Commercial Bridging Finance in London

For straightforward London commercial property acquisitions with documentation ready, we can typically obtain a decision in principle within 48 hours and complete within 7 to 14 working days. London properties benefit from good surveyor availability and experienced local solicitors, which helps maintain fast timelines. For auction purchases, we recommend securing a decision in principle before bidding to ensure your bridging facility is ready to proceed immediately after the hammer falls.

Bridging rates for London commercial properties typically start from 0.65% per month for low-LTV first charge loans on prime assets, rising to 0.75% to 1.1% per month depending on property type, loan-to-value ratio, and borrower profile. The established market in London means lenders price competitively for quality assets, particularly those with clear exit strategies. Arrangement fees of 1% to 2% apply. We compare multiple bridging lenders to secure the most competitive rate for each London transaction.

Yes, refurbishment bridging is one of the most popular uses in London. Many investors use bridging to acquire and improve commercial properties, upgrading tired stock to modern standards before refinancing to a term mortgage at the improved value. Both light refurbishment (cosmetic upgrades, re-letting) and heavy refurbishment (structural changes, change of use) can be funded. London's active commercial market and 4.2% average yields make refurbishment strategies commercially attractive, with clear exit routes through refinancing or sale at improved values.

For straightforward cases with all documentation prepared and ready, we can typically obtain a decision in principle within 48 hours and achieve completion within 5 to 10 working days. More complex cases — involving heavy refurbishment, non-standard property types, or corporate structures — may take 2 to 4 weeks. The single biggest factor in achieving speed is preparation: having your identification documents, proof of funds for any equity contribution, details of the exit strategy, and solicitor instructed before the application goes in. We prepare a full lender-ready package before submission, which eliminates the back-and-forth that slows many bridging applications.

These are the three ways bridging loan interest can be structured. Retained interest is deducted from the loan on day one — if you borrow £500,000 gross with 12 months of retained interest at 0.85% per month, you receive £449,000 net and repay £500,000 at exit. No monthly payments are required. Rolled-up interest accrues monthly and is added to the loan balance — you receive the full advance but the amount you owe grows each month. Again, no monthly payments. Serviced interest requires monthly payments of the interest charge, meaning you receive the full advance and repay only the capital at exit, but must have cash flow to meet the monthly obligation. Retained interest is most popular because it provides certainty of total cost from day one.

A first charge bridge is the primary loan secured against the property — it has first priority if the property is sold or repossessed. A second charge bridge sits behind an existing first charge mortgage and has subordinate priority. Second charge bridges are used when you want to raise additional capital against a property without disturbing your existing mortgage — for example, to release equity for a deposit on another purchase. Second charge rates are typically higher than first charge because the lender accepts greater risk. The first charge lender must consent to the second charge being placed on the property.