Bridging finance is a short-term loan solution for individuals, investors and developers in the UK. It can be used to purchase or raise capital secured against property or land, allowing you to 'bridge the gap' between buying one property and selling another.
Bridging finance is an attractive option for those looking for quick access to short-term funds when buying a property before selling another. However, it is important to consider all options carefully before taking out a loan as they can come with high interest rates and fees that may not be suitable for everyone's needs.
At Echo Finance, our expert commercial finance brokers are on hand to help you identify the right type of bridging loan for your requirements. We use our extensive network of specialist lenders to source competitive rates and suitable solutions that meet your individual needs. Our team will also provide advice and guidance throughout the application process, ensuring that all paperwork is accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner.
To learn more about bridging finance and how it could help you, get in touch with our team today at 0800 0934 914 or complete our quick online form to request a callback.
How do bridging loans work?
Bridging loans are short-term loans that may be secured against property or land. The loan is paid out quickly, allowing you to borrow money to bridge the gap between selling one property and buying another.
Here are a few facts about bridging loans:
- Bridging loans are a type of short-term financing used to bridge the gap between buying and selling a property.
- Bridging loans are designed to provide short-term finance, with terms available from as little as 3 to 6 months. It is possible to extend the term of the loan up to 24 or even 36 months.
- The loan is secured against the borrower’s existing property, meaning that if they are unable to repay it, then the lender has the right to repossess the property.
- The amount available for borrowing through a bridge loan is typically determined by an assessment of the equity in your existing property.
- To qualify for a bridging loan in the UK, you must meet certain criteria including being over 18 years old.
- Interest rates on bridging loans tend to be higher than traditional mortgages due to the short-term nature of the loan.
- It is important to consider all costs associated with taking out a bridging loan before committing financially.
When considering taking out a bridging loan, it is important to remember that they come with considerable risk and should only be used as a last resort if other financing options have been exhausted. It is also advisable to speak to an independent financial adviser before making any decisions.
At Echo Finance, our team of commercial finance brokers are here to help you find the right bridging loan for your individual circumstances. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
What are the benefits of a bridging loan?
Bridging loans provide borrowers with access to capital quickly, allowing them to take advantage of opportunities that may otherwise be lost due to time constraints. For example:
- If you need to complete a purchase quickly, bridge finance can provide the funds needed to secure a property or piece of land.
- If you need to raise cash for renovations or repairs on a property before selling it, then a bridge loan can help you cover costs.
- If you are looking to purchase a property at auction, then bridging finance can be used as part of an auction package.
- If you have been refused an unsecured loan due to bad credit, then bridging loans may still be an option as they are generally more lenient in their credit checks.
Bridging loans are not suitable for everyone and should be considered carefully before taking out any loan agreement. At Echo Finance, our team are always available to provide you with advice and guidance on the best financing options for your individual circumstances. Get in touch today to find out more.
How much deposit do you need for a bridging loan?
The amount of deposit that you need for a bridging loan will depend on the lender and your individual circumstances. Generally speaking, most bridge loan lenders will require a minimum of 20-30% as a deposit or equity before they can release the funds.
It is important to note that some lenders may require more than this depending on the size and complexity of the loan. At Echo Finance, our brokers can help you get an idea of the amount that you may need to put down as a deposit on your bridging loan.
If you would like to know more about what is required for a bridging loan or how much deposit you will need, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Our team of experienced brokers are here to help make sure you get the best possible deal for your individual needs.
What are the requirements for a bridging loan?
In order to qualify for a bridging loan in the UK, you must meet certain criteria including:
- Being over 18 years of age.
- Owning a property or other asset that can be used as security.
- Demonstrating an ability to make repayments on the loan.
- A reasonable credit history is generally required, although it is possible to secure a bridging loan even with bad credit depending on the lender.
It is also essential to provide proof of income and assets, as well as carry out an assessment of the equity in your existing property.
It is important to remember that each lender’s requirements may vary, so it is always best to check with the specific lender you are considering. At Echo Finance, our team of commercial finance brokers can help you find the right bridging loan for your individual circumstances and guide you through the process every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.
How fast can you get a bridging loan?
