By Sunrise Commercial Finance – Trusted Bridging Loan Brokers for UK Property Buyers, Developers, and Investors
What Is a Bridging Loan?
A bridging loan is a short-term, interest-only loan secured against property or land. It is designed to provide fast access to funds – typically within 3 to 14 days – for time-sensitive purchases or investments. Bridging loans are ideal when conventional mortgages are too slow, or when a temporary funding gap needs to be closed while a longer-term solution is arranged.
Unlike traditional loans, bridging finance can be used for residential, commercial, and mixed-use property, land acquisitions, or even refurbishments. At Sunrise Commercial Finance, we specialise in sourcing flexible, fast bridging loans tailored to your needs.
When Should You Use a Bridging Loan in the UK?
Speed and flexibility are the key advantages of a bridging loan. Here are 7 common real-world scenarios where this type of finance saves deals that might otherwise fall apart.
1. Buying Property at Auction (28 Days to Complete)
The challenge: Auction houses often require completion within 20 to 28 days. Traditional mortgage lenders simply can’t keep up.
How bridging helps: A fast bridging loan releases funds in 3 to 10 days, allowing you to meet tight auction deadlines and avoid losing your deposit.
Pro tip: Get a decision-in-principle before auction day so you can bid with confidence.
2. Broken Chain on a Residential or Commercial Sale
Problem: A buyer pulls out last minute, but you’re committed to purchasing another property.
Solution: A bridging loan lets you unlock equity in your existing property to continue with the new purchase, avoiding lost opportunities and renegotiation delays.
3. Planning Permission Pending on a Site
Challenge: A development site is priced low due to lack of planning, but you expect approval soon.
Bridging benefit: Secure the land now at a discount, and refinance once permission is granted. Bridging loans can also cover professional fees and planning costs in the meantime.
4. Light Refurbishment Needed Before Letting
Scenario: A buy-to-let mortgage is denied because the property lacks a functioning kitchen or bathroom.
Bridge solution: Fund both the purchase and light refurb costs with one drawdown. Once the works are done, refinance onto a standard BTL mortgage.
5. Permitted Development (PD) Conversion Timelines
Use case: You’re converting commercial to residential under permitted development rights and need capital fast to begin works.
How a bridge helps: Covers acquisition and initial works while you arrange development finance or sell units. PD deadlines are tight – bridging keeps you on track.
6. Urgent Land Purchase Opportunity
Situation: A landowner offers a discounted price for a fast sale, but your capital is tied up.
Why bridging works: A short-term bridge lets you move quickly and secure the deal ahead of slower, competing buyers.
7. Development Loan Expiry or Cost Overrun
Problem: Your initial development finance is running out due to build delays or cost increases.
Bridging solution: A development-exit bridging loan repays the existing lender, giving you up to 18 more months to complete works or market the project.
Bonus Scenario: Capital Raise on Unencumbered Property
Need to raise funds for tax, expansion, or new investments? Bridging loans can quickly release equity from unmortgaged property without the hassle of long underwriting processes. It’s fast, flexible liquidity.
Bridging Loans: The Disadvantage Few Talk About
While bridging loans offer exceptional speed and flexibility, there are some important cost factors to be aware of, particularly when moving quickly.
Solicitor and Valuer Costs Can Be Higher
Because bridging loans often operate on urgent timelines, your chosen solicitor and the lender’s solicitor must prioritise the transaction. Similarly, valuation professionals may need to inspect and report within 24 to 48 hours. This fast-tracked work generally incurs premium fees:
- Solicitor costs for urgent bridging transactions: £2,000 to £3,000+
- Valuation fees (dependant on property value): £2,000 to £3,000 for complex or high-value properties
These fees are usually payable upfront and are in addition to the loan arrangement fees and interest. At Sunrise, we always aim to provide full transparency on these costs upfront, so you’re never caught off guard.
Quick Bridging Loan Facts
| Feature | Typical Range |
| Speed to Funds | 3–14 days (sometimes 48 hours) |
| Loan Term | 1 to 24 months |
| Maximum LTV | Up to 75% (higher with added security) |
| Interest Payment | Rolled-up, retained, or monthly |
| Exit Strategy | Sale, refinance, or development exit |
Quick Checklist Before You Apply
- What is the security property?
- How much do you need to borrow?
- Do you have an exit strategy (e.g. refinance, sale)?
- What is your estimated timescale?
- Do you need light or heavy refurbishment funding?
Having this info ready helps us find your best bridging option fast.
FAQs: Bridging Loans in the UK
How fast can I get a bridging loan?
Most of our clients receive funds in 5–7 working days. We’ve completed urgent cases in as little as 48 hours.
Do bridging loans have early repayment penalties?
Typically no. You only pay for the months you use.
Are bad credit borrowers eligible?
Yes – bridging lenders focus on the property, not just credit score.
How do valuations work so fast?
We use RICS-approved surveyors who can often visit within 24–48 hours. Desktop or drive-by valuations are sometimes possible too.
Ready to Save Your Deal with a Fast Bridging Loan?
We help property buyers, developers, and UK businesses act quickly when timing is critical. Sunrise Commercial Finance sources bridging loans from the whole market – including lenders who move fast when others can’t.
Call us today on 020 7971 8800
Or request a callback via our online enquiry form
Because tomorrow may be too late.
Hashtags (for social media sharing)
#BridgingLoan #PropertyFinance #UKRealEstate #DevelopmentFinance #AuctionFunding #CommercialProperty #BridgingLoanBroker #SunriseCommercial #FastPropertyFinance