Offa Operations

About Offa Operations

Offa was founded in September 2019 as the UK's first Shariah-compliant bridging finance provider — a distinction it holds to this day. The Solihull-based business operates under the principles of Islamic finance, which prohibits the charging or paying of interest (riba), structuring its loans instead under a Murabaha (cost-plus-profit sale) framework: Offa acquires the property on behalf of the borrower and sells it at a pre-agreed markup, with the profit rate clearly disclosed from the outset.

The name is deliberate and historically grounded. King Offa ruled Mercia — the Midlands kingdom — in the 8th century, and his dinar coin bore both his name and the Shahada (Islamic declaration of faith), a testament to the commercial and cultural links between early medieval England and the Islamic world. That history shapes Offa's Midlands base and its broader mission to bring Islamic finance into the mainstream of UK property lending.

Offa has grown rapidly since launch. In April 2024 it secured a £100 million credit line from Gulf Islamic Investments Group, a UAE-based Islamic asset manager, for its bridge finance arm — materially expanding its lending capacity. The FCA has also authorised Offa to provide Home Purchase Plans (HPPs), making it only the third active provider of HPPs in the UK and the first new entrant in over seven years. The acquisition of Bank of Ireland's Alburaq Islamic home finance portfolio in late 2024 added over 350 existing HPP customers.

Bridging Loans from Offa

Offa lends from £100,000 to £5 million on bridging, with terms up to 24 months and finance-to-values up to 75% on residential (65% on commercial). The profit rate is 1.00% per month — transparently disclosed as a fixed markup rather than interest. Both residential and commercial properties are eligible. Offa accepts individuals, sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, LLPs and on/offshore SPVs. Borrowers do not need to be Muslim; Offa's ethical finance model is open to all.

What Can Offa Finance?

• Residential bridging — purchase, refinance, auction
• Commercial and mixed-use property
• Light and heavy refurbishment
• Bridge-to-let transitions
• UK residents, expats and international clients
• Offshore SPVs and corporate structures

How to Apply with Offa

Offa accepts applications directly and through intermediaries. All applications are processed digitally with a paperless process. Enquiries should be directed to [email protected]. The team is based at 1 Homer Road, Solihull and operates Monday to Friday during standard business hours. A rapid decision service is available with funding arranged within days on qualifying cases.