A property finance lender is celebrating its 45th year in business with sights set on an ambitious growth strategy.
Dorset-based MSP Capital is marking four and a half decades of helping property developers access funds when they have faced challenges raising capital elsewhere.
Founded by Ray Higgins in February 1981, MSP Capital has grown to employ a team of 50, all ‘property people’ irrespective of their department, with a further eight due to join this year.
With Ray’s retirement in 2003, the firm entered a new era under the leadership of his son Martin, growing significantly to become a major force in the market.
As a principal lender, it caught the attention of institutional investors and in 2018 Cabot Square Capital bought a controlling interest.
Pollen Street Capital, Shawbrook Bank and the world’s largest bank, JP Morgan, have also come on board as funding partners, adding capacity to enable highly competitive lending rates across both development and bridging loan products.
Two years ago, the MSP Capital loan book stood at £300 million. The aim now is to grow lending to £750 million by 2030.
Chief Executive Leigh Bartlett, who joined the firm in 2024 after more than 20 years’ director-level experience, said: “It is a real achievement to make it to 45 years, with MSP now established as a major force in the property development market. We want to deliver an expanded geography with more core regions. We’re looking to work more closely with brokers and intermediaries on a national basis. It’s all about continuing to evolve, grow and make MSP Capital an even stronger partner for our customers in the years ahead.”
Leigh’s comments were echoed by Philip George, board chairman, who said: “Reaching our 45th anniversary is a great achievement. When the firm was founded, its single purpose was to help small property developers access funds when they had been shut out by the banks and other traditional lenders. Forty-five years later, that still holds true. With the business led by Leigh, I believe the next five years are going to be the most exciting yet. Team MSP have proved their resilience in the past and the aim now is to grow to become the lender of choice for specialist property finance in the UK.”
The 45th anniversary year will feature dedicated events for clients, brokers and staff with the company keen to celebrate its longevity with those who have contributed to its success.
When MSP Capital was founded in 1981, the average house price in the UK was around £19,737 to £23,730, roughly three times the value of a typical buyer’s annual salary.
According to Rightmove, the average housing price is now £368, 031, a rise equivalent to more than six times a salary in many locations, and in some, more than ten.
Leigh added: “These figures tell a powerful story about how the market, and the needs of borrowers, have evolved. What was once a relatively straightforward path to homeownership has become more complex, with higher entry costs, tighter affordability metrics, and increased pressure on developers and landlords to structure projects carefully from day one.
“As property values have climbed and traditional lending criteria have shifted, specialist finance has played an increasingly important role in keeping transactions moving and developments viable. Flexible funding solutions, faster decision-making, and a deeper understanding of regional markets have become essential tools for investors, developers, and brokers navigating today’s landscape.
“Despite the challenges posed by higher prices and changing economic cycles, opportunity remains strong across the UK property sector. Demand for quality housing continues to outstrip supply in many areas, With the right financial partner, borrowers can adapt to market conditions, unlock value and move forward with confidence.”
