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Commercial Bridging Finance: The Fastest Way to Fund Property Projects in the UK

Commercial Bridging Finance The Fastest Way to Fund Property Projects in the UK

Overview

Commercial bridging finance can be the best solution when you require money within a short time to purchase or refinance a business premise. It is a quick-fix loan that assists in closing property transactions in a hurry, normally in a few days. A bridging loan provides flexibility and access to funds, whether you are a developer, investor, or business owner, without the time-consuming process of taking a normal bank loan.

What does a commercial bridging loan mean?

A commercial bridging loan is a short-term loan that is secured on commercial property. It fills the money gap between the purchase of property and the long-term financing or disposal of property.
This is usually a 1-24-month loan that charges interest ranging between 0.75 and 1.4% monthly. Any kind of property and exit plan can have you borrowing between 25,000 and over 100 million.

 Quick Facts:

  • Loan term: 1–24 months
  • Loan-to-Value (LTV): Up to 75%
  • Approval: As fast as 3 days
  • None of the monthly payments are provided; the interest is accumulated and paid at the end.

Why Choose Brickflow for Commercial Bridging Finance

Brickflow is one of the UK’s top digital platforms for finding and applying for commercial bridging loans. It lets you compare 100+ lenders in seconds and apply online with a single form.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Enter your project and loan details.
  2. Compare real-time deals from over 100 lenders.
  3. Apply to multiple lenders in one go.

You’ll get the best available rates, lowest fees, and fast responses — often within an hour.

Residential vs. Commercial Bridging Loans

Feature

Residential Bridging Loan

Commercial Bridging Loan

Property Type

Homes, buy-to-let

Shops, offices, warehouses, land

Regulation

FCA regulated

Usually unregulated

Borrower Type

Individual

Businesses/Companies

Loan Purpose

Buying/selling a home

Business or investment use

A commercial bridging loan will be required in the event that your property is over 40% commercial. In the case of mixed-use property (such as shops and the flats above), it is a semi-commercial loan.



Who is Eligible to take a Commercial Bridging Loan

You usually need:

  • To be 18 or older
  • A UK address or company registration
  • A clear exit strategy (how you’ll repay)
  • A property or asset as security

Even if your credit isn’t perfect, many lenders will still consider you—especially if your property has strong resale or rental value.

Benefits of Commercial Bridging Finance

 Speed

Funding can be completed in days—not months like traditional loans. Perfect for auction purchases or urgent deals.

Flexibility

You can borrow for a few months or up to two years and repay early without big penalties.

 Easier Approval

Lenders focus more on property value than credit score.

Business Growth

Use your property equity to fund new projects, buy stock, or expand your business.

Top Tips to Get Approved Fast

  1. You must have a clear exit plan (a sale or a refinance).
  2. Use live market data to prove your property’s value.
  3. Prepare documents early (ID, statements, property info).
  4. Work with an experienced solicitor and broker.
  5. Be upfront about any credit issues.

 Pro Tip: Using Brickflow speeds up lender communication and reduces legal delays.

What Can You Use a Bridging Loan For?

Commercial bridging finance can be used for:

  • Buying commercial or mixed-use property
  • Funding renovations or refurbishments
  • Auction purchases
  • Business cash flow
  • Refinancing an existing loan
  • Preventing property repossession

    It’s one of the most versatile finance tools for property professionals.

Types of Commercial Bridging Loans

  • Closed Bridging Loan: 

You already have a fixed exit plan (like a sale completion date).

  • Open Bridging Loan: 

You don’t have a set repayment date—more flexible but slightly higher interest.

  • Development Bridging Loan: 

You must use it for construction or renovation projects.

  • Business Bridging Loan: 

Secured against business property or assets to fund operations.

How to Repay the Loan (Exit Strategies)

Common repayment methods include:

  • Refinancing with a commercial mortgage
  • Selling the property
  • Using profits from another project or investment

Your lender will want a clear plan for how you’ll pay off the loan at the end of the term.

