Secure your property deal in days, not months.
Auction purchase, chain break, unmortgageable property. Albot has direct access to dozens of specialist bridging lenders and gets you to completion fast.
How fast can you complete?
Tell Albot what you need
Property type, amount, your deadline
90 secondsSee your bridging options
Matched lenders, rates, and terms shown
InstantValuation & approval
Property assessed, terms confirmed
2–5 daysFunds released
Money in your account, deal secured
7–14 days typicalWhat is a bridging loan?
A bridging loan is short-term finance designed to act as a temporary "bridge", letting you access funds quickly while longer-term funding is arranged or a property is sold. Terms typically run from one month to 24 months.
Unlike a mortgage, bridging finance is assessed primarily on the property and your exit strategy, not your income or credit score. That makes it fast, flexible, and accessible for situations where a traditional mortgage simply won't move quickly enough.
They're particularly common for auction purchases (which require completion in 28 days), chain breaks, unmortgageable properties, land purchases, and refurbishment projects where a mortgage isn't available until the work is done.
Interest is typically charged monthly (not annually) and can be rolled up into the loan so there are no monthly payments. You repay everything when you exit.
Important: Your property may be repossessed if you do not repay your bridging loan. Bridging finance is short-term, so always have a clear, credible exit strategy before proceeding.
Bridging loans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) when secured against a residential property. Applications are handled by specialist advisers who are authorised and regulated by the FCA, so you're protected by strict rules on fair treatment, clear information, and responsible lending.
Bridge vs Mortgage
When speed is critical
Bridging Loan
Standard Mortgage
When a deal has a deadline, bridging finance offers
When people use a bridging loan
Speed and flexibility make bridging finance the go-to solution for time-critical property situations that a mortgage simply can't handle.
Auction purchase
Won a lot at auction? You have 28 days to complete. A bridging loan gives you the certainty of funds to meet that deadline without losing your deposit.
Chain break
Don't let a collapsing chain lose you your dream property. Bridge to buy before your current home has sold, then repay when it completes.
Refurbishment & conversion
Buy and renovate a property that's uninhabitable or unmortgageable. Refinance onto a buy-to-let or residential mortgage once the work is complete.
Property development
Fund land purchases, new builds, or permitted development projects. Quick access to capital lets you move on opportunities before competitors do.
Buy-to-let acquisition
Secure a below-market-value property or HMO quickly. Bridge to purchase, then refinance onto a buy-to-let mortgage once tenants are in place.
Business cashflow
Time a tax bill, HMRC demand, or business opportunity against incoming funds. Use property equity to bridge a short-term gap rather than missing out.
Other reasons people use bridging finance:
Why choose a bridging loan?
When speed and flexibility matter more than rate, bridging finance does what a mortgage can't. Here's what makes it the right tool for the right situation.
Funds in 7–14 days
Bridging loans move fast. Where a mortgage takes weeks, a bridge can complete in days. That's critical for auction purchases and time-sensitive deals.
Any property condition accepted
Unmortgageable, derelict, no kitchen or bathroom: none of these are barriers to a bridging loan. Lenders focus on the end value, not the current state.
Roll up interest with no monthly payments
Choose to roll interest into the loan so there are no monthly repayments. You pay everything when you exit, which is ideal when you have no current income from the property.
Exit-strategy, not income-led
Lenders care about your plan to repay (sale, refinance, or rental income), not just your salary. This makes bridging far more accessible for investors and property professionals.
Flexible credit criteria
Adverse credit, self-employed, complex income: specialist bridging lenders look at the deal, not just your credit file. Many applications succeed where traditional lenders decline.
Short-term commitment
No long-term tie-in. Bridging loans run from 1 to 24 months. Repay early with no penalty and pay interest only for the time you've used the money.
From enquiry to funds in days
Here's how Albot gets your bridging loan across the line, fast.
