Bridging finance
Short-term, secured lending used to move quickly on a purchase, refinance out of an existing facility, or cover a timing gap while a longer-term facility or sale completes.
What is bridging finance?
Bridging finance is a short-term loan secured against property, typically drawn in a single tranche and repaid within weeks or months rather than years. It is priced and underwritten for speed: valuation, legal and drawdown timelines are compressed compared with a term facility.
For developers it is most often used to acquire a site or asset before planning is in place, to refinance out of a maturing facility while a sale or long-term loan completes, or to release equity from an existing asset to fund the deposit on a new scheme.
Who it's for
Developers who need to complete a purchase before a longer-term facility is arranged.
Investors bridging out of one facility while a sale or refinance completes.
Anyone releasing equity from an unencumbered or low-LTV asset to fund a deposit elsewhere.
How it works
Eligibility
Available against residential, commercial, mixed-use and land security. Lenders on the panel will consider unmortgageable or part-complete property where a term lender would decline. A clear, credible exit route is the single most important underwriting factor.
Costs
Pricing reflects speed and short duration rather than headline rate — expect an arrangement fee (typically 1–2%) and an exit fee alongside the monthly rate. Indicative figures — subject to status, valuation and lender criteria.
When to use bridging finance vs. the alternatives
Questions on bridging finance
How fast can bridging finance complete?
Where valuation and legal work move in parallel, completion in 1–3 weeks is achievable; exact timing depends on the asset and the readiness of your legal team.
Do I need an exit strategy in place?
Yes — every bridging lender on the panel requires a clear, credible route out, whether that is sale, refinance, or a development facility completing behind it.
Can I bridge to let?
Yes. Where the exit is a term buy-to-let or investment mortgage rather than a sale, we structure the bridge with that refinance in mind from the outset.