Whether you’re eyeing a property venture, or seeking quick capital, navigate through your options with our bridging loan comparison tool. Tailored for borrowers in the UK, this service simplifies the quest for the right bridging loan to fit your unique needs.

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How to Choose the Best Bridging Loan

When selecting a bridging loan, focus first on understanding your needs and compare the loan features, assess the lenders’ reputation and seek professional advice. Be sure to have a clear and logical exit strategy in place and be prepared for the application process with the necessary documents and research beforehand. Be open to reviewing and renegotiating the terms. Finally, take extra precautions with the last checks on things like the terms and conditions to make sure you fully understand what you are getting into.

Understand Your Needs

Loan Amount: Estimate the minimum and maximum amount you need. This helps in finding a loan that you can comfortably repay without overborrowing.

Time Frame: Bridging loans are short-term. Knowing how quickly you can repay the loan is crucial, as it affects the loan terms and interest rates.

Compare Loan Features

Interest Rates: Compare the interest rates of different lenders. Bridging loans can have higher rates, so finding a competitive rate is key to reducing overall costs.

Fees and Charges: Look beyond the headline rate. Consider arrangement fees, exit fees, valuation fees, and any other hidden costs.

Loan Terms: Evaluate the flexibility of loan terms. Can you repay early without penalty? What are the consequences of a late repayment?

Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio: Determine the maximum LTV ratio offered by lenders. A higher LTV might mean you can borrow more, but it can also lead to higher interest rates.

Assess Lender Reputation

Lender Experience: Choose a lender with experience in bridging loans. They can provide valuable guidance and may offer more tailored loan products.

Customer Reviews: Check reviews and testimonials to gauge the lender’s service quality and reliability.

Professional Accreditation: Ensure that the lender is regulated by the appropriate financial authority and adheres to industry standards.

Professional Advice

Financial Advisor: Consult a financial advisor to understand the implications of taking out a bridging loan and how it fits into your overall financial plan.

Solicitor’s Input: A solicitor can review the loan agreement to ensure that the terms are fair and that you are fully aware of your obligations.

Have an Exit Strategy

Repayment Plan: Having a clear and realistic exit strategy for repaying the loan is perhaps the most crucial aspect. Whether it’s through the sale of a property, refinancing, or another means, lenders will want to know your plan.

Application Preparedness

Documentation: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation in order to streamline the application process. This includes proof of income, identification, and details of your exit strategy.

Valuation: Be prepared for the property valuation process if the loan is secured against property. Understand how the valuation could affect your LTV ratio and the loan amount.

Review and Negotiate

Term Sheet and Offer: Carefully review the term sheet or loan offer from the lender. Don’t be afraid to negotiate terms if you feel it’s necessary.

Final Checks

Terms and Conditions: Before signing anything, read all the terms and conditions of the loan agreement thoroughly. Look for any clauses that could affect you, such as early repayment charges or what happens in the event of a default.

Why compare bridging loans with Business Expert?

Discover the ease of comparing bridging loans with Business Expert. Our comparison service is designed to provide you with a streamlined experience with the following aspects:

  • Saves Your Time: Save yourself hours of trawling through numerous bridging lender options and get it all done in one place.
  • Extensive Comparison: 21 top UK bridging lenders compared through our broker.
  • Tailored Choices: The smart comparison tool will adjust the results based on your filtered preference.
  • Streamlined Application: Seamless transition from comparison to application through our partnered broker, Fluent Money.
  • Insightful Bridging Lender Reviews: We have taken time to conduct detailed reviews for each of the bridging lenders that you can access via our broker*.

* Business Expert’s chosen broker for bridging loans is Fluent Money. We selected our partner based on a wealth of research into several aspects such as reviews, knowledge and insight, and lender panel size.

What is a bridging loan?

Bridging loans are a type of short-term financing designed to help individuals bridge a temporary financial gap, often encountered during property transactions.

They offer a quick solution when you require immediate funds, typically to secure a new property before selling your current one. The loan term usually ranges from a few weeks to several months, making them a suitable choice for covering immediate financial needs while waiting for more permanent financing.

When is a bridging loan right for You?

Bridging loans can be a viable solution in several scenarios. They are particularly beneficial when:

  • You’ve found your dream home, but haven’t sold your current property yet.
  • You’re awaiting approval for long-term financing but need immediate funds.
  • You have a business opportunity that requires quick funding.

