What Type Of Bridging Loan Do I Need To Buy A Property?
There are two core types of bridging loan, and if you're buying a home to live in, you will need regulated bridging finance for property purchase borrowing.
- Regulated bridging loans are overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority's standards, who set rules around factors such as receiving advice.
- Unregulated bridging loans for house purchases are aimed at non-residential purchases, such as commercial investments or buying a rental property.
When Should You Use Bridging Loans for House Purchases?
As we say, bridging loans for house purchases are fast - they can take just a few days to finalise bridging loans for house purchase transactions, subject to conditions.
If you need to move quickly with a move, want to move into your new property while waiting for your old one to sell, or want to purchase a property that needs significant renovation and is considered uninhabitable bridging loans for house purchases are a short-term solution.
Auction purchases are also commonly financed by a bridge loan. Usually, you pay a 10% deposit on the day and have to pay the balance in 28 days - or risk losing your deposit, and the property.
Therefore, bridging finance for property purchases can be arranged quickly and used to pay for the balance while you work through getting a residential mortgage in place to refinance the debt.
Some homeowners use bridging finance for property purchases because they have been turned down for a mortgage. For example, if you have a bad credit rating due to an issue that is due to expire from your record in a few months, you might use a bridge to buy the home now, and then remortgage when you can secure better mortgage rates.
Can I Use Bridging Loans for House Investments?
You can use bridging finance for property purchase borrowing to buy a rundown property that isn't eligible for a mortgage. One option is to consider a bridge-to-let loan, whereby you agree on a remortgage deal with the same lender, to kick in when the renovation work is complete.
Bridging loans for house purchases are also used if you wish to buy a property and sell it for profit. This is known as flipping a property and might apply if there is a low-priced property for sale, or you are offered a property at below market value.
Renovations are commonly financed through bridging loans for house purchases, either as a first charge if you have a mortgage-free property or a second charge if you have sufficient equity.
When the work is complete, you can either sell the property or remortgage your bridging finance for property purchase reasons at the new valuation.
What is the Cost of Bridging Loans for Self-Build Projects?
There are many different ways you can use bridging finance for property purchase borrowing - they are very fast to organize and have lower eligibility requirements.
Self-build projects usually mean buying land or property, which is not currently eligible for a traditional mortgage. Bridging loans for house purchases is one way to secure that investment.
The caveat is that to use bridging finance for property purchases you must have a viable exit strategy and show the lender how you will repay the debt at the end of the term. This is usually through selling the property or remortgaging. The bridging loan cost will depend on the project and its requirements.
Get Specialist Lending for House Purchase Bridge Loans
Bridge loans are a more niche product than a standard mortgage. If you fall outside of any standard criteria, it is highly advisable to seek guidance from an independent broker who can help arrange bridging loans for house purchases. You can get a bridging loan with the help of our team at Revolution Brokers.
Examples, where specialist lending is almost certainly required, include:
- Complicated developments or build projects.
- Unusual properties that aren't currently mortgageable.
- Problems with an adverse credit history.
- Low deposit requiring an LTV of over 70/75%.
- The security offered is a second or third charge.
What Deposit do I Need for a Bridging Loans for House Purchase Applications?
Generally, lenders cap bridging loans at 70% or 75%, so you'll need a deposit of 30-35% to apply for bridging finance for property purchase reasons.
You can get a higher Loan to Value bridge loan but will need to offer substantial security to offset the lender's risk.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Bridging Finance for Property Purchases?
Lenders will assess several factors before approving an application for bridging finance for property purchase transactions, with the exit strategy being the primary decision-maker.
- Your exit strategy is key, as the lender needs to have the assurance, you can pay back the short-term loan. While most borrowers plan to remortgage or sell the property, some lenders offering bridging loans for house purchases accept non-standard exit plans such as inheritance or an investment.
- Credit checks have an impact, and if you have a clear credit history, you will be offered lower interest rates. If you have severe credit issues, you may need to use a specialist bad credit lender.
- The security offered is the backstop for the lender - they would sell this should you be unable to repay the debt, in a repossession scenario. High valued properties of standard construction that would be easy to sell present the best security.
- Your development experience can also be a factor if you are taking out bridging loans for house purchases to finance a renovation project.
Are There Alternatives to the Cost of Bridging Loans for House Purchases?
There are thousands of lending products aside from bridging finance for property purchases - if you're not sure which one is the best option, get in touch with the Revolution team at any time to discuss your circumstances.
- Buy to let mortgages are usually used for rental investments and take around a month to arrange on average.
- Secured home loans release equity from a property, and are lower interest than bridging loans for house purchases - but do take several months to complete.
- Other options to release equity include remortgaging.
Expert Advice on Bridging Finance for Property Purchases
If you're unsure if a residential bridge loan is the best option, or would like to compare the costs of alternative lending, get in touch with the business finance broker team.
Our independent, accredited team of consultants offers whole-of-market brokerage services to ensure you get the most competitive deals, suited to your bridging finance for property purchase requirements.
