A Step-by-Step Guide

In property, timing is everything. Whether you’re buying at auction, bridging a