Tell us your deal
Property details, loan amount, your exit strategy. Takes 90 seconds and won't affect your credit score.
⏳ 90 secondsSee matched lenders
Albot searches dozens of specialist bridging lenders and shows you the best rates and terms for your specific situation.
⚡ Instant resultsFunds released
A specialist adviser handles your application from offer to completion. Funds typically released within 7–14 days.
🏗 7–14 days typicalThe faster way to bridging finance
We combine instant lender matching with specialist advisers to get your bridge in place before your deadline.
Direct access to specialist lenders
Access the whole specialist bridging market, including lenders who don't appear on standard comparison sites. More lenders means better rates.
Deadline-aware speed
We know auction deadlines, chain break pressures, and development timelines. Our process is built around your completion date, not the other way around.
No upfront broker fees
You only pay fees on completion. No commitment, no risk. We're incentivised to get your deal done, not to take your money upfront.
FCA-regulated advisers
Qualified specialist advisers handle every application. You get expert guidance on rates, structure, and exit strategy, all regulated by the FCA.
Common questions about bridging loans
Everything you need to know before you proceed.
How much can I borrow with a bridging loan?
Typically from £25,000 up to several million pounds, depending on the property value and your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. Most bridging lenders offer up to 75% LTV on the current value, and some will lend against the gross development value (GDV) for refurbishment projects.
How quickly can I get a bridging loan?
In most cases, funds can be released within 7–14 days of application. Some lenders can move in as little as 3–5 days in urgent cases, particularly where a desktop or drive-by valuation is used. The timeline depends on the complexity of the deal, the valuation method, and how quickly legal work is completed.
What is an exit strategy and why does it matter?
Your exit strategy is the plan for how you'll repay the bridging loan. Common exits include selling the property, refinancing onto a long-term mortgage or buy-to-let mortgage, or receiving funds from a separate sale. Lenders require a credible exit before they'll approve. A weak exit is the most common reason for a decline, so your adviser will help you present this clearly.
What is the difference between open and closed bridging loans?
A closed bridge has a fixed repayment date, typically used when exchange of contracts has already happened and completion is imminent. An open bridge has no fixed end date (but a maximum term), giving more flexibility when the exit timeline is less certain. Closed bridges are usually cheaper because the lender's risk is lower and the timeline is defined.
Can I get a bridging loan with adverse credit?
Yes. Bridging lenders focus primarily on the property, the loan-to-value, and the strength of your exit strategy, not your credit history. Many specialist lenders accept CCJs, defaults, missed payments, and previous bankruptcy. Adverse credit may affect the rate you're offered, but it rarely prevents approval where the deal stacks up.
What happens if I can't repay the bridging loan on time?
Your property may be repossessed if you do not repay the loan. If you need more time, speak to your lender early. Many will consider an extension where the exit is still viable. It is critical to have a realistic, well-evidenced exit strategy before taking out bridging finance and to only borrow what you can repay within the agreed term.
Ready to secure your deal?
Tell us what you need and we'll search dozens of specialist bridging lenders for your fastest, most competitive option. No upfront fees, no commitment.
Get my free quoteRepresentative Example (Regulated Bridging Loan)
If you borrow £150,000 over 12 months at a monthly interest rate of 0.75% (with interest rolled up into the loan), the total interest charged would be £13,500. Including a lender arrangement fee of £1,500 (1%) and a broker fee of £1,500, the total amount repayable would be £166,500. The overall cost for comparison is 14.7% APR representative. Early repayment is permitted at any time and you will only be charged interest for the period the loan is outstanding. Property used as security. Your property may be repossessed if you do not repay the loan.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not repay your bridging loan.
Albot is an introducer and technology platform, not a lender and not a broker. Applications may be passed to specialist regulated advisers who act as credit brokers, not lenders. Bridging loans are short-term finance — always ensure you have a clear, credible exit strategy before proceeding. Rates are subject to status, property valuation, and lender criteria.