What is a Bridging Loan? A Complete Guide for 2026
Everything you need to know about bridging loans — how they work, when to use one, what they cost, and how to repay them. The definitive guide from a direct lender.
Read the guide →Practical guides, market insight, and expert advice on bridging finance — written by our team of specialists. Browse by topic below.
Property problems that stop mortgage approval and how to overcome them
Hub guide → Unmortgageable PropertiesSpray foam, fire damage, damp, structural issues and more
15 guides → Auction FinanceHow to fund auction purchases and meet the 28-day deadline
2 guides → ValuationsAVM, desktop, and no-valuation routes — how lenders value without a physical survey
3 guides → RefurbishmentsFinancing property repairs, renovations and value-add projects
4 guides → Opportunities in PropertyBelow-market-value buying, forced appreciation and deal strategies
2 guides → Residential InvestmentBTL, HMO and residential property investment finance
3 guides → Market ReportsProperty market analysis and investment insight from our team
1 report →Everything you need to know about bridging loans — how they work, when to use one, what they cost, and how to repay them. The definitive guide from a direct lender.
Read the guide →When should you use a bridging loan instead of a mortgage? We break down the key differences, costs, and the situations where each product wins.
Read the guide →Yes — AVM, desktop, and no-valuation routes all avoid a physical inspection. We compare all three options, their LTV limits, eligible properties, and how much faster they complete.
Read the guide →Desktop valuations are widely used in bridging finance — but how reliable are they? We explain the methodology, data sources, typical accuracy ranges, and when lenders push back.
Read the guide →Both avoid a physical survey — but AVM gives 65% LTV and desktop gives 70%. We compare speed, cost, accuracy, eligibility, and when each route wins.
Read the guide →How desktop valuations work, which properties qualify, the data sources surveyors use, and how to complete a bridging loan in days rather than weeks. Includes 37 FAQs.
Read the guide →A complete hub guide to property-related mortgage declines — damp, subsidence, spray foam, knotweed, short lease, flying freehold, non-standard construction, solar panels, building regs, down valuations and more.
Read the hub guide →Many properties are declined by mortgage lenders due to structural issues, damp, fire damage, spray foam or title defects. That doesn't mean they can't be purchased. A complete guide to the options.
Read the guide →Missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs and bankruptcy can all lead to mortgage declines — but bridging lenders are often significantly more flexible than mainstream lenders.
Read the guide →A down valuation creates a funding gap between what the lender will offer and what the purchase requires. Bridging loans, second charge lending and additional security can bridge the shortfall.
Read the guide →Mortgage declined because of spray foam insulation? A bridging loan can complete the purchase while the insulation is removed and the property is refinanced.
Read the guide →Mortgage declined because of damp? A bridging loan can complete the purchase while the issue is investigated and rectified, then refinance onto a conventional mortgage.
Read the guide →Mortgage declined on a fire-damaged property? A bridging loan can complete the purchase, fund the repairs and bridge the gap to conventional mortgage lending.
Read the guide →Subsidence, structural movement, cracking and foundation defects regularly cause mortgage declines. Here's how bridging finance provides a route to purchase and refinance.
Read the guide →Historic subsidence that has been properly repaired is often mortgageable. Active subsidence is another matter. A guide to the key distinction and how bridging finance can complete the purchase while remediation is carried out.
Read the guide →Mortgage declined because of Japanese knotweed? A bridging loan can complete the purchase while the knotweed is professionally managed and the property refinanced.
Read the guide →A missing EWS1 certificate can cause a mortgage to be delayed or declined on flats in buildings with cladding concerns. Bridging finance can complete the purchase while the assessment is completed.
Read the guide →Mortgage declined because of a short lease? Bridging finance can complete the purchase while the lease is extended and the property refinanced at a higher value.
Read the guide →PRC houses, concrete homes, BISF steel-framed properties — non-standard construction often leads to mortgage declines. Bridging finance can complete the purchase where conventional lenders decline.
Read the guide →Airey Houses, Cornish Units, Wates Houses — PRC construction regularly causes mortgage declines. Bridging finance can complete the purchase while repairs are completed and a PRC Certificate obtained.
Read the guide →Modern timber frame is widely accepted. Older timber frame systems can attract greater lender scrutiny. Bridging finance can complete the purchase while a suitable long-term lender is identified.
Read the guide →BISF, Atholl, Trusteel — steel-framed construction regularly creates lender restrictions. Bridging finance can complete the purchase while a suitable long-term lender is identified.
Read the guide →A flying freehold does not automatically make a property unmortgageable. Many lenders will proceed where legal rights are properly documented. Where they decline, bridging finance can complete the purchase.
Read the guide →Rent-a-roof solar panel leases are one of the most common unexpected causes of mortgage decline. A guide to the lease issue, deed of variation solutions and how bridging finance can keep the transaction on track.
Read the guide →High-rise blocks, deck-access flats, non-standard construction — ex-council properties can trigger mortgage declines. Bridging finance can complete the purchase while a suitable long-term lender is identified.
Read the guide →Uncertified loft conversions, removed load-bearing walls, extensions without approval — missing Building Regulations can trigger mortgage declines. A guide to indemnity insurance and bridging finance.
Read the guide →A missing FENSA certificate can delay exchange and cause lender enquiries. Indemnity insurance or a replacement certificate often resolves the issue — bridging finance can keep the transaction on track.
Read the guide →Regulated and protected tenants create significant mortgage restrictions. Bridging finance can complete the purchase for investors where a clear strategy and exit route exist.
Read the guide →Agricultural occupancy conditions reduce mortgage options and property values by 20–40%. Bridging finance can complete the purchase while a specialist refinance or tie removal strategy is pursued.
Read the guide →Property auctions move fast. Here's everything you need to know about arranging auction finance — before and after the hammer falls — to meet your 28-day deadline.
Read the guide →Buying your first property at auction? How auction finance works, what to avoid, how much deposit you'll need and how to complete within 28 days — with a full pre-auction checklist.
Read the guide →Bought £475k, refurb £150k, sold £825k — £200k gross profit. Bridge expiring, buyer renegotiating. AF Credit refinanced at 65% LTV with desktop valuation only, dual sale/BTL exit, and dual representation legals.
Read the case study →Refurbished East London residence. Hard deadline, outstanding Lawful Development Certificate, lender refusing to extend. AF Credit rebridged at full post-works value with no valuation and no searches.
Read the case study →The headlines say crash. The data says something different. Why a short-term window exists to buy good quality property at 10–25% below market value — and how bridging finance unlocks it.
Read the article →Our guides answer the most common questions. For anything specific to your situation, our specialists are here.