One of the main benefits of a bridge loan is that it can be approved quickly and the funds released within a matter of days. At Echo Finance, our team of experienced brokers can get you a bridging loan in as little as 72 hours.
We understand that speed is essential when it comes to securing a property or taking advantage of an opportunity, so we are here to make sure that no opportunity is lost due to time constraints. Get in touch today and see how we can help you find the right bridging loan for your individual circumstances.
What are the alternatives to bridge loans?
If a bridge loan isn’t the right option for you, there are a few alternatives that may be more suitable. These include:
- Secured loan – Secured loans involve using an asset such as property or land as collateral against the loan and often come with lower interest rates than unsecured personal loans.
- Property development finance – if you are looking to develop a property for sale, then this can be an ideal way to access the funds needed.
- Commercial mortgage – these are specifically designed for businesses and carry different criteria from residential mortgages.
- Personal loan - If you don't have any assets to use as security for a loan, then unsecured personal loans may be an option for smaller sums of money.
Our team at Echo Finance are always here to help you find the best financing solution for your individual circumstances.
Can I get a bridging loan without a deposit?
Yes, in some situations the lender may take into account another form of security. This could include an asset such as property or land that can be used as collateral against the loan.
Contact us today to learn more about getting a bridging loan without a deposit.
Do you need a good credit score for a bridge loan?
Not necessarily. The requirements vary from lender to lender and in some cases, it may be possible to get a loan even with bad credit. However, this will depend on the individual circumstances of each case and the specific lender you are looking at.
Certain lenders may accept an application from someone with a low credit score, but the interest rate may be higher.
How much do bridging loans cost?
The cost of a bridge loan will depend on several factors, such as the size of the loan, the length of time it is taken out for, and the lender you use. The cost is split into:
The interest rate - this is usually higher than with a mortgage or other loan because of the shorter loan term. Interest rates vary between 0.4%-2% per month which means your monthly interest payments will be higher than with an existing mortgage or a longer-term loan.
The arrangement fee – this covers the cost of setting up and managing the loan, and is typically between 1.5-3%.
Fees for valuations and surveys – these vary from lender to lender but are usually between £300-£1,000.
Solicitor's fees – this covers the cost of any legal work required in order to set up and complete the loan. You can expect to pay between £500-£1,500 in solicitor's fees.
It’s also worth noting that some lenders may offer additional fees such as exit fees or early repayment charges if you decide to pay off your loan early – so make sure you read all the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for any loan agreement.
Overall, bridge loans can be an effective way of financing property purchases in the UK – but it’s important to understand exactly how much they will cost before committing yourself to any agreement.
Is a bridge loan cheaper than a mortgage?
The cost of a bridge loan depends on several factors, such as the size of the loan and the lender you use. Generally speaking, bridging loans are more expensive than mortgages because they often have higher interest rates and fees associated with them.
Mortgages are used for longer-term lending and tend to come with lower interest rates than short-term loans.
When deciding whether a bridge loan or mortgage is right for you, it’s important to consider both the long and short-term costs of each option and work out which one is most cost-effective for your particular circumstances. Our team at Echo Finance can help you do this – so get in touch today to discuss the best financing solution for you.
How much could I borrow on a bridging loan?
The amount you can borrow on a bridge loan will depend on several factors, including the lender you use and your individual circumstances. Lending can range from £50,000 to £10 million depending on the equity you have available.
Speak to an expert
When it comes to bridge loans, there are a lot of factors to consider.
From the size and length of the loan to interest rates, valuation fees and costs, and fees associated with legal work - it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why speaking to an expert is so important – they will help you understand all the options available and find the best financing solution for your individual needs.
At Echo Finance we have years of experience helping people get access to finance when they need it most, so don't hesitate in getting in touch today if you're considering taking out a bridging loan.
Our team will provide tailored advice specific to your circumstances and ensure that you make informed decisions about how much money you should borrow and from which lender. With our help, you'll be able to take advantage of everything that a bridging loan has to offer without worrying about any hidden or unexpected costs down the line! Give us a call on 0800 0934 914 or complete our callback form to get started.
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We are committed to providing advice through the channels that best suit your needs. Our brokers can provide advice via phone, email, video and web chat from anywhere in the UK, but we also aim to offer face-to-face appointments for those who request them.