Consider the following before opting for a bridging loan:

  • Assess your ability to repay the loan once your property is sold or long-term financing is secured.
  • Evaluate the loan costs and ensure they align with your financial situation.

Common Uses for a Bridging Loan

Bridging loans serve to swiftly bridge financial gaps, ideal for:

  • Property Purchases: Quick funding for auction properties, bridging the gap when buying before selling, or initiating property development before securing long-term loans.
  • Business Financing: Providing immediate capital for managing cash flow or seizing urgent business deals.
  • Renovations: Offering timely finance for upgrading or restoring properties, particularly when conventional mortgages aren’t an option.
  • Tax Payments: Settling immediate tax liabilities, including HMRC demands.
  • Legal Settlements: Covering costs in situations like divorce settlements or consolidating debts into a single payment.

Bridging loans are not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be chosen with a clear understanding of the costs and repayment demands. They are typically used when traditional financing options either take too long to secure or are not feasible for the borrower’s situation.

What types of bridging loans are there?

Bridging loans come in different types, each designed to cater to specific situations. The two primary types are:

Open Bridging Loans

Tailored for those who need financial flexibility, open bridging loans don’t come with a pre-determined repayment date. Instead, they generally operate within a time frame, often up to a year. The advantage is the inherent flexibility, but this comes at a cost: lenders, recognising the uncertainty, might levy higher interest rates.

Open Bridging Loans are ideal for:

  1. Ideal for borrowers who need financial flexibility.
  2. No fixed repayment date, providing time to secure long-term financing or sell an asset.

Closed Bridging Loans

These are for borrowers with a clear exit strategy. With a fixed repayment date, they are ideal when there’s certainty about incoming funds, such as from a confirmed property sale. Their structured nature might fetch slightly better interest rates compared to open bridging loans, given the reduced risk for lenders.

Closed Bridging Loans are great for:

  • Suitable for borrowers with a clear repayment strategy.
  • Fixed repayment date based on confirmed incoming funds, such as a property sale.

First and second charge loans

First Charge Loans

 As the primary loan is secured against a property, a first charge loan takes precedence over any subsequent financial claims on the asset. For borrowers, this might mean better interest rates, but it’s crucial to ensure repayment capabilities, as defaulting could risk the property.

Second Charge Loans

 When a property already serves as collateral for a loan or mortgage, any additional bridging loan would be a second charge loan. Since they sit behind primary loans in terms of repayment priority, they inherently carry more risk for lenders. This increased risk is often reflected in higher interest rates and stricter lending criteria.

It’s imperative to remember that irrespective of the loan type, lenders will invariably seek evidence of a robust repayment strategy. This assurance is foundational for the release of funds, ensuring the loan aligns with both the borrower’s needs and the lender’s risk parameters.

Bridging loan lending criteria

Below, is the lending criteria to factor-in when considering a bridging loan.

CriteriaDescription
AgeBorrowers must be at least 18 years old.
Bridging Loan SecurityLenders may accept various assets, including property, land, and other assets like vehicles, trade assets, and jewellery.
Exit StrategyThe borrower must have a plan to pay off the loan, which may include selling an existing property, a business merger, selling a business or shares, cashing in investments, or proceeds of debt repayment.
Loan SizeBridging loans through our broker start at £20,000 and can be as much as £30mil and above.
Loan TermTypically 1-18 months, though in some circumstances, it can be extended to 36 months or more. The regulated non-commercial sector has a mandatory 12-month limit.
Deposit SizeThe higher the deposit size, the lower the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and the less risky the loan is for the lender.
‘Acceptable Borrowers’Private individuals, limited companies, partnerships, pension funds, and offshore companies may apply.
Credit HistoryCredit history is less important than the security of the loan, but lenders may still consider the borrower’s credit history.
Proof of IncomeProof of income is standard practice for commercial loans and may come from tax returns, audited accounts, or bank statements.
Property Type & ConditionLenders consider specific property types and assess the property’s condition, planned use, and location.
LocationThe location of the property affects its value and the level of risk for the lender. Factors like accessibility, local property market, flood risk, and planning restrictions may impact eligibility.

