Bridging Loan Criteria: Eligibility and Terms

What Are Bridging Loans?

Short term loans, such as bridging loans, are specialized short-term financing solutions designed to “bridge” a funding gap when you need capital quickly. Unlike traditional bank loans that can take weeks or months to arrange, bridging finance can be secured in a matter of days, providing immediate liquidity when time is of the essence.

+12

Years of experience

Key Benefits of Our Bridging Loans:

  • Quick access to funds – Complete transactions in days, not months

  • Flexible terms from 1-24 months to suit your project timeline

  • Borrow from £25,000 to £10 million based on your requirements, with no upper limit on loan size

  • Simple application process with minimal paperwork

  • Decisions made by experts, not algorithms

  • Solutions for all credit profiles – less-than-perfect credit considered

Whether you’re an experienced property developer seizing a market opportunity or a homeowner needing to complete a purchase before your existing property sells, our bridging loans provide the financial flexibility you need to move forward with confidence.

When to Consider a Bridging Loan

Bridging finance serves as a strategic tool in numerous financial scenarios. Whether you are purchasing a new home before selling your current one, dealing with property auctions, or managing a property chain break, bridging loans can provide the necessary funds quickly. Additionally, the amount you can borrow is often based on the property value, making it crucial to consider improvements that could increase the property’s value to secure higher loan amounts.

Property Transactions

  • Purchase a new property before selling your current home

  • Secure auction properties where conventional mortgage timeframes don’t apply

  • Prevent property chain breakdowns by providing temporary funding

  • Complete on unmortgageable properties requiring renovation

  • Settle bridging loans through a property sale, often without the need for income verification

Development Opportunities

  • Acquire land or buildings for redevelopment

  • Fund construction or renovation projects

  • Release equity from existing assets to finance new developments

  • Cover development costs until long-term financing is arranged

  • Utilize bridging loans for property development projects, providing flexibility and fast access to funds for various real estate endeavors

Business Requirements

  • Manage temporary cash flow challenges

  • Fund business expansion opportunities

  • Finance business acquisitions or mergers

  • Bridge gaps between investment rounds

  • Utilize for business purposes

Our expert team works with you to understand your specific circumstances and design a bridging loan solution that aligns with your financial objectives and timeline.

How Our Bridging Loans Work

1. Secured Financing

All our bridging loans are secured against property assets, providing lenders with the security they need to offer competitive rates. This can be against the property you’re purchasing or an existing property in your portfolio. Bridging loans can also be secured against commercial property, allowing you to leverage equity from various property types to meet loan-to-value (LTV) requirements.

2. Short-Term Solutions

Designed for temporary funding gaps, short term loans like bridging loans typically range from a few months up to 24 months, providing the perfect balance between immediate access to funds and time to implement your exit strategy.

3. Exit Strategy Focused

A clear exit plan forms the cornerstone of every successful bridging loan application. Common exit strategies include:

  • Sale of the secured property

  • Refinancing to a conventional mortgage

  • Completion of development and subsequent sale

  • Receipt of funds from another source (business sale, inheritance, etc.)

Our experienced advisors will help you define and articulate your exit strategy to maximize your application’s success.

Bridging Loan Eligibility Criteria

We understand that every situation is unique, which is why our bridging loan assessment focuses on the viability of your exit strategy and the value of your security rather than rigid financial criteria. Additionally, it’s important to consider the lender’s criteria, as these can vary significantly between different lenders and impact your eligibility and loan terms.

What We Look For:

Property Security

The property or asset you’re offering as security must provide sufficient value to cover the loan amount plus interest. We typically offer loans up to 75% loan-to-value (LTV), though higher ratios may be considered in certain circumstances. Additionally, how much equity you hold in the property can significantly influence the lender’s decision on the loan amount, with higher equity often leading to more favorable lending conditions.

Viable Exit Strategy

A clear, realistic plan for loan repayment is essential. Our team will work with you to ensure your exit strategy is robust and achievable within your chosen timeframe. This could involve transitioning to long term finance options or selling the property after improvements have been made.

Basic Financial Assessment

While we place less emphasis on standard income requirements than traditional lenders, we’ll still assess your overall financial situation to ensure the loan is appropriate for your circumstances. Self-employed individuals can also obtain bridging loans by providing proof of financial status, such as accounts or SA302’s.

Credit History Consideration

A good credit history improves your application, but we recognize that credit issues happen. Our specialist bad credit bridging loans provide options for those with less-than-perfect credit profiles. While lenders may check credit scores, these loans are less dependent on them compared to traditional mortgages.

Remember: Even if you’ve been declined elsewhere, our flexible approach to bridging finance means we may still be able to help. Contact our team today to discuss your specific situation.

Types of Bridging Loans We Offer

Regulated Bridging Loans

Designed for homeowners, regulated loans are overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), providing consumer protection when the finance is secured against your main residence.

Unregulated Bridging Loans

Tailored for property investors, developers, and businesses, unregulated bridging loans offer greater flexibility for commercial purposes and investment properties.

Open Bridging Loans

When your exit date isn’t precisely defined, an open bridging loan provides flexibility, though typically at slightly higher interest rates to account for the additional uncertainty. Bridging loan terms usually serve as a short-term borrowing solution, often regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for residential loans capped at 12 months.

