- Typical timescale
- 5–14 working days once instructed
- Loan size range
- £50k – £25m
- LTV typically offered
- Up to 75% on standard security
- Exit required at outset
- Yes, credible plan expected
Establish the loan purpose and security
Lenders price bridging loans around what the property is, its condition, and what the money is for — auction purchase, refurbishment, chain break or capital raise. Being precise about purpose from the first conversation narrows the lender panel quickly and avoids wasted applications to lenders who won't touch the asset type.
- Confirm the property type and current condition
- State whether the loan is regulated or unregulated
- Clarify first or second charge position
Get an indicative offer before instructing anything
A broker should be able to give you terms in principle from the legal pack or property details alone, before you spend money on valuation or legal fees. This is the point to compare rate, arrangement fee and exit fee across two or three lenders rather than committing to the first quote received.
Valuation and underwriting run in parallel
Once you proceed, the lender instructs a valuation (physical or desktop, depending on loan size) while underwriters review your ID, AML checks and exit evidence. Running these simultaneously rather than sequentially is what separates a two-week completion from a five-week one.
Legal work and drawdown
Solicitors for both sides need to move at bridging speed, which is faster than most residential conveyancers are used to. Choosing a firm that handles bridging routinely avoids delays caused by unfamiliar searches or slow enquiry turnaround.
- Report on title produced quickly
- Redemption statement obtained if refinancing an existing loan
- Funds released same day as legal completion
Frequently asked
How fast can a bridging loan actually complete?
Straightforward cases with a cooperative solicitor and a desktop valuation can complete in under two weeks. Complex titles or physical valuations on unusual assets typically add one to three weeks.
Do I need an exit strategy before applying?
Yes. Lenders want to see how you'll repay — sale, refinance onto a term product, or another funding event — and will stress-test that plan before offering terms.
Is a bridging loan regulated?
Only if secured against a property you or a family member occupies as their main home. Investment and commercial security is typically unregulated, with a different set of lender rules.
What documents will I need?
ID and proof of address for AML, evidence of the exit route, a schedule of any existing borrowing on the property, and details of the works or purchase the loan is funding.
Can I get a bridging loan with adverse credit?
Often yes, since bridging lenders focus primarily on the asset and exit rather than credit score, though pricing may reflect higher perceived risk.
Ready to move on a bridging loan?
Send us the property details and purpose and we'll come back with realistic terms and a timeline within 24 hours.
Related reading
Situations this applies to
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