0208 756 1 756
Speak to an Adviser →

Residential Bridging Finance

Fast, flexible short-term finance for residential property. Auction completions, chain breaks, refurbishments and unmortgageable properties, completion from 5 working days.

FCA Regulated
Extensive Lender Panel
Based in Uxbridge
UK Wide Coverage
24hr Response
5★ Reviews

Short-Term Finance for Residential Property

Residential bridging loans provide short-term finance secured against residential property: houses, flats, bungalows, HMOs and multi-unit freehold blocks. Whether you need to complete an auction purchase within 28 days, break a property chain, fund a refurbishment or purchase a property that's currently unmortgageable, we can arrange fast, competitive funding.

Best Use Cases

Auction purchase, complete within the 28-day deadline
Chain break, buy your next home before selling your current one
Unmortgageable property: short lease, no kitchen/bathroom, structural issues
Short lease properties, purchase and extend the lease before refinancing
Multi-unit freehold blocks (MUFBs), purchase or refinance
Pre-refurbishment purchase: buy, renovate, then refinance to a standard mortgage
Probate property, fund purchase before grant of probate is finalised
Below market value purchases requiring fast completion
Divorce settlement, buy out a spouse's share quickly
Cash buyer advantage: act as cash, complete fast, negotiate a lower price

Get a Quote

Fast response, often within the hour for urgent cases.

Urgent? Call us on 0208 756 1 756 for same-day response

Key Criteria

• LTV: Up to 75% standard. Up to 80–85% with additional security.

• Loan size: £50,000 to £25,000,000+

• Term: 1 to 24 months (some lenders up to 36 months)

• Rates: From 0.55% per month

• Security: First or second charge on residential property

• Speed: Completion from 5 working days

• Exit strategy: Sale, refinance to mortgage, or other verifiable funds

Exit Strategies

  • • Sale of the property, the most common exit for auction and chain-break bridging
  • • Refinance to a standard residential mortgage once the property is habitable
  • • Refinance to a buy to let mortgage if retaining as an investment
  • • Sale of another property or asset
  • • Receipt of funds from an inheritance, pension or investment

How the Process Works

1

Enquiry

Tell us about the deal: property, amount, timeline and exit strategy.

2

Terms & Costs

We source the best terms from our panel and provide a full cost breakdown.

3

Valuation & Legal

Valuation is instructed and solicitors prepare legal documentation.

4

Completion

Funds released, often within 5–14 working days from initial enquiry.

Risks & Considerations

  • • Bridging loans carry higher interest rates than standard mortgages. They are designed for short-term use only
  • • If your exit strategy fails (e.g. property doesn't sell), you may face penalty charges or the lender may seek repossession
  • • Arrangement fees, valuation fees and legal costs apply and should be factored into the total cost
  • • Interest is typically charged monthly, ensure you budget for ongoing costs during the loan term
  • • Some bridging loans are not regulated by the FCA, unregulated loans do not offer the same consumer protections

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

A bridging loan is secured against property. Your property may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments. Bridging finance is a short-term solution and should not be used as a long-term borrowing facility.

Chess Mortgages is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Some bridging loans are not regulated by the FCA.

Related Services

Commercial Bridging

Bridging for commercial property.

Learn more

Light Refurbishment

Finance for cosmetic property works.

Learn more

Bridge to Let

Bridging that converts to a BTL mortgage.

Learn more

High LTV Bridging

Maximise borrowing at higher LTV.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a residential bridging loan in 7 days?
Yes, in many cases. If the property is straightforward, the legal title is clean, and a desktop or drive-by valuation is acceptable, completion can be achieved in 5–7 working days.
What if the property is unmortgageable?
Bridging lenders regularly fund properties that are currently unmortgageable. Those with no kitchen, no bathroom, structural issues, short leases or Japanese knotweed. The key is a credible plan to make the property mortgageable and a clear exit strategy.
Is residential bridging regulated?
It depends on who will live in the property. If you or a family member will occupy the property, the loan must be regulated by the FCA. If it's an investment property, the loan will typically be unregulated.
Can I get bridging finance with bad credit?
Yes. Many bridging lenders focus on the deal and the exit strategy rather than the borrower's credit score. We have access to lenders who consider adverse credit including CCJs and defaults.
Do I need to have sold my current home first?
No, that's one of the key benefits of bridging. You can buy before you sell, using the bridging loan to bridge the gap. Your exit strategy would typically be the sale of your current property.

Ready to Get Started?

Speak with one of our expert advisers today, initial consultation at our expense, and without obligation.

Book a Consultation 0208 756 1 756
Call Us Enquire