Blog
Guides and insights on how bridging works and how to use it well.
Case study: completing an auction purchase in 9 days
We walk through a real timeline, from the winning hammer at auction to funds landing with the solicitor, showing exactly where the days go and how parallel processing shaved a week off a typical mortgage timeline.
The legal process behind a bridging loan, step by step
Bridging legals move faster than a mortgage, but not by magic. Here's what your solicitor is actually doing at each stage, and the documents that tend to cause delays if they're not ready in advance.
How credit history affects your bridging application
Adverse credit rules out most mortgage applications, but bridging lenders weigh things differently. We explain why the security property and your exit plan usually matter more than a credit score.
Bridging loans for unmortgageable property: what actually counts?
No kitchen, no bathroom, fire damage, or short lease: we go through the property conditions that typically rule out a mortgage but are routine business for a bridging lender.
Five common myths about bridging finance
From "it's only for people in financial trouble" to "the rates are always extortionate," we take on the myths that stop people considering bridging finance when it's actually the right tool.
Development exit finance: refinancing a completed scheme
Once a development is built out, the finance that got you there usually isn't the finance you want to hold it with. Here's how development exit loans work, and why they're typically cheaper than the original build facility.
Loan-to-value explained: how lenders calculate your maximum loan
LTV drives almost every other number on a bridging loan. We explain how it's calculated, why it's based on open market value rather than purchase price, and how our 75% maximum plays out in practice.
Broker fees explained: what you're actually paying for
Broker fees can range from 0% to 5%, and it's not always clear what that percentage buys you. We break down what a good broker does on a bridging case, and when it's worth paying for one.
Understanding retained interest vs serviced interest
Most bridging loans retain interest upfront rather than charging it monthly. We explain what that means for your cash flow, how it affects the amount you actually receive, and when a serviced option might suit you better.
Broken chain? Here's how a bridge covers the gap
A buyer pulling out at the last minute doesn't have to derail your onward purchase. We explain how chain-break bridging works, what lenders need to see, and how quickly it can typically be arranged.
Refurbishment bridging loans: light work vs heavy work
Not all refurbishment is treated the same by lenders. We explain the difference between light refurbishment (cosmetic) and heavy refurbishment (structural), and why it changes which product and rate applies.
Auction finance explained: how to bid with confidence
Winning at auction commits you to a 28-day completion deadline with no room to negotiate. Here's how to arrange finance before you bid, so you're not scrambling once the hammer falls.
What to have ready before you apply
The documents and details that let us give you a same-day decision in principle, from proof of the exit plan to basic details on the security property, so nothing holds up your case at the first hurdle.
Bridging vs. a mortgage: a worked example
A side-by-side comparison on a real auction purchase, including the fees most online calculators leave out, so you can see exactly where bridging costs more, and where it saves you from missing the deal altogether.
How to plan an exit strategy that actually holds up
Your exit plan is the single biggest factor in your rate and your approval. We explain what lenders look for, the most common reasons an exit plan gets turned down, and how to strengthen yours before you apply.
Ready to talk it through?
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