Bridging loan eligibility is assessed on the strength of the security, loan-to-value (LTV), exit strategy, and the borrower’s structure rather than personal income alone. At Market Financial Solutions, our bridging loan criteria are designed to support residential, commercial and semi-commercial cases – including complex scenarios – subject to property, jurisdiction and legal considerations.
Bridging Loan Criteria
#
First-time buyer or first-time landlord considered.
Considered up to 70% LTV for bridging loans on residential properties.
A
No admin fees.
The underwriter can consider cases with BKO/IVA/DRO/Previous Repossession/recent CCJs or mortgage arrears on their merits. All adverse and CCJs, excluding small unsecured blips, must be cleared at completion – Market Financial Solutions funds can be used. Require explanation of exit strategy, current stability, and credit committee approval (usually under 48hrs). Pay day loans considered if infrequent, historic and cleared.
21 to max. 85 at loan start.
- Individuals
- Self-employed
- Limited Companies
- LLPs
- SPVs
- Foreign Nationals
- Offshore Companies
- Trusts
- PEP
- Adverse and impaired credit of any size
- Retired
Contact Market Financial Solutions via the live chat on our website, call +44(0)20 7060 1234 or email info@mfsuk.com to start the process.
From 2%.
We accept auction purchases and are able to provide funds in as little as 3 days.
C
Yes, as long as less than 40% is for personal reasons.
First charge on residential and commercial bridging loans. Second charge on residential bridging loans.
Yes, we offer bridging for commercial properties.
Commitment fees are refunded on draw-down of the loan.
Bridging loan criteria for construction: the usual acceptable brick/tile. No structurally repaired/PRC, deleterious materials or with built-in obsolescence (finite lifespan). Refer listed properties. Modern Methods of Construction considered by referral with surveyor opinion and readily saleable.
SPVs setup specifically to hold/operate BTL properties, or relevant Trading Companies or LLPs are acceptable. Up to 4 directors, who combined own at least 75% of the SPV between them. Shareholders under 18 or hold < 20% are not underwritten. Debenture incorporating fixed & floating charge required to keep us informed of any future changes.
D
Allowed, as long as they meet our max. adverse credit criteria.
Available on Bridge Fusion loans, up to 2% through the term. Reduces the rate/interest payable whilst the loan is active, which may be able to improve cashflow, e.g., if rental income doesn’t quite cover interest payment.
Deferred part of monthly interest payments in initial 2 years are capitalised (added to the loan) and paid when the loan is redeemed.
E
We can consider properties with an EPC rating of E and above.
Product dependent:
- Bridging: Loans are a minimum term of 3 months interest, following this period, there are no ERCs.
- Fusion Loans: 25% ERC-free allowance after 6 months. Early repayment charges: 3% in year 1, 1.5% in year 2.
Valuation to reflect property (e.g. high rise, balcony access), EWS1 fire risk, and saleability. No pre-emption title restriction.
Exit fees are discussed with the client at the front end and is based on individual loan circumstances.
Multiple viable exit routes considered.
UK nationals residing abroad are eligible, provided enhanced due diligence is conducted. The country of residence may be anywhere globally, except for those under sanctions or listed on the FATF blacklist. A UK bank account is necessary for setting up direct debits.
The Loan Term may be extended at the Lender’s discretion.
- Bridging: up to 3 months (existing completions might vary, please refer to Loan Agreement).
F
Commitment fee (paid back when the loan is drawn down)
Fixed rates are offered on our bridging loan products.
As part of our Bridge Fusion and bridging loan criteria, the flat must have a minimum 30sqm gross internal area on flats section.
All nationalities are eligible, pending enhanced due diligence. The country of residence can be any location globally, as long as it is not sanctioned or on the FATF blacklist. A UK bank account is necessary for direct debits.
G
Required from all directors and major shareholders to cover 100% of the loan. N/A for individual apps.
H
Acceptable. Must have relevant planning in place and have a licence.
Acceptable.
I
A minimum ICR is not required for bridging loans.
We require proof of ID, including a passport, and a proof of address such as a utility bill. A full list of acceptable ID will be provided when the loan is being underwritten.
None required.
We have the following options available:
- Fully retained
- Part retained & serviced monthly
- Serviced monthly
Loans are subject to a minimum of 3 months rolled interest.
Up to 2% deferred interest available on Bridge Fusion loans, payable at redemption as part of the Gross Loan.
L
Leasehold is acceptable within our bridging loan criteria. Minimum unexpired lease of 40 years.
Quotes provided on application.
Limited & trading companies incl. SPVs.
Acceptable.
Purchase or remortgage, including capital raising if 60% or more is for business purposes.
£100k min. net loan amount, £50m max. dependent on the bridging loan product. There is no max. loan size on the Bridge Fusion product. Product fee, rolled up, and any deferred interest, & optional broker fees will reduce the net advance. Gross loan is repaid at redemption.
Properties in mainland England and Wales considered.
Max. LTV dependent on product and asset type up to 75%.
LTV is based on 180 day Value (Open Market Value will be considered on a case-by-base basis).
M
Product dependent:
- Bridging Loans: 3 months.
- Fusion Loans: 24-month term, no ERC after month 20, minimum 6-month interest period.
Acceptable.
N
We lend to borrowers from anywhere in the world other than a sanctioned/blacklisted country, including:
- Expats
- Foreign Nationals
- Offshore Companies
- Offshore Trusts
Acceptable.
