Sheffield Town Hall

Bridging Loans

Fast, flexible short-term finance to bridge the gap between property transactions. Ideal for property developers, auction purchases, and homeowners caught in a chain.

What are Bridging Loans?

Bridging loans are short-term financing solutions designed to 'bridge the gap' between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing one, or to provide quick access to funds for time-sensitive property transactions.

Key Features

  • • Short-term loans, typically 1-24 months
  • • Higher interest rates than standard mortgages
  • • Fast approval and funding process (as quick as 7-14 days)
  • • Secured against property or land
  • • Flexible repayment options
  • • Can be arranged for properties not suitable for traditional mortgages

Who is it for?

  • Closed Bridge: Has a fixed repayment date, typically when you have a confirmed sale
  • Open Bridge: No fixed repayment date, offering more flexibility
  • First Charge: The primary loan secured against a property
  • Second Charge: An additional loan when there's already a mortgage in place
  • Regulated: For owner-occupied residential properties
  • Unregulated: For investment properties and commercial purposes

How Bridging Loans Differ from Traditional Mortgages

Unlike traditional mortgages that are designed as long-term financing solutions over many years, bridging loans are specifically structured for short-term needs. They offer quick access to funds with minimal paperwork and faster approval processes, making them ideal for time-sensitive situations.

While they typically have higher interest rates than standard mortgages, the short-term nature of bridging loans means they can be a cost-effective solution for the right circumstances, particularly when speed is essential.

Common Uses for Bridging Loans

Bridging loans are versatile financial tools that can solve a variety of property and business challenges. Here are some of the most common scenarios where they prove invaluable:

Breaking Property Chains

When you've found your dream home but haven't yet sold your current property, a bridging loan can help you secure the purchase without waiting for your sale to complete.

Auction Purchases

Property auctions typically require completion within 28 days. Bridging finance provides the quick funds needed to secure auction properties before arranging long-term financing.

Quick Property Purchase

When a fast purchase is essential to secure a property at a good price or beat competing buyers, bridging loans offer the speed traditional mortgages can't match.

Property Development

Fund the purchase and renovation of a property before selling it or refinancing with a traditional mortgage once work is complete.

Unmortgageable Properties

For properties in poor condition that don't qualify for standard mortgages, bridging finance can fund the purchase and renovation to make them mortgageable.

Business Cash Flow

Businesses can use bridging loans secured against commercial property to manage cash flow gaps or fund time-sensitive business opportunities.

The Bridging Loan Process

Securing a bridging loan is typically faster than a traditional mortgage, but it still involves several key steps. Here's what you can expect when applying for a bridging loan with Friends Capital:

  • Initial Consultation

    We'll discuss your requirements, the property details, your exit strategy, and the amount you need to borrow.

  • Loan Assessment

    We'll assess your circumstances and search the market for the most suitable bridging loan options for your specific needs.

  • Application & Valuation

    Once you've chosen a lender, we'll submit your application and arrange for a property valuation to be conducted.

  • Legal Process

    Solicitors will handle the legal aspects, including property searches, contracts, and securing the loan against your property.

  • Loan Completion

    Once all checks are complete and legal work is finalized, the funds will be released to you or your solicitor.

  • Exit Strategy Implementation

    At the end of the loan term, you'll implement your exit strategy, whether that's selling the property, refinancing with a traditional mortgage, or another solution.

The Bridging Loan Process

Securing a bridging loan is typically faster than a traditional mortgage, but it still involves several key steps. Here's what you can expect when applying for a bridging loan with Friends Capital:

Initial Consultation

We'll discuss your requirements, the property details, your exit strategy, and the amount you need to borrow.

Save for a Deposit

Most lenders require at least 5-10% of the property value as a deposit. Government schemes like Help to Buy and Lifetime ISAs can help boost your savings.

Loan Assessment

We'll assess your circumstances and search the market for the most suitable bridging loan options for your specific needs.

Get Mortgage Ready

Check your credit score, gather necessary documents, and understand your budget. We'll help you prepare for the mortgage application process.

Application & Valuation

Once you've chosen a lender, we'll submit your application and arrange for a property valuation to be conducted.

Find Your Dream Home

With a mortgage in principle, you can start viewing properties within your budget and make offers with confidence.

Legal Process

Solicitors will handle the legal aspects, including property searches, contracts, and securing the loan against your property.

Complete the Purchase

Once your offer is accepted, we'll guide you through the legal process, surveys, and final mortgage application to completion.

Loan Completion

Once all checks are complete and legal work is finalised, the funds will be released to you or your solicitor.

Move In

Congratulations! You've completed your purchase and can now move into your first home. We'll still be here for any future mortgage needs.

Exit Strategy Implementation

At the end of the loan term, you'll implement your exit strategy, whether that's selling the property, refinancing with a traditional mortgage, or another solution.

Complete the Purchase

Once your offer is accepted, we'll guide you through the legal process, surveys, and final mortgage application to completion.

How Friends Capital Can Help with Bridging Loans

Navigating the bridging loan market can be complex, with numerous lenders offering varying terms, rates, and criteria. As specialist bridging loan brokers, we have the expertise and lender relationships to secure the right solution for your needs. We can provide:

  • Access to a wide panel of specialist bridging lenders, including those not available directly to the public
  • Expert guidance on choosing the right type of bridging loan for your specific circumstances
  • Assistance with developing a clear and viable exit strategy
  • Handling of the entire application process, including paperwork and lender negotiations
  • Advice on minimising costs and finding the most competitive rates
  • Support throughout the process, from initial inquiry to loan completion

With access to the whole of the market and years of experience in arranging bridging finance, we can help you secure funding quickly and efficiently, even in complex or time-sensitive situations.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about bridging loans and how they work.
How quickly can I get a bridging loan?
Bridging loans can be arranged much faster than traditional mortgages. In some cases, funds can be released in as little as 7-14 days from application. However, the exact timeframe depends on the complexity of your situation, the property involved, and how quickly valuations and legal work can be completed.
What is an exit strategy and why is it important?
An exit strategy is your plan for repaying the bridging loan at the end of the term. Common exit strategies include selling a property, refinancing to a traditional mortgage, or using funds from another source. Lenders require a clear and viable exit strategy before approving a bridging loan, as these loans are not designed for long-term borrowing.
How much can I borrow with a bridging loan?
Bridging loan amounts typically range from £50,000 to several million pounds. The amount you can borrow depends on the value of the property being used as security (the loan-to-value ratio), your exit strategy, and your overall financial situation. Most lenders offer up to 70-75% LTV, though some may go higher in certain circumstances.
What costs are involved with bridging loans?
Costs typically include: 1) Interest (usually charged monthly and can be 'rolled up' into the loan), 2) Arrangement fees (typically 1-2% of the loan amount), 3) Valuation fees, 4) Legal fees (both yours and the lender's), 5) Administration or exit fees, and 6) Broker fees if applicable. We'll provide a clear breakdown of all costs before you proceed.
Can I get a bridging loan with bad credit?
Yes, it's possible to secure a bridging loan with adverse credit history. Unlike traditional mortgages, bridging lenders are often more concerned with the security property and your exit strategy than your credit score. However, a poor credit history may affect the interest rate offered or the maximum LTV available.
What's the difference between regulated and unregulated bridging loans?
Regulated bridging loans are for owner-occupied residential properties and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing additional consumer protections. Unregulated bridging loans are for investment properties, commercial purposes, or business use. The application process, terms, and protections differ between the two types.

Need Fast, Flexible Financing for Your Property Transaction?

Our bridging loan specialists are ready to help you secure the short-term funding you need, with competitive rates and quick turnaround times.