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.

Residential Bridging Loans | Auction, Chain Break

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.

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

Enquiry

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

Terms & Costs

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

Valuation & Legal

Valuation is instructed and solicitors prepare legal documentation.

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.

Residential Bridging Finance

Short-Term Finance for Residential Property

Best Use Cases

Get a Quote

Key Criteria

Exit Strategies

How the Process Works

Enquiry

Terms & Costs

Valuation & Legal

Completion

Risks & Considerations

Related Services

Commercial Bridging

Light Refurbishment

Bridge to Let

High LTV Bridging

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Started?