Bridging loan for property
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A bridging loan is a short-term funding solution which can be used to ‘bridge’ a gap between money being owed and credit becoming available. Typically, bridging loans are used in property transactions and can be essential in ensuring a property purchase can be achieved.
They often only take between seven and ten working days to organise, but can incur a large administration fee and high interest charges.
[edit] Details
Bridging loans are short-term finance options that enable a house buyer to complete a purchase before they sell their existing home through a high-rate interest loan. This type of finance option can also help home-movers if there is a gap between the sale and completion dates in a chain, for example somebody looking for a quick-sale after renovating a property or to help assist with purchasing at an auction.
There are two types of loans: closed and open. A closed bridge loan has a fixed repayment date. An open bridge loan does not have a fixed date, but is usually required to be paid off within a year. With closed bridge loans, the borrower will usually already have exchanged to sell a property and fixed the completion date.
[edit] Predominant target market
The typical recipients of bridging finance are landlords, small-scale property developers, and individual’s purchasing at an auction where finance is required quickly. Other recipients can include wealthy borrowers who require simple lending on residential properties.
It is possible to secure bridging loans against a variety of residential, semi-commercial, commercial or land and options can include:
- Properties to purchase: A new property, buy-to-let purchases, auction purchases.
- Properties to build and renovate: Housing developments, self-builds, barn conversions, refurbishment projects to sell for profit.
- Properties where funds are to be raised: Un-mortgageable properties, purchasing before selling, short-term cash flow solutions.
[edit] Sources of bridging finance
There are a wide variety of bridging lenders which range from small, one-man bands to larger professional organisations that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
NB Businesses can also use bridging loans secured against land and property to raise capital, to pay off tax liabilities, or to meet business obligations.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Budget.
- Construction loan.
- Conveyancing.
- Cost plans.
- Credit check.
- Estate agent fees.
- Equity and loan capital.
- Funding options for building developments.
- Funding prospectus for new developments.
- How much does it cost to sell my home.
- Mezzanine finance.
- PF2.
- Private Finance Initiative.
- Project-based funding.
- Property development finance.
- Trade credit insurance.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.