What is a bridging loan?

by Tom C. Self Employed, Content Writer

In simple terms a bridging loan is a way to help pay for the purchase of something before the finance for it comes through and it’s usually used when someone buys a property and needs the cash on a short-term basis before the mortgage is agreed.

Others use bridging finance as a way to get a short-term loan if they are in desperate need.

It should be appreciated that because of their purpose, bridging loans tend to be slightly more expensive to take out than a normal loan.

However, care should also be exercised when looking for a bridging loan provider since there is a risk that anyone taking out bridging finance could also be facing hefty admin charges in addition to paying higher interest repayment rates.

Find a reputable bridging loan company

That's why it's always advisable to find a reputable company who is very clear about their service offering and who uses lenders registered with the Financial Conduct Authority because they will be closely regulated and monitored.

It’s important that the bridging finance broker only offers a that suits the applicant's circumstances.

One such firm is Bridging Finance Specialists who have built-up an unrivalled reputation for being honest and transparent and in delivering the bridging finance that their clients need.

When it comes to bridging finance, most people will use the loan to buy a property and the money will bridge the gap between selling their current home and buying their next one.

A bridging loan can also help those planning to sell their property quickly after renovation or, indeed, the money can help someone buy a property at auction before they arrange a mortgage for it.

One of the issues since the financial crisis struck is that banks and building societies have become stricter in their lending criteria which has led to a growing number of bridging finance lenders stepping into the market.

Bridging finance options

This means there is a bewildering array of bridging finance options available and an expert in the field would be best recommended to give independent advice.

Increasing numbers of buy-to-let investors, landlords and property developers are turning to bridging finance options to help complete a property purchase and other borrowers are seeing bridging loans as a viable alternative to getting a mortgage from banks and building societies.

Bridging finance is also known as interim finance and gap financing but most people call them bridging loans and lots of them are taken out every day.

With such a competitive market, it’s crucial that anyone thinking of taking out a bridging loan should consult with a firm dedicated to an honest service which delivers exactly what a client needs, rather than offering bridging loans that suit the advisor. A good starting point would be Bridging Finance Specialists.

Based in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, the team is friendly and fully qualified and, more importantly, registered with the Office of Fair Trading. Visit their website for advice on bridging loans or call them on 0800 644 6610.