From first conversation to drawdown.
Commercial bridging is simple in structure and detailed in execution. The lender decides quickly; the time goes on valuation and legal work. Here is each stage, and what makes it faster.
How a commercial bridge comes together.
Tell us the deal
The property, the price or value, what you plan to do with it, and how the loan will be repaid. A short form or a quick email is enough to start.
We test the exit and structure
We check the exit is credible, size the loan against value, and choose retained, rolled or serviced interest and the right charge position.
Lenders compete for the case
We take a prepared case to bridging lenders whose appetite fits the asset, then put indicative terms side by side so you can choose.
Valuation, legals, completion
We chase the valuer and both sets of solicitors so funds land in time for exchange, auction completion or the start of works.
What happens at each stage.
We start with the exit. How will the loan be repaid, when, and what evidence supports it? Getting this right before a lender sees the case is what makes the rest quick.
- 01
Enquiry and structuring
We size the loan against value, decide between a first and second charge, and choose retained, rolled or serviced interest.
- 02
Indicative terms
Bridging lenders whose appetite fits the asset set out gross loan, rate, fees, term and conditions. We compare offers on total cost.
- 03
Valuation
An RICS surveyor reports on market value, often a 90 or 180-day value, and for works the value on completion. Access and a pack of leases and plans speed this up.
- 04
Legal work and completion
Both solicitors work through title, searches, leases, planning and the lender's conditions in parallel, then funds are released.
- 05
Through the term and the exit
Works funding is released in stages after monitoring visits. As the exit approaches we line up the sale or refinance that repays the bridge.
What lenders will ask for.
Having these ready before you apply is the most effective way to shorten the timeline. See the full checklist.
- Details of the property: address, tenure, use class, condition and any tenancies
- Purchase contract, auction legal pack or current valuation
- Your exit strategy with evidence: agent's sale advice, a refinance agreement in principle or comparables
- For works: a schedule of works, costings, planning or prior approval documents and your contractor
- Company documents for an SPV or trading company, and ID for directors and guarantors
- A statement of assets and liabilities and an explanation of any adverse credit
How commercial bridging works: questions answered.
Ask about your situationHow does a commercial bridging loan work?
The lender advances a percentage of the property's value, secured by a legal charge, for a fixed short term. Interest is usually retained or rolled up, so there are no monthly payments. At the end of the term the full balance is repaid in one sum from your exit: a sale, a refinance or another source of funds.
How long does a commercial bridging loan take?
Indicative terms can come back within a day or two. Completion depends mostly on the valuation and legal work: two to four weeks is common for a straightforward case, with auction timescales of 28 days routinely met when the work starts early.
Do I need to make monthly payments?
Not usually. Most commercial bridges retain or roll up the interest so nothing is paid monthly. If the property produces income you can choose serviced interest instead, which lowers the total cost.
What happens at the end of the term?
You repay the gross loan plus any rolled-up interest and fees from your exit. If the exit is delayed, speak to us before the term ends: an extension or a refinance onto another bridge is far cheaper than default interest.
Tell us about the property and the loan you need. We come back with indicative terms and tell you plainly if any part of it is regulated.