Closed Bridging Loans

With a fixed repayment date, closed bridging loans offer the most competitive rates due to the clearly defined exit timeline, and bridging loan terms typically serve as a short-term borrowing solution regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for residential loans capped at 12 months.

First Charge Bridging Loans

Where our loan takes priority over all other financing secured against the property, providing the most favorable rates and bridging loan terms.

Second Charge Bridging Loans

If you already have financing secured against your property, a second charge loan allows you to access additional funds without disturbing existing arrangements. Bridging loan terms typically serve as a short-term borrowing solution, mainly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for residential loans capped at 12 months. Some lenders extend bridging loan terms up to 18 or 36 months, with regulatory implications for loans exceeding 12 months.

Understanding Bridging Loan Costs

Transparency is central to our service. We ensure you understand all costs associated with your bridging loan before proceeding: bridging loan cost can vary significantly based on the lender and specific loan details, including lender fees that range from 1-2% of the loan size and various interest payment options.

Interest Options

  • Monthly interest payments: Pay interest monthly to reduce overall costs. In a serviced loan arrangement, interest can be ‘paid monthly’, offering flexibility in repayment options.

  • Rolled-up interest: Add interest to the loan balance and pay everything at the end of the term

  • Retained interest: Borrow the interest upfront as part of the loan, providing cash flow certainty

Additional Costs to Consider

  • Arrangement fees: Typically 1-2% of the loan amount

  • Exit fees: May apply with some lenders

  • Valuation fees: Required to assess the property’s value

  • Legal fees: For both your solicitor and the lender’s legal representation

  • Administration fees: Covering the processing of your application

  • Product fee: Often incurred and can be added to the loan amount or paid separately

Our transparent fee structure ensures no surprises, and our advisors will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all costs for your specific loan scenario.

The Application Process Simplified

We’ve streamlined our application process to provide the speed and efficiency you need:

Apply for a bridging loan by understanding your financial situation and seeking guidance from brokers to facilitate a smoother application process.

1. Initial Consultation

Speak with our expert advisors to discuss your requirements and receive initial guidance on the most suitable bridging loan options.

Using a specialist broker can help you navigate the intricacies of bridging loans and identify the best loan options tailored to your individual circumstances.

2. Agreement in Principle

Receive a quick decision and agreement in principle, outlining the loan amount, terms, and costs based on the information provided. Most lenders have certain conditions related to location and minimum loan amount, and they will evaluate common eligibility standards when assessing loan applications.

3. Property Valuation

A professional valuation of your security property will be arranged to confirm its value and suitability. It is important to understand the costs involved in this process, including fees for property valuation, broker services, and conveyancing solicitors.

4. Formal Offer

Upon satisfactory valuation and due diligence, a formal loan offer will be issued for your review and acceptance. It is important to understand the loan size, as lenders typically have a minimum loan size starting at £10,000 or £50,000, with no upper limit, depending on the borrower’s circumstances and the nature of the loan.

5. Legal Process

Solicitors will handle the legal aspects, including property searches and preparation of loan documentation. Additionally, bridging loans typically do not incur early repayment charges, offering borrowers increased flexibility in terms of repayment.

6. Funds Released

Once all documentation is complete and conditions met, funds are typically released within 24-48 hours.

From initial inquiry to funds release, the entire process can be completed in as little as 7-14 days for straightforward applications, though complex cases may require additional time. Bridging loans provide rapid access to money, making them ideal for short-term financial needs.

Why Choose Us for Your Bridging Loan?

Extensive Lender Network

Our established relationships with a wide range of bridging loan lenders allow us to secure the most competitive terms for your specific circumstances. Many lenders in the market have varying criteria, offering flexibility in interest rates, fees, and conditions based on the borrower’s exit strategy.

Expert Guidance

Our team of bridging finance specialists brings decades of experience to every application, ensuring smooth navigation through the process. Utilizing a specialist broker can further enhance this experience by quickly assessing a wide range of market offerings and identifying the best loan options tailored to your individual circumstances.

Tailored Solutions

We recognize that no two situations are identical. Every bridging loan we arrange is customized to meet your unique requirements. Bridging lenders are willing to provide financing for properties in poor condition or requiring significant repairs, offering a practical solution for securing funds against such properties.

Speed and Efficiency

When time is critical, our streamlined processes ensure you receive funds as quickly as possible without compromising on service quality.

It is worth noting that our services are designed to accommodate various financial situations, including those involving bad credit and specific regulatory requirements.

Commitment to Success

We’re dedicated to finding solutions, even for challenging cases that might be declined elsewhere. Our approval rates significantly exceed industry averages. We also offer bridging loans, providing flexible options for various applicants, including those needing funds for property refurbishment or requiring an exit strategy for repayment.

Ready to Secure Your Bridging Loan?

Take the first step toward your financial objectives today. Our team is ready to discuss your requirements and guide you through the options available.

Don’t let financing delays cost you valuable opportunities. Contact our bridging loan experts today and discover how quickly we can bridge your funding gap.

Secured loans use your property as security and are subject to status. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.

Need Specialist Advice?

Complete the form to arrange your initial free phone consultation with our bridging loan specialist:
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