No matter how efficiently we manage our finances, there are some unforeseen circumstances in life. We need instant financial help, such as the renovation of a home, paying medical bills, repairing cars and more. A bridging loan is a short term loan that provides you with instant cash flow to fulfil your current financial obligations. It is a secured loan designed to provide the fastest access to cash that borrowers can use for almost any purpose. Bridging loans are different from traditional bank loans in both criteria and primary uses. Typically, bridging finance is used by property developers and investors as a temporary loan or short term mortgage.
How Does Bridging Loan Work?
In most ways bridging loans are similar to traditional secured loans in which borrowers need to submit an application form to get money using an asset as collateral. However, in bridging finance, a loan is provided against the property of the borrower. The lender has a right to take ownership and sell the property if the borrower fails to repay the loan amount. One thing that makes bridging finance different from conventional property loans is that the loan amount is repaid as one lump sum at the end of the loan term. As it is a short term loan, the loan is usually offered for a period of 1 to 18 months. With this type of loan, you have the option to pay the interest rate monthly or at the end of the loan term.
Moreover, the application process of bridging loans is easier and quicker than other types of loans. You may need to wait for weeks or even months when you apply for a mortgage loan, but bridging finance is approved within days or sometimes within 24 hours. It makes bridging finance an ideal option in time-critical situations, such as when purchasing a property at auction or completing the property purchase before the sale of existing property. However, be mindful that bridging loans come with high interest rates and fees, and they make financial sense only when used correctly.
Uses Of Bridging Loan
Although bridging loans are usually used to complete the purchase of a property, they can be used for almost any legal purpose. Some of the most common uses of bridging finance are as follows:
- Purchasing property at auction
- Renovation of property to increase its value before the sale.
- Paying unexpected tax bills.
- Purchasing uninhabitable or non-standard properties.
- Preventing your property from repossession.
- Solving business financial problems
Other than that bridging loan is worth considering when a significant amount of money is needed quickly and can be repaid within months.
The demand for bridging loans is increasing day by day because of the ease and flexibility they provide to the borrowers. Several bridging loan providers are present in the UK, so you should shop around to choose a well-reputed and trusted platform. You can check online customer reviews to know borrowers’ experience with a provider. Always choose a provider that has a transparent lending process and following best lending practices.
