (term loan) Assetz Capital (bridging)
Typical facility size £75,000 to £500,000 £500,000 to £10,000,000 preferred
Rate headline From c. 6.95% p.a. fixed From c. 9.25% p.a. interest-only
Arrangement fee Up to c. 9% (deducted) From c. 2% (plus professional costs)
Repayment style Capital + interest monthly Interest-only or retained; capital repaid at exit
Early repayment No penalties; overpay from £5,000 No early repayment charges on bridging

Figures above are indicative and based on current public materials at the time of writing. Lenders price by risk, security and case specifics.

Worked example: LendingCrowd term loan. A manufacturing firm borrows £150,000 as a fixed-rate term loan over 48 months at 11.9% p.a., with a 5% arrangement fee deducted. Net advance is £142,500. Monthly repayment on a fully amortising schedule is around £3,944. Total repaid over the term is roughly £189,300, of which interest is around £39,300. Because there is no early repayment charge, the borrower could settle after 24 months, saving remaining interest (figures simplified for illustration).

Worked example: Assetz Capital bridging. A property company completes a £500,000 bridging loan at 9.5% p.a. for 12 months, with a 2% arrangement fee added and interest retained. Total retained interest is about £47,500 for a full year. The arrangement fee is £10,000. Legal and valuation costs are paid separately. On exit at month 10 via a commercial mortgage, the borrower repays the £500,000 capital plus accrued retained interest to that date and fees already paid. Assetz Capital states no early repayment charges on bridging, so exiting early reduces interest cost.

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Speed and Service

Lending speed depends on the complexity of the case and how quickly documents are provided. LendingCrowd promotes rapid decisions and a streamlined digital process. For many SMEs, indicative offers can be produced quickly once accounts and bank statements are uploaded. Because loans are amortising with fixed payments, documents are focused on affordability and trading performance rather than property valuation.

Assetz Capital deals are bespoke and property-led. Timeframes depend on valuation, legal due diligence and the borrower’s readiness. For bridging, the lender advertises quick, honest decisions and no minimum charging periods, which helps when a purchase deadline is close. Development finance involves feasibility, cost schedules and staged drawdowns, so the timeline is more involved. Expect to factor in professional fees and third-party schedules when planning completion dates.

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Who Each Lender Suits

Typical scenario for LendingCrowd

An established services firm with at least two years’ trading wants to consolidate existing borrowing and fund a marketing push. It needs a straightforward cash injection without offering property as first-charge security. A fixed-rate unsecured business loan structure up to mid-six figures with no early repayment charges fits well. The business can overpay when cash flow improves, reducing interest.

Typical scenario for Assetz Capital

A regional developer wants to acquire a building, refurbish and sell within 12–18 months. They seek a senior facility secured on the asset with an LTV up to 75% and interest retained. A bridging facility or secured term loan gives speed and flexibility, with exit via a commercial mortgage or sale. For ground-up schemes, a staged development finance line supports build costs and interest until units are sold or refinanced.

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How to Apply

Application steps and documentation required for each lender

LendingCrowd. Prepare two years’ filed accounts (last set no older than 15 months), the last three months’ business bank statements, details of existing borrowing and the purpose of funds. Expect credit checks on the company and major shareholders, and to provide personal guarantees. Typical eligibility includes two years’ trading, turnover above £100,000 and no recent serious credit issues. Once approved, funds are released after documentation is signed; arrangement fees are deducted from the loan. Because there are no early repayment charges and overpayments from £5,000 are allowed, you can manage interest cost actively.

Assetz Capital. For property-backed cases, assemble title documents, planning status, schedules of works, professional reports, valuation, and an exit plan. For development finance, expect to provide build costings, programme, QS reports, and evidence of experience. For bridging, identify the property, confirm intended use and evidence of exit (sale or refinance). Personal guarantees are usually required for corporate borrowers. Fees include lender fee, valuation and legal costs. Funding draws follow valuation and QS sign-off on development.

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Final Verdict: Which Lender Fits Your Business Best

Choose LendingCrowd if…

  • You want a fixed-rate, amortising loan with predictable monthly payments.
  • You prefer no early repayment penalties so you can overpay when cash allows.
  • You need up to £500,000 without a first-charge over property.
  • Your business has at least two years’ trading, £100,000+ turnover and stable cash flow.
  • You are consolidating debt, funding stock or investing in growth with clear affordability.

Choose Assetz Capital if…

  • You can offer property security and want larger ticket sizes.
  • Your project is time-sensitive and suits bridging with an identified exit.
  • You are undertaking a residential development and need staged drawdowns with LTGDV parameters.
  • You want flexibility to service or retain interest and exit early without charges on bridging.
  • You need a lender experienced in complex, property-led SME transactions.

Both lenders have clear use cases. If you are unsure which route fits your plans, speak with Funding Agent. We compare lenders and structures across the market and can guide you through documentation and terms. To get started, use our simple enquiry form.

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Sources

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FAQs

Which lender offers better rates for personal loans, Lendingcrowd or Assetz Capital?
Can I qualify for a Lendingcrowd loan if I don't meet Assetz Capital's criteria?
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