Privately backed property lender Mera Investment Management is undertaking a thought leadership report in partnership with academics from the London School of Economics (LSE), to explore the growing role of non-bank finance in UK real estate.
The aim is to explore the broader implications of non-bank lending, including its impact on high-risk sectors and underwriting standards.
Mera will produce the report in partnership with Professor Olmo Silva and Dr Ignacio Aravena-Gonzalez of LSE.
Core to the research is a Broker Survey (launched today, 18 September 2025 - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K96SMMN) to track demand-side lending trends, alongside insights from HNWIs offering an investor perspective.
Topics include the asset types most financed using private credit, loan structure, interest rate expectations, geographic focus, and macroeconomic influences like geopolitical risk and inflation.
The wider report will combine desktop research and bespoke data from broker and HNWI surveys, examining borrower trends, lending conditions, and investor sentiment.
Edward Matthews, Mera CEO, comments:
“Private credit is no longer a niche. Institutional capital is stepping in to fill the gap left by retreating banks—bringing increased liquidity and competition.
“We’re excited to be spearheading this research project, supported by our leading academic and research partner LSE, to better understand the impact of this market shift and to shine a light on the opportunities and challenges presented as a result.
“We look forward to engaging with a range of borrowers and stakeholders on the topic to track year-on-year borrower sentiment regarding non-bank lending and what it means for the future of real estate funding.”
Olmo Silva, Professor of Real Estate Economics and Finance at the London School of Economics, says:
“Private credit is rapidly becoming a dominant force within real estate finance. This report will explore the dynamics that have led to its rise in popularity, as well as the unique risks and opportunities it presents for investors, developers, and intermediaries alike.
“We are excited to partner with Mera Investment Management for this first-of-a-kind report and welcome active participation from brokers, whose on-the-ground expertise will be invaluable in helping us to understand the long-term implications of private credit on the sector.”
Property finance brokers are invited to take part in the research via the Broker Survey which will be open until early October 2025.
