Bridging Loan Calculator

Using a bridging loan calculator allows you to work out exactly how much you’re going to pay for utilising bridging finance. Most calculators offered a clear indication of both ongoing loan rates and repayment costs. However, calculators won’t be able to include any additional fees that certain lenders may provide.

As ever we caution that all borrowers do their due diligence on the finance you’re considering, to avoid any surprises further down the line.

Who Might Benefit from a Bridging Loan Calculator?

Bridging loans, like any form of finance, are dependent on a number of factors including the larger fluctuations in the market, as well as the particular offerings made my lenders at any point in time. Anyone considering a bridging loan is likely aware that this form of finance can be more expensive than traditional mortgages or bank loans. It works well for a shorter period of time but can become onerous if an existing property fails to sell.

Using a bridging loan calculator is an important first step in considering the viability of using this form of finance. The calculators will also demonstrate how fluctuations in interest rates can have sizeable effect on your overall monthly repayments.

How are Bridging Loans Calculated?

The best calculators will cover the following:

• Amount of Money required to borrow
• Loan Duration
• Value of Property to be used as loan security
• Is property used as security
• Any balance of current outstanding mortgage
• Rolled up or monthly interest?
• Early Settlement Amount

Additional Fees Which May Not be Covered by the Bridging Finance Calculator

• Lender Facility Fee
• Property Valuation Fees
• Legal Costs
• Administration Fees
• Exit Fees
• Broker Fees

The Accuracy of Your Financial Data is Essential

Not only is it crucial to be as precise as possible when inputting your financial data, you should also be aware that these types of calculators are at best an estimate. Each loan application will have a different case history and set of credit scores behind it, meaning each one must be considered on its own merits by the underwriters. Using a bridging loan calculator is a useful place to start, but it may be that speaking with an expert could yield you a substantially different figure.

Bridging Finance Loan to Value Ratio (LTV)

Loan to value ratio means the percentage of your equity which a provider will lend you. So if your property is worth 1,000,000 (and you own it outright), you could borrow 500,000 at a 50% LTV.

With bridging finance, a typical LTV might be 65% with some lenders stretching up to 80% in specific circumstances.

Retained Vs. Monthly Interest

You’ll see two interest options on our calculator: retained or monthly.

Monthly interest is fairly self-explanatory, you’ll pay an agreed monthly interest amount on your bridging loan.

Retained interest means the total interest for the agreed duration of the loan is calculated and charged upfront. So if you’re borrowing 100,000 at 1% interest over a 12 month period, you would receive £88,000 from the lender.

NB, more bridging loans are offered on a retained interest basis,

Gross Vs. Net Loan Amount

Gross loan amount refers to the total amount borrowed including interest fees, plus any additional charges the lender includes. This is the figure you’re going to have to repay to the finance provider.

Net loan Amount is the amount that will arrive in your bank account, minus the agreed fees and charges. This is the figure upon which you can base your plans for what to do with the money, i.e. property renovation.

Broker Fees

Finance brokers typically charge a fee of around 1% which is added on to the initial payment.

If you’re working with a broker use the figures provider to add in to what the calculator provides.

NB, Business Expert do not charge any fees for the bridging loan introducer service we provide. We are paid a commission by the lenders which will not impact your costs in any way, nor result in a higher quote than had you gone to them directly.

Are Bridging Loans a Good Idea?

We are commonly asked if bridging loans are a good idea? The answer is that if you are informed about how they work, they are a fantastic form of short term finance that can be critical in business growth.

Over the years we’ve been doing this we can report that the borrowers experience has been hugely positive because we ensure they are educated, absolutely clear on the fee structure, and with a solid exit strategy.

Is There an Alternative to a Bridging Loan?

The typical alternatives to bridging loans would be:

• commercial mortgages
• asset refinancing
• asset based loans
• development finance
• commercial loans
• secured loans
• invoice finance

How Much Equity do you Need for a Bridging Loan?

Although 100% LTV bridging loans are sometimes available, the much more common scenario is a maximum of 75% LTV. This means you’re going to need at least 25% of the property price as equity.

The nature of your security, as well as your credit score is going to contribute towards the LTV ratio you’re offered.

Can you get 100% Bridging Finance?

As mentioned above this is the exception rather than the rule. A 100% LTV loan means you want to borrow the total amount of a given asset, usually property, in the form of a bridging loan.

Should you have an asset which covers the entire value of the bridging loan, it is possible to arrange 100% LTV loans with the right lenders.

This can also be achieved via putting up multiple securities to act as collateral. The lenders are chiefly involved in risk management so as long as they feel they are covered the underwriters will likely sign off on the quote.

FAQ’s