BRIDGING FINANCE
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Bridging finance has evolved – but some outdated perceptions remain. Here, our bridging expert Alex Doveston cuts through the noise, shares how the market has shifted – and what that means for brokers.

The reality – Bridging finance isn’t just for specialists

Bridging isn’t just for specialists anymore.

With more lenders in the market and a broader range of products available, it’s never been more accessible. There are now more products available, driving increased flexibility in how it can be used. Bridging finance, usually for a period up to 12 months, has become a credible, flexible option for placing cases that don’t fit the mould.

We’re seeing more brokers take their first step into bridging – whether that’s to support an existing client or to broaden their proposition.

It can feel unfamiliar at first, but you’re not expected to do it alone. With the right lender support, bridging becomes far more straightforward. At Market Harborough, our team works closely with you throughout, guiding both you and your client from enquiry through to exit, with proactive updates along the way.

The reality – Bridging finance is not limited to broken chains

Yes, bridging is commonly used to repair broken chains. But that’s only part of the story.

Today, it’s being used across a far wider range of scenarios – from selling unusual properties, raising capital for business purposes to funding refurbishments to managing more complex transitions between properties.

We’re also seeing increased use of re-bridging, where clients extend or restructure their borrowing while they execute a longer-term plan.

The key difference with bridging finance is the focus. It’s less about affordability and more about the strength of the security and the exit strategy.

That’s why we take a flexible view, considering a wide range of property types – including complex residential cases, non-standard constructions, multi-title properties and listed buildings (Grade I & II), with Grade II properties frequently appearing in searches. (1)

The reality – Exit strategies are more flexible than you might think

It’s crucial to have a sound repayment plan or exit strategy when preparing a bridging finance application. Although sale of property is one of the most common repayment methods, it’s certainly not the only one.

Strong cases are built around well-thought-out, sometimes multi-layered exit strategies. These can include:

• Sale of background properties or assets, including those abroad
• Sale of high value non-property assets
• Sale of a business
• Sale of investments or shares
• Refinancing
• Or a combination of different methods

At Market Harborough, we support complex exits and are comfortable structuring cases where multiple repayment routes are in play.

Your bridging building society

We’re a bridging finance and complex case expert and years of experience providing loans for regulated and unregulated scenarios.

Our flexible, proactive approach, combined with award-winning products, gives brokers a genuine alternative when traditional routes don’t work. We’re here to help simple and more complex circumstances – with loans available up to £5m and up to 70% LTV. We offer an interest roll-up facility for up to 12 months and HNW clients can benefit from up to 60 months.

To find out more click here. 

Get in touch

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro when it comes to bridging finance, our dedicated team is here to help.

Call us on 01858 412345 (option 2) to discuss a case or explore how bridging finance could work for your clients.

Sources:

Bridging Trends  https://www.bridgingtrends.com/