Bridging finance is a short-term, asset-backed loan used to purchase a property quickly, raise capital against an asset, or refinance existing borrowing. It acts as a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be—whether that’s selling, refinancing, or completing refurbishment works.
Bridging loans typically run from 0 to 24 months and cost around 0.75%–1% per month (9%–12% p.a.). They are designed for experienced property professionals who need speed, flexibility and clarity.
Bridging finance works by securing a first legal charge over a property. The lender advances funds up to a percentage of either the property’s value or the purchase price.
The typical process:
You submit property details
What is the asset?
Where is it located?
What is its value or purchase price?
What are your plans and exit strategy?
We assess the deal
Tradelend reviews the asset, borrower experience, loan purpose and exit plan. If suitable, we confirm we can support the transaction.
Indicative terms are issued
A clear breakdown of loan amount, structure and costs.
Valuation and legals are instructed
Valuation fee paid
Solicitors instructed
Searches or indemnity insurance arranged (to speed up completion where appropriate)
Drawdown
Most bridging loans complete within 5–20 working days, depending on valuation and solicitor timelines.
Throughout the process, Tradelend provides consistent communication and direct access to the same experienced team member.
Case study: Anna’s short-term bridge
Situation:
Anna owns an unencumbered property and wants to purchase another asset quickly. She needs a short-term facility secured on her existing property to release funds.
How the process works:
Anna sends property details: value, location, property type and her purchase plans.
Tradelend reviews the deal and confirms that the security and loan purpose fit criteria.
Indicative heads of terms are issued.
Anna pays the valuation fee.
Valuers and solicitors are instructed; Tradelend confirms whether indemnity insurance can be used to accelerate completion.
Daily updates are provided throughout the legal process.
The facility completes within 5–10 working days.
This represents a typical bridging scenario: fast, focused and driven by a clear exit.
Bridging finance usually costs between 0.75% and 1% per month, which equates to 9%–12% per annum.
Costs depend on:
Asset type
Borrower experience
Loan-to-value
Loan size
Exit strategy
Because bridging is short term, borrowers should always prepare a clear plan for refinancing or sale.
Most bridging loans complete within 5–20 working days.
The timeline depends on:
Valuation speed
Solicitor turnaround
Property complexity
Whether full searches or indemnity insurance are required
Tradelend’s hands-on structure—experienced lenders, a single point of contact and proactive communication—helps keep deals progressing from day one.
Some lenders do offer bridging loans to borrowers with adverse credit. However, Tradelend does not focus on adverse credit, bankruptcy-led cases or complex financial histories.
Our products are designed for:
Experienced property investors
Property traders
Property developers
These borrowers typically have strong exits and a detailed understanding of property finance.
What is a regulated bridging loan?
A regulated bridging loan is secured against a borrower’s primary residence—where they or an immediate family member live or intend to live. These loans fall under FCA regulation.
What is an unregulated bridging loan?
An unregulated bridging loan is secured against an investment property such as:
Buy-to-lets
Renovation projects
Development sites
Commercial or semi-commercial property
What does Tradelend offer?
Tradelend provides unregulated bridging finance only.We do not fund owner-occupied or regulated residential bridging loans.
