What is a Bridging Loan?
A Bridging Loan (or Bridge Loan, Bridging Finance) is a type of short-term loan. It is also known as Bridging Finance. The idea comes from using money to bridge a gap.
The general length of a Bridging Loan is between 3-18 months. The loan is repaid in full at the end of the term.
People or companies use them until they secure permanent financing or sell another asset.
They can help people who are moving home to bridge the gap between the sale and completion dates in a chain.
People use Bridging Loans when planning a quick turnaround on a renovation project. They also use them when buying property at auctions.
Most of the time they use some form of collateral as security, such as real estate or stock inventory.
Read our definitive guide to help you understand and answer ‘What is a Bridging Loan?’
Why use a Bridging Loan?
Bridging Lenders can move far more quickly than a bank when a borrower needs funds to buy a property. Generally, they only need a few days to complete a deal and send the funds required.
In comparison, a mortgage can take 30-45 days on average to be approved, sometimes longer.
This potentially places a great deal of stress on auction buyers who have to pay in full for any purchases within 28 days.
Another potential benefit is the flexibility available when repaying the loan – most companies offer “serviced” repayments. This is where the borrower pays monthly interest.
“Rolled up” repayments are when payment is delayed until the end of the term.
A mixture of both payments are generally allowed as well.
What can you use a Bridging Loan for?
Most Bridging Loans are used for residential or commercial purposes.
Here are a few situations where people could use a Bridging Loan:
- Buying a property at auction
- Purchasing a property whilst selling another
- Adding to a property portfolio
- Buying a run-down property for renovation with a quick sale in mind
- Moving office / factory / warehouse
This is not an exhaustive list however, and that is the clear advantage of using a Bridging Loan – they are flexible enough to adapt to almost any situation where short-term finance is needed.
NB – it is important to have a clear exit strategy in mind or already in place.
So how does a Bridging Loan actually work?
When you apply for a loan, the lender adds a charge to the property you are using as security.
This is needed in order for them to secure the loan against that property.
There are two types of charge for Bridging Loans
First Charge are where the loan is the first, or only borrowing secured against your property. Mortgages are an example of first charge loans.
Second Charge are where there is already a loan or mortgage listed against the property, so you add a second.
For example, if a property was repossessed and sold to pay off any outstanding finance, a first charge loan would have to be repaid before a second charge loan could be paid back.
The process will vary from lender to lender, however here at MFS we follow six simple steps…
- Bridging Loan enquiry is received
- Indicative terms are issued (as quickly as within 4 hours), subject to credit approval and receipt of information
- Decision in principle (DIP) issued, subject to valuation, due diligence and legal terms
- Valuation instructed, commitment fee received, and solicitors instructed
- Legal paperwork issued and commitment fee refunded
- Loan drawn down (funds issued)
How are rates and terms decided?
Lenders do not usually have set guidelines for deciding interest rates for Bridging Loans.
However, they will generally consider three main factors:
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The market value of the asset
Lenders will apply a Loan-to-value (LTV) rate that depends on the size of the loan.
At MFS we offer up to 75% LTV. This means a borrower could take a loan of up to 75% of the value of their asset.
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What the Bridging Loan will be used for
Whether it is a residential or buy-to-let investment, a commercial property purchase, or refurbishment project, the loan use will be taken into consideration when applying a rate.
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Whether it is a first or second charge loan
Here at MFS, the approach to underwriting is guided by “does it make sense?” Our underwriters are flexible and empowered to make decisions on the spot. This is especially useful in complex cases, where we can decide terms depending on individual circumstances, or the merits of each case.
Important considerations
The Exit Plan
Borrowers will need to have an exit strategy, to show how they will pay off the loan.
Common ways of paying off Bridging Loans include selling an existing property or asset, or long-term refinancing with a mainstream lender.
Management of the loan
Borrowers need to ensure they are prepared for any unforeseen costs.
For example, those unexpected costs during refurbishment projects – badly distributed funds could lead to cash flow problems later in the project.
Choosing the correct lender
There are hundreds of lenders in the Bridging Loan market, so choosing the right one for your project can be difficult. Transparency and clear fees are important.
Why choose MFS as your Bridging Loans lender?
With a 14-year track record in quality Bridging Loans, and highly experienced underwriting staff, we view each case on its merit.
We can turn enquiries into Bridging Loans within three to ten days, with no hidden charges.
We also thrive on complex – so if you have special circumstances or think your requirement may be outside of the norm, please contact us to discuss it.
Get in touch with our team
We will get back to you really quickly to discuss your project.
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+44 (0) 20 7060 1234
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Send us a message: info@mfsuk.com.