Straightforward bridging loans typically complete in seven to fourteen working days from application. More complex transactions may take three to six weeks. Auction purchases with a twenty-eight day deadline are routinely achievable. Speed depends on the lender, the valuation, and the legal process. We work with lenders and solicitors who understand urgency and can move accordingly.

Most bridging lenders will advance up to 70% to 75% of the property's value, though some will consider higher levels for strong cases with additional security. There is no standard minimum loan size across the market but most specialist lenders prefer to work from £100,000 upwards. We have arranged bridging loans from £50,000 to several million pounds.

Not necessarily. Bridging lenders are primarily concerned with the value of the security and the viability of the exit strategy rather than your personal credit history. Adverse credit, CCJs, defaults, and even previous bankruptcy can all be accommodated by the right lender in the right circumstances. We will assess your situation honestly and identify which lenders are most likely to say yes.

Yes, and in many cases a limited company structure is preferable, particularly for investment and development transactions. Limited company bridging falls outside FCA regulation which gives more flexibility on terms and criteria. We regularly arrange bridging for SPVs, trading companies, and portfolio landlord structures.

This is why exit planning is so important. If your exit is delayed, most lenders will consider an extension, though this will incur additional costs. In some cases re-bridging, replacing the existing bridge with a new one, is an option. We work closely with clients throughout the term to monitor exit progress and address any issues before they become problems. The right exit strategy from day one is the best protection against this scenario.

Yes. Auction finance is one of the most common uses for bridging loans and something we arrange regularly. Most auction purchases require completion within twenty-eight days of the fall of the hammer. We can typically have a bridging facility agreed in principle before you even bid, so you can proceed with confidence knowing the finance is in place.

Bridging finance is typically used for shorter-term transactions where the property already exists, such as refurbishments, purchases, or chain breaks. Development finance is specifically structured for ground-up construction and major conversion projects, with funds released in staged drawdowns as the build progresses. Some transactions use both, a bridge to acquire the site and then a development facility to fund the build.