Bridging Loan Process & Criteria

The key to being successful when you apply for bridging finance is understanding the application process and lending criteria.

As a leading bridging loan broker, we manage the whole application process for you as well as securing you the best bridging loan rates and fees.

Take a look at our guide to understand how the application process works, standard lender criteria and how you can give your application the greatest chance of success.

The bridging loan application process

1	Get in touch with us by either enquiring through our website or giving us a call on 01922 620008 for a no-obligation conversation with a bridging loan expert. We will talk through your circumstances and offer initial terms on the lowest rate available to you.
2	We will send out a decision in principle within two hours outlining the terms available from the best bridging loan companies including any fees and charges that may be payable. Before issuing terms we always ensure the lender will be appropriate in terms of both costs and how quickly they can complete the transaction.
3	Once you are happy with the terms and understand exactly how the product works we will start the application with the lender. We would then instruct the valuation (if one is needed on your application) and legal process as soon as they are happy with the information received. In cases that are less urgent, we are able to delay the legal work until you are happy with the survey results.
4	Once this work’s done you are free to draw down on your bridging loan and complete on your property transaction/refinance.

How long does the bridging loan process take?

Although lenders and brokers are keen to push the fact that these loans can be completed quickly, the reality is that 2 weeks would be considered reasonably quick.

We recently completed an application in 3 days, and it can be done, but it’s the exception rather than the rule.

We speak to a lot of clients who ask that the loan be completed ‘ASAP’, which makes sense. Although this is fine, it’s best to name a date that you’d like it done by, that way everyone has a target to work to and it’s far less likely to slip by a significant amount. Bridging loans can usually be completed in 5-21 days.

How can I make the process run smoothly?

The key here is in providing information.

Be clear about yourself, any issues you’ve had and what exactly you’re looking to do.

When asked for information, provide it straight away and to a good standard.

Although this is very simple advice, the amount of time it saves can’t be overstated. It’s simply the only way to complete an application quickly.

We work with bridging loan lenders across the market to secure the right bridging loan for you.

Bridging loan criteria

We work with bridging loan lenders across the market to secure the right bridging loan for you.

The information below is intended to act as a guide and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of the facilities we have available. If your loan does not meet the criteria set out below, talk to one of our advisors to find out how we can help.

Loan sizes

£10,000 upwards with no maximum loan – whether you’re looking for a small or large bridging loan, we can help.

Loan term

We can fund loans from 1 month to 36 months.

FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) regulated bridging loans are restricted to a maximum term of 12 months.

Acceptable security

We can lend against the following security types:

• Houses
• Flats
• Mixed use properties
• Offices
• Retail premises
• Industrial
• Hotels
• Pubs
• Restaurants
• Farms
• Hotels
• Care homes
• Land (with or without planning)

Where the property is in a poor state of repair, or requires significant renovation, we have several lenders who are willing to lend.

ABC Finance Ltd. can also lend against unmortgageable or derelict property where required.

Acceptable borrowers

We can lend to the following borrowers:

• Private borrowers
• Pension funds
• Partnerships
• Limited companies
• Offshore companies

Our minimum applicant age is 18 years old and we work with lenders who do not impose a maximum age.

Locations

We can fund applications through the UK on our standard plans. ABC Finance Ltd. has funding lines in place that are available across the world, for information, please talk through your requirements with an adviser. We have lenders who specialise in offering prime bridging loans in London.

Credit history

We can offer bridging loans for bad credit applicants. In situations where credit history is particularly bad, the bridging loan interest rates you can get may increase slightly as not all lenders will be willing to lend.

Loan purpose

We can fund bridging loans for any legal purpose. Our loans are often used to:

• Using a bridging loan to finance a house purchase
• To fund an auction purchase
• To fund investment property purchases
• Release capital for property refurbishment
• Purchase a new property before the sale of an existing property is completed
• Pay urgent tax liabilities
• Provide a cash injection for business purposes
• Bridging loans for property developers

Income evidence

Where interest payments are rolled up, or deducted from the loan, we do not generally require proof of income for unregulated applications.

For FCA regulated loans, income evidence may be required for confirmation of exit.

Will I have to make monthly payments?

We work with lenders who can add the interest into the loan, to avoid the need for monthly payments.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to make the monthly payments, we do have funders who are able to facilitate this, where affordable.

Exit strategy

We can consider any realistic exit strategy. Common exit strategies include the sale of property, refinance to a term loan, or inheritance.

Keep reading – bridging loan case studies or the checks carried out by bridging loan lenders.