Documents You’ll Need

To apply, you’ll typically need:

  • Proof of ID and address
  • Business bank statements
  • Property valuation
  • Details of your exit plan
    Company details (if applicable)

How Long Does It Take?

An average commercial bridging loan will finish within 2-4 weeks, depending on the speed of the valuations and legal work. It can be filled within a week in case all the required materials are available.

To speed things up:

  • Get your valuation ordered early
  • Use a solicitor familiar with bridging loans
  • Keep all paperwork ready to go

 

Risks and Legal Checks

Although bridging finance is quick and adaptable, it is not completely risk-free:

  • In case you are unable to repay on time, the lender is allowed to confiscate your property.
  • The majority of commercial bridging loans are not regulated, and therefore, make sure that you read your agreement.
  • Be aware of hidden charges, like valuation, exit, or legal charges.

To have a loan, one should always have a qualified solicitor to read the loan terms before signing.

Planning Ahead

Before applying, make sure you:

  • Be aware of your schedule of repayment schedule.
  • Know about all fees and rates.
  • Have your papers and permits in hand.
  • Get legal advice early.
  • And inform your partners or investors.

A ready application makes it easier to get a better rate and get approved.

Real-Life Examples: How Bridging Loans Help Businesses Grow

Many people think commercial bridging loans are only for emergencies. Actually, they are a smart way to grow fast. Investors, developers, and small business owners can use them to act quickly when time is important.

Here are some real examples.

     Turning an Old Building   into Profit

A property investor in Manchester found an empty warehouse at auction. Banks wouldn’t lend because it needed repairs.

He used a 6-month bridging loan to buy it and fix it quickly. Later, he switched to a long-term loan.
Result:

  • Project done in 4 months
  • Property value went up 45%
  • Earns steady rent now

    Saving a Deal Fast

    A logistics company in Birmingham wanted a warehouse next door. They had 21 days to complete the deal. The bank was too slow.

Using Brickflow, they got a bridging loan in 10 days. They completed the purchase and later changed to a cheaper long-term loan.
Result:

  • Deal saved
  • Business space doubled
  • Loan repaid early
    Expanding a Small Business

A café owner in London wanted a second branch. Waiting for a bank loan would take too long.
She used a 12-month bridging loan secured on her first café. The new branch opened in 2 months. Later, she refinanced both cafés under one low-interest loan.
Result:

  • The new branch opened fast
  • Sales grew 60%
  • Loans refinanced easily
    Helping Developers Start Early

A developer in Leeds used a 9-month bridging loan to buy land and start building six flats. Long-term funding came later.
Result:

  • Construction started sooner
  • All 6 flats sold quickly
  • Saved money on interest
    Covering Short-Term Costs

A manufacturing company in Sheffield used a bridging loan to pay suppliers while waiting for a client payment.
Result:

  • Business ran smoothly
  • No layoffs
  • Loan repaid quickly

Why This Matters

These stories show that bridging loans frida finance aren’t just for emergencies. They let you act fast, grow your business, and grab opportunities before others.

Using Brickflow, you can compare loans from many lenders quickly, find the best deal, and save time and paperwork.

Image Suggestions:

  • An investor fixing a building with a bridging loan
  • Business owner expanding fast with a short-term loan
  • A developer on a construction site funded by a bridging loan
  • Brickflow dashboard showing UK bridging loan options

Key Takeaways

One of the quickest methods of financing property deals in the UK is commercial bridging finance. It is flexible, cash is easily available, and there are fewer restrictions as compared to traditional bank loans; hence, it is ideal for developers, investors, and growing businesses.

Before applying:

  • Have a clear exit plan.
  • Cooperate with a reliable broker or platform, such as Brickflow.
  • Check all the legal and financial conditions.

A business bridging loan can also be used to the advantage of your project and get it going in the most effective way possible with the correct planning.