How to Get a Fast Bridging Loan

A bridging loan is generally described as a fast, short-term finance solution designed to solve temporary liquidity problems. There are more and more bridging lenders in the market. Many of these lenders are backed by homogeneous funding lines or fragmented capital pools, each with rigid lending criteria. The result is that bridging finance firms may not always be able to release capital quickly enough to be useful in situations that call for speed in the first place. 

There are also other barriers. Regulations, emotions, time pressures, competing advisers and other moving parts can influence how quickly you can secure a bridging loan. When it comes to achieving the outcome you want within the time available, securing speedy bridging finance can require significant experience and coordination.

How Fast Can You Get a Bridging Loan?

In some circumstances, bridging loans can complete in a matter of days. However, timescales depend on factors such as the lender, legal work, valuation requirements and the complexity of the transaction. Well-prepared borrowers are typically able to access funding more quickly.

According to the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA), bridging loan applications increased by 55.3% in Q1 2025, highlighting growing demand for short-term property finance solutions.

Use a Lender You Know and Have Worked With Before

If you need speedy bridging finance, you need to work with people you can count on. Approaching a firm you already know, understanding how the business works and being familiar with the lender's processes can smooth the bridging finance process immensely. If you know what the firm will ask for, the order in which things are done and where the pressure points are, you are more likely to achieve the outcome – and access the capital – you want.

Taking a chance on a new lender can add uncertainty to your deal. If you are unfamiliar with the lender's process, make a false step or have to start the process again, you can lose valuable time. You also risk the lender turning down your bridging finance application.

Get Your Paperwork in Order

Bridging loans are assessed by underwriters. Although there may be fewer hurdles to jump than with other types of borrowing, your lender will make a decision based on your profile and the property.

You should submit any paperwork the lender requests as quickly as possible. Paperwork, forms and data should be completed as fully as possible – do not be tempted to skim sections or omit details. If you need to get documents certified, get them certified. If you need to sign a form, do it quickly and return it to the lender as soon as possible. Your best chance of keeping the process moving is to send, submit and sign everything requested within the shortest possible timeframe.

Get Your Team Together, Aligned and Communicating

Communication is key to a quick bridging loan completion. You will want someone to take control of the transaction, remain at the heart of the deal, make sure everyone understands what is needed, what the timelines are and what the next steps involve, while keeping everyone focused on a common goal.

An initial meeting to establish a timeline and set expectations can help, followed by regular updates. Enness always operates in this way, setting up the initial meeting and helping to keep the process moving. You will also want a partner who can highlight weak links or potential issues. In the bridging loan market, otherwise strong deals can fall apart because a problem was not addressed early enough. A neutral partner can help identify these issues, provide guidance, underline obligations and regroup the team where necessary.

Do Your Homework on Valuations and Don't Make Plans Based on a Best-Case Scenario

Bridging loans are secured against property. The amount you can borrow is based on the property's value and the loan-to-value ratio the lender agrees to offer.

If you need to move fast, you should research the property's value and give a clear and realistic value expectation to the lender when you first discuss your case. Remember that a professional valuation will be carried out on the property by a surveyor acting for the lender. Your lender will ultimately rely on the actual valuation of the property, so being upfront from the start can help avoid delays later in the process.

If appropriate, you can prepare a pack of information to help support the surveyor's assessment. Comparable local properties, development plans or receipts for work already completed may help provide useful context.

For example, if the property is worth £1m and you need to borrow £700k, but a lender will only offer 65% loan-to-value, do not base your plans on an inflated valuation. Instead, look for a lender whose criteria can support the level of borrowing you need based on the property's realistic value.

Don't Be Tempted to Economise on Legal Fees

One of the most important factors in arranging a fast bridging loan is having the right legal team in place. In many cases, this means being prepared to invest in experienced professionals who understand the urgency and complexity of the transaction.

The right solicitor can help keep a transaction moving, while an inexperienced or unsuitable legal team can cause unnecessary delays.

In all seriousness, you will want a legal team who:

1. Is financially incentivised to get the deal completed
2. Understands the bridging finance marketplace
3. Is prepared to solve problems on your behalf

A strong legal team with the capability, understanding and motivation to progress the deal can be a valuable part of achieving a successful outcome. Choosing a cheaper option that lacks the necessary experience may prove costly if it creates delays or complications.

Don't Focus on Pricing Alone

At Enness, different bridging finance options may be available depending on the required completion timeframe and the structure of the transaction.

You may find that a facility with a longer completion period offers a lower cost, but it is important to consider the whole picture. A lower rate may be available if you are prepared to wait longer, but where timing is critical, the cost of delay could be greater than the difference in pricing. Some clients may therefore choose a higher-cost option in exchange for a quicker completion and greater certainty around timing.

Securing speedy bridging finance is a balancing act and depends on the deal dynamics and what is at stake. You should evaluate all the factors that make up the offer, rather than focusing on the monthly interest rate in isolation.

Speed can often be the deciding factor in a successful bridging transaction. For example, Enness recently arranged a circa £2 million bridging loan secured against a £4 million residential property for a retired client whose private bank mortgage had expired. The facility provided immediate liquidity, allowing the client to repay the existing loan while avoiding a rushed property sale and preserving time to achieve full market value. The loan was structured with rolled-up interest and no early repayment charges, providing maximum flexibility until the property was sold.

Pre-Plan So You Are Never on the Back Foot

You may encounter challenges during the bridging loan process; after all, an unexpected issue may be the reason you need quick bridging finance in the first place. Solving problems proactively and quickly is vital. Researching areas such as insurance, valuer access and independent legal advice can help reduce potential delays. Many common issues can be anticipated with careful pre-planning.

If something unpredictable does arise, it is not automatically game over. The key is to keep a cool head and address the issue quickly – get advice, discuss the options and look for ways to mitigate or resolve the problem.

Having a team on your side with experience in the bridging finance market and a strong track record can help you navigate potential pitfalls throughout the process.

Enness has extensive experience helping clients navigate the challenges involved in securing fast bridging finance. To discuss your needs or requirements, speak to a member of our bridging loan broker team.