The client had previously taken out an £80,000 second charge to fund works on his mid-terraced property in West Norwood.

However, the original builders disappeared after being paid a substantial deposit and commencing the project.

An enforcement notice was later issued by the local authority following a number of complaints from neighbours who were angry at the state of the property, which had fallen into disrepair.

With the seconds lender refusing to help, Roma Finance agreed to lend £250,000 to pay off the original loan, placate the local authority and complete the conversion.

Scott Marshall, managing director of Roma Finance, said: “This was one of those cases which we knew would be worthwhile for all concerned.

“Several other lenders wouldn’t lend because of the enforcement notice, but having met the applicant, we knew the issues were not of his making and we could see the property’s potential.

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“We showed our understanding of the problems a customer can have with a project like this and, despite setbacks, we stuck by the borrower … when other lenders might not have been so understanding.”

The bridging finance was released in stages subject to ongoing inspections.

However, a backlog at the local authority resulted in a three-month delay before the building inspector could undertake the final inspection.

This prevented the borrower from refinancing and exiting the bridge.

In response, Roma Finance granted an extension to the term until the borrower was issued with a completion certificate.

The client was then able to obtain his refinance without being defaulted.

“I would just like to thank the staff at Roma Finance for being polite, friendly and always accommodating,” the borrower added.

“A special mention to Mr Scott Marshall, who I found to be a very genuine, honest and kind person.”