Satisfactory planning, new build warranty and building regulation sign off required. No outstanding S106 / CIL obligations.
O
Isle of Man, Channel Islands, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, or EU as standard. Considered outside this list subject to underwriter/credit committee and enhanced due diligence between solicitors in UK and offshore about structure, solvency, director/shareholder details, and enforceability. All loans subject to England & Wales law. UK bank account required for direct debit.
Acceptable.
P
Considered by referral. Based on the nature of current/previous role and exposures. May require guarantees.
Appropriate planning required.
Property portfolios are accepted as part of our Bridge Fusion and bridging loan criteria.
Residential, semi-commercial and commercial.
R
We currently do not provide regulated bridging.
Rolled up, serviced, or part serviced accepted. Payments by Direct Debit from a UK bank account.
Roll-up payments are accepted.
S
Self-employed considered. Age: 21+. If 1st-time landlord or FTB: min. income £30k.
SPVs are eligible for bridging loans. Up to 4 directors, who combined own at least 75% of the SPV between them. Shareholders under 18 or hold < 20% are not underwritten. Debenture incorporating fixed & floating charge required to keep Market Financial Solutions informed of any future changes.
T
Agreement must be in writing, joint tenants have joint and several liability, and all adult occupants on the agreement. Corporate lets, ASTs 6-36 months, and DSS tenants acceptable.
Product dependent:
- Bridging: Min. 3 months to max. 18 months.
- Fusion Loans: 24 months, minimum 6 months rolled interest. 12-month extension is available at Market Financial Solutions discretion and is subject to checks and a 2% arrangement fee.
First 3 months of the loan are fixed.
Any changes to BBR applied from 1st of the following month. If the interest is rolled up then the borrower will need to service the interest monthly in the event of a rate increase.
Onshore or Offshore acceptable subject to trust deeds, setup/structure, personal guarantees from owners, and due diligence.
- Standard on residential purchases and refinances up to £3m gross loan. Also used on internal refinances (borrower already with Market Financial Solutions).
- Bridge & BTL, on eligible nationalities, and can be very recently built.
- UK individual or passport holder in EEA, Channel Islands, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Corporate borrowers, Trusts and partnerships incorporated in UK, EEA, Channel Islands, Switzerland, or British Virgin Islands also eligible. Ultimate Beneficial Owners must also meet the individual countries/passports eligibility criteria.
- Cost: 0.13% of gross loan (min £350), plus IPT (currently 12% of premium). Paid by the borrower. Solicitor deducts from loan advance at completion.
U
Yes, we offer unregulated bridging loans.
V
From our panel, allocated by the underwriter based on workload/response time, speciality & location. Full formal valuation to consider current market value, investment value, 90 & 180 day value. Fee paid along with admin fee before instruction.
Contact Us
Get in touch via phone, chat or email about your query, however complex it might be. We will try our best to say yes to you, instead of finding a reason to say no.
Contact our Bridging Team:
Email: info@mfsuk.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7060 1234
Contact our Business Development Managers:
Email: brokers@mfsuk.com
Phone: +44 (0)20 7060 1234
Leave us a message
Bridging loan requirements: What lenders typically look for
To meet standard bridging loan requirements in the UK, applicants will usually need:
- A property or asset to secure the loan
- Sufficient equity to meet the required LTV
- A clear and credible exit strategy
- Acceptable property type and location
- Identification and AML documentation
- A solicitor and valuation suitable for the transaction
Each case is assessed individually against our bridging loan criteria.
Most-asked bridging loan criteria
Brokers and borrowers commonly ask about the following areas of bridging loan eligibility:
- Age limits & restrictions for bridging loans
- Proof of income and affordability requirements
- Adverse credit and non-standard credit profiles
- Foreign nationals, expats & offshore companies
- Early repayment charges (ERCs) and exit fees
- Minimum and maximum loan terms, including 18-month and extended terms
- Joint applicants and guarantors
Use the sections above to check how each factor fits within our bridging loan lending criteria.
FAQs
What are the requirements for a bridging loan in the UK?
Bridging loan requirements typically include suitable security, acceptable LTV, a clear exit strategy, and compliance with legal and AML checks. Requirements vary depending on whether the loan is residential, commercial or semi-commercial. For details, please contact our underwriting team who can discuss your case in detail.
How do I know if I’m eligible for a bridging loan?
Bridging loan eligibility is based on the property, exit strategy and overall risk profile rather than income alone. Even complex cases may be considered subject to underwriting. Contact us directly to discuss your case.
Is there an age limit for bridging loans?
Age is considered as part of the overall application, including the exit strategy and loan term. Minimum age for our bridging loan age is 21 and max. 85 at the loan start.
Are there early repayment charges or exit fees?
Early repayment charges and exit fees depend on the specific product and loan structure. Our bridging loans have a minimum term of 3 months. After that period no ECRs are charged. Our ridge Fusion loans have a 25% ERC-free allowance after 6 months. In the first year ERC are 3% and in the second year 1.5%.
Can foreign nationals or offshore companies apply?
Yes. Applications from foreign nationals, expats and offshore companies – including Isle of Man, Channel Islands and British Virgin Islands structures – may be considered, subject to enhanced due diligence and legal requirements under England & Wales law.