Evaluating your financial position for a bridging loan

Before considering a bridging loan, it’s crucial to evaluate your financial position to ensure you can manage the loan repayments:

  1. Income and Expenses: Assess your monthly income against your expenses to determine your disposable income.
  2. Credit Score: Check your credit score as it could affect your eligibility and the interest rate offered.
  3. Asset Valuation: Get a professional valuation of the asset you plan to use as collateral for the loan.
  4. Repayment Plan: Devise a realistic repayment plan considering the sale of your current property or securing long-term financing.
  5. Financial Advisor Consultation: It might be beneficial to consult with a financial advisor to understand the implications of a bridging loan on your financial health.

Bridging Loan Costs: What to Expect

  1. Monthly Interest Rates:
    • Bridging loans are typically priced on a monthly basis due to their short-term nature. The interest rates can range between 0.4% to 2% per month depending on various factors including the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, the type of property, and the borrower’s creditworthiness.
    • Monthly interest rates can be compounded, meaning interest is charged on the initial amount borrowed as well as any accumulated interest from previous periods.
  2. Rolled-Up (Deferred) Interest:
    • In this method, interest is accumulated throughout the loan term but is not paid monthly. Instead, it’s ‘rolled up’ and repaid in a lump sum at the end of the loan term, along with the initial loan amount and any fees and charges​1​.
    • This can be beneficial for borrowers who may not have the immediate cash flow to make monthly interest payments, but it could result in paying more interest over the loan term due to compounding.
  3. Retained Interest:
    • Here, the interest for a predefined period (e.g., a few months or the entire term) is calculated and subtracted from the loan amount at the outset. The borrower receives the net loan amount after this deduction.
    • This method helps borrowers who need the loan but don’t have the means to service monthly interest payments initially. However, like rolled-up interest, this could result in higher total interest cost due to compounding.

Each of these methods has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the right one for you would depend on your financial situation and cash flow. In some cases, lenders may consider a combination of the above types of interest for specific periods of the loan.

It’s advisable to consult with a financial advisor to understand the implications of each interest charging method on your financial situation.

The other cost factors to consider often include:

Arrangement Fees: Fees for setting up the loan that are typically around 2%.

Valuation Fees: Cost of valuing the asset used as collateral.

Legal Fees: Associated with the loan agreements.

Early Repayment Charges: If applicable, charges for repaying the loan early.

The Application Process and Loan Acceptance

Below, is a standard set of steps that you can expect when applying and accepting a bridging loan from a lender:

Step 1: Initial Contact

Reach out to lenders with a brief overview of what you need the loan for and what you can offer as security. Be clear about how much you need to borrow and your plan to repay the loan.

Step 2: Gather Your Paperwork

Prepare key documents including ID, proof of address, financial statements, details of the property you’re purchasing, and your exit strategy.

Step 3: Submit Application

Complete the application form provided by the lender and attach all necessary documents. Accuracy is key to a smooth borrowing process.

Step 4: Property Valuation

For loans secured against property, the lender will assess the value of your property to determine how much they can lend you.

Step 5: Legal Due Diligence

The lender will perform legal checks on the property to ensure everything is in order for it to be used as collateral.

Step 6: Review the Offer

Look over the loan offer carefully. This includes the amount, interest rate, any fees, and how you’re expected to repay.

Step 7: Acceptance and Funding

When you accept the offer, discuss with the lender if the loan will be provided in one lump sum or in parts, known as tranches. This is common when funds are released at different stages of a project.

Step 8: Communication

Keep in touch with your lender after acceptance of funds. If your circumstances change or if you have any concerns about repaying the loan, let them know immediately.

Preparing your exit plan

A well-prepared exit plan is vital for securing and successfully repaying a bridging loan. Here’s what to consider:

  • Property Sale: If you plan to sell a property, ensure it’s realistically priced and marketable to avoid delays.
  • Refinancing: Research refinancing options early to secure a mortgage or loan with a longer term for repayment.
  • Business Revenue: If relying on business income, have clear projections and contingency plans to cover loan repayment.
  • Asset Liquidation: Identify any assets you could liquidate quickly if necessary, without harming your financial stability.

Bridging loan product examples

Below, is a set of bridging loan product examples that can be accessed from the panel of lenders available through our bridging broker. We have included some common scenarios that prospective borrowers often find themselves in, and then cross-referenced these with the lending criteria that is offered from the bridging lenders:

1. First-Time Homebuyers Needing Quick Funds

Scenario: Lucy and James found their dream home but haven’t yet sold their existing property. They need a quick loan to bridge the gap. Below is a bridging loan example that helps them solve this challenge:

DetailInformation
Loan Amount£250,000
Interest Rate0.6% per month
LTV70%
SecuritySecured against their current residence
Special FeatureN/A
Duration12 months
Total Interest Amount£18,000 (£250,000 × 0.6% × 12)
Total Amount Due£268,000 (£250,000 + £18,000)

2. Investor Seeking Commercial Property Transition

Scenario: Mr. Patel wishes to purchase a commercial building and convert it into residential apartments. Here is an example of a bridging loan that serves Mr. Patel’s needs:

DetailInformation
Loan Amount£1.5m
Interest Rate1.2% per month
LTV65%
SecuritySecured against the commercial property
Special FeatureGround-up development and conversion finance
Duration18 months
Total Interest Amount£324,000 (£1.5m × 1.2% × 18)
Total Amount Due£1.824m (£1.5m + £324,000)

3. Adverse Credit Applicant Wanting to Purchase a New Home

Scenario: Maria has a challenging credit history but has found a property she wishes to buy. She requires funding while she resolves her credit issues. Below, is Maria’s bridging loan product example that may be accessed through the panel of lenders available through our broker:

DetailInformation
Loan Amount£100,000
Interest Rate1.5% per month
LTV65%
SecuritySecured against the new property
Special FeatureAdverse credit consideration
Duration12 months
Total Interest Amount£18,000 (£100,000 × 1.5% × 12)
Total Amount Due£118,000 (£100,000 + £18,000)

4. Developer Looking for Ground-Up Development Finance

Scenario: Mr. Thompson is a property developer looking to build a new residential complex from the ground up. Here is the bridging loan that Mr. Thompson could use to solve his development requirements using our broker:

DetailInformation
Loan Amount£5m
Interest Rate1% per month
LTV70%
SecuritySecured against the development land
Special FeatureGround-up development finance
Duration24 months
Total Interest Amount£1.2m (£5m × 1% × 24)
Total Amount Due£6.2m (£5m + £1.2m)

5. Estate Settlement with Pending Probate

Scenario: The Wilson family is dealing with an estate that requires urgent settlement, but probate has not been granted. Below, is an example of a great bridging loan that the Wilson family could get from our broker to help them with the settlement they require:

DetailInformation
Loan Amount£400,000
Interest Rate0.8% per month
LTV60%
SecuritySecured against the estate property
Special FeatureProbate cases considered
Duration12 months
Total Interest Amount£38,400 (£400,000 × 0.8% × 12)
Total Amount Due£438,400 (£400,000 + £38,400)

Benefits and Risks of Bridging Loans

Bridging loans offer quick and flexible funding, but typically come with higher interest rates and possible additional fees. It’s also crucial to remember the risk: the property used as security could be lost if repayments falter. Evaluate these aspects carefully when considering such a loan:

Benefits:

  • Speed: Bridging loans can be arranged quickly, often within days, which is ideal for time-sensitive investments.
  • Flexibility: Terms can be more flexible than traditional loans, with interest potentially rolled up to be paid at the end of the term.
  • Opportunity: They allow you to capitalise on investment opportunities that might require immediate action.
  • Solution to Delays: They can act as an interim solution if there are delays in receiving other forms of finance.

Risks:

  • Higher Interest Rates: Compared to traditional loans, bridging loans usually have higher interest rates.
  • Short-term Nature: The need for a clear and viable exit strategy is critical, as these loans are for short periods.
  • Secured Loan Risks: If the loan is secured against property, there is the risk of losing the asset if repayments cannot be met.
  • Fees and Charges: There can be additional fees involved which can increase the cost of borrowing.

Alternative Finance Options

Exploring alternative finance options is a prudent step before committing to a bridging loan. Here’s an overview of some the other options you may want to consider:

  • Personal Loans: Useful for smaller amounts, usually unsecured, and with fixed interest rates.
  • Mortgages: Suitable for long-term property financing with potentially lower rates.
  • Business Loans: Tailored for business needs, they may offer longer repayment terms.
  • Home Equity Lines of Credit: Allow you to borrow against the equity in your property, often at competitive rates.
  • Peer-to-Peer Lending: Connects borrowers directly with investors, can offer flexibility and competitive rates.
  • Angel Investors or Venture Capital: For business funding, these can provide substantial investment but often require giving up equity.