Understanding UK Bridging Finance

  Bridging finance, also referred to as "bridge loans" and "bridging loans", have nothing at all to do with re-constructing the London Bridge. Bridging finance is typically a short-term loan that a business uses to supply cash for a real estate transaction until permanent financing can be arranged. The word "bridge" conveys the fact that the loan is designed to get you over a temporary obstacle. A typical use for a bridge loan is to cover situations such as when a company needs to close on a new office building before having sold their old one. They would use the proceeds of the bridge loan to continue making payments on the old building until it is sold.

Bridging finance almost always requires that you pledge some sort of collateral as security against the loan. You could offer up commercial or private real estate that you own,or are in the process of buying, machinery and office equipment or even existing inventory. If you have outstanding business and personal credit, as well as an outstanding relationship with your lender, you might be able to secure your bridge loans on just a signature.

Because the need for bridging finance sometimes arises suddenly and without warning, it is a good idea to establish a relationship with a lender before the actual need arises. When you do this you can arrange to be pre-approved for a specified loan limit. Later, when the need suddenly arises, you won't have to wade through all of the red tape. The typical term for a bridge loan runs from a fortnight to as long as two years. Of course, any terms can be negotiated and a motivated lender will work hard to match your needs.

Since bridging finance usually lasts for a relatively short period you may find that the interest rate you are being asked to pay is slightly higher than a more conventional type of loan. Lenders make their profit by charging interest across the life of the loan. The shorter the loan period the less interest they earn. As a result many lenders will often boost the rate by a 1/2 point or more. In general, the length of the loan, the amount of risk that is present for the lender, the quality of your credit history and the liquidity and value of your collateral all are used to help determine the interest rate.

Your best bet for securing a bridge loan at the most favourable rates and terms is to work with a qualified UK Commercial Mortgage Broker who understands the ins and outs of bridge loans. That way you can get your application in front of as many lenders as possible and end up with several who are willing to compete for your business.

About the Author

Commercial Lifeline are Commercial Mortgage and Bridging Finance specialists.

This article comes with reprint rights. Feel free to reprint and distribute as you like. All that we ask is that you do not make any changes, that this resource text is include, and that the link above is intact.

 Commercial Lifeline

More Articles 

Refinancing Your House Mortgage - 3 Reasons To Refinance While Rates Are Low - Carrie Reeder
Before mortgage interest rates begin to rise, homeowners should consider the advantages of refinancing now. Although we're witnessing record low rates, these rates will not last forever. Unfortunately, many homeowners will delay refinancing and...

Bridging Finance Basics - Darren Yates
Bridging finance is a short-term loan that is used as a way to provide funding for the purchase of a new property while the borrower awaits the sale of an existing property. Unless all the stars are in perfect alignment, it’s tricky to coordinate...

Mortgage Loan Information - Know The Basics When You Refinance or Purchase a Home - Carrie Reeder
If you are currently looking for a new home, chances are that in all the excitement you won’t really give any thought to the type of home loan mortgage you take out, instead going with the first one offered to you. This could be a serious mistake –...

Do You Need a Mortgage Refinance Loan? - Paul Heath
Is your home loan interest rate higher than the national average? Is your home in need of some much-needed repairs or are you in need of some extra money to pay off credit cards or other bills? A mortgage refinance loan may be exactly what you need...

Email Scams – Ten Simple Steps To Protecting Your Online Finances - Lisa Smith
According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) email scams also known as phishing attacks claim more than 2,000 victims each day from more than 75 million phishing emails that are sent each day. The APWG also claims that these email scams steal...

Refinance After Bankruptcy - Applying For A Refi Loan After A Chapter 7 - Carrie Reeder
Refinancing your mortgage after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you to cash out your equity and find lower rates. You can also lower your payments by extending your loan term. Two years after your bankruptcy has been discharged, you may qualify...

Bad Credit: A Personal Finance Nightmare - Jeremy Maddock
Unfortunately, those people who have poor credit ratings, even those who are trying to reform their ways, are rarely taken seriously when trying to conduct normal transactions. A bad credit rating can make it exceedingly difficult to...

How To Finance Your Trucking Company - Marco Terry
There are few businesses that are as cash flow intensive as a trucking company. The list of ongoing expenses can be endless and can easily overwhelm small and medium size trucking companies. There are fuel expenses, truck repairs, rentals and...

J.G. Wentworth Forecast:Consumers Expected to Increase Sales of Annuities They Hold in 2006, Continuing 3-Year Trend in Personal Finance - Jenna Focarino Miller DeMartine Group
Bryn Mawr, PA, December 5, 2005 - American consumers are expected to more than double the sales of existing tax-deferred annuities they hold in 2006, as the economy moves into what appears to be a transition phase in which liquidity will...

Florida Refinance - Refinancing in Florida - Carrie Reeder
The decision to buy a home in Florida can be one of the best you will ever make. If you own a home in Florida you may be considering refinancing. Refinancing now can potentially save you thousands of dollars over the length of your mortgage. Florida...

Cash Out Refinance Mortgage Loans – Home Equity, 2nd Mortgage Or Cash Out Refinance Loan - Carrie Reeder
There are some definite benefits to doing a cash out refinance. Just make sure that overall you are not going to be spending more money in fees and interest doing a cash out refinance as opposed to a home equity loan. When you do a cash out...

Low Credit Score Mortgage Refinance - Refinance Loans For All Credit Types - Carrie Reeder
Having bad credit may seem like the end of the world. Because of a negative credit rating, you may be turned down for personal loans, credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. Those unfamiliar with bad credit lenders may attempt to obtain...