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Long & Short Term Bridging Finance

Bridging loans come in many shapes and forms. This guide from Revolution looks at the contrasts between a short-term bridge loan and longer-term loans and how to structure your application accordingly.

Long & Short Term Bridging Finance

Bridging loans are designed as a short-term bridge loan - but knowing exactly how long you can borrow for depends on the lender and the project!

Here we'll explore bridge loan terms, and what you might expect as a minimum and maximum length.

For help finding a bridging loan for any project of any duration, contact business finance broker on 0330 304 3040, or drop us a message to [email protected].

What are the Standard Terms on Bridging Loans?

Most bridge loans are due for repayment in a year, or just a few months, hence being referred to as a short-term bridge loan.

If you need to borrow for longer, there are options up to around two years as standard. More specialist bridge loans up to three years can be negotiated with the help of an experienced broker.

There isn't a specific short term bridge loan, as this type of financing is always short-term in nature, so anything under a year is typical.

Some lenders specialising in short-term bridge loan products have a minimum loan term, often of one month, but bridge loans can last for just a couple of weeks if you need a fast-financing option and are waiting for a mortgage, for example, to be completed.

  • Property Details
  • Type of loan
  • help Maximum 75% LTV
  • help Maximum 70% LTV
  • help Maximum 70% LTV
  • help Maximum 65% LTV
  • help We will lend against current market value of the asset with vacant possession

  • £7,500,000
    help You cannot exceed the maximum loan available based on the maximum LTV for the corresponding type of property selected above
  • 75%
    help You cannot exceed the maximum LTV available for the corresponding type of property selected above


  • 0
  • help Term should be entered in whole months, to a maximum of 12

  • help Deducted interest is where the forecast interest amount is deducted from the loan on day one.
  • help Serviced interest is where the interest is paid on a monthly basis. If serviced interest is chosen, evidence will be required to show your ability to pay interest when it is due.
  • help This is the standard rate for the property type chosen
  • help You can enter a custom rate below our standard rate for the calculation, but the availability of this rate is not guaranteed
Instant Results
Total security value 0
Gross loan amount 0
Gross LTV 0
Interest rate 0
Term (months) 0
Minimum term (months) 0
Assumed arrangement fee @ 2% (min £2,000) 0
Interest Retained 0
Monthly Serviced Interest 0
Admin fee 0
Indicative day 1 Net loan advance 0

Is There a Maximum Bridge Loan Term?

Lenders will usually offer up to 18 months, on a short-term bridge loan with some agreeing to two years provided the project is viable, and the exit strategy will cover the interest for this period.

Longer bridge loans of up to 36 months are available, but this is a niche product and not available from many lenders.

How Quickly Can I Arrange a Bridging Loan?

Many people choose a bridging loan because it takes very little time to organise. A short-term bridge loan can run for a few days pending any valuations.

Bridge finance is much faster than a mortgage since the lender needs to assess the exit strategy rather than your income, affordability and outgoings in as much detail – part of the appeal of a short-term bridge loan.

Most short-term bridge loan agreements take around five days to two weeks to finalise and get the funds into your account.

What Happens if I Can't Repay a Bridge Loan on Time?

If you find that something goes wrong and you cannot pay the bridge loan back at the end of the term of the short-term bridge loan, there are a few options:

  • Some lenders will agree to an extension - if there is only a short amount of time required.
  • Refinancing might be a better option if the lender refuses an extension.
  • Additional fees are likely to be incurred.
  • If you cannot refinance or repay the balance on a short-term bridge loan, and the lender refuses an extension, your security asset or property is at risk of repossession.

How Does Interest Work on Bridging Loans?

There are a few different ways a lender might charge interest on a short-term bridge loan:

  • Monthly interest means you pay the interest as you go, like on a standard interest-only mortgage.
  • Deferred interest is rolled up into the loan balance, with the full value payable at the end of the short-term bridge loan term.
  • Retained interest is calculated for a fixed period, payable at the end of the short-term bridge loan period. The interest is calculated before the funds are transferred, depending on how long you need the funds on a short-term bridge loan.

Do I Need Open or Closed Bridging Finance?

If you're looking for a longer-term bridge loan, and cannot be sure when your exit strategy will come into play, you need an open bridging loan. That means you have greater flexibility, although there will still be a finite end of term date.

Closed bridging finance is lower cost, but there is a specific settlement date, and you must be certain you can repay by that point for either a short-term bridge loan or a longer term.

How Can I Get the Lowest Rates on Long-term Bridge Lending?

Each lender is different, and rates vary considerably across the market, but you will achieve the lowest offers on a long or short-term bridge loan if:

  • You have a viable, high-value exit strategy with documentation such as an agreement in principle in place to solidify its reliability.
  • There is adequate security in place, such as a higher value property, which would be easy to sell in a repossession scenario.
  • Your credit rating is clear, with no serious issues.
  • You have experience in the same sector, usually property development, and have completed other projects before.
  • The deposit level is at least 40%.

Expert Advice from the UK Bridging Loan Experts

If you're looking for a particularly long bridging finance agreement, or a short-term bridge loan the support of an experienced, independent broker is vital.

Contact Revolution Brokers today on 0330 304 3040 or email us at [email protected] to get your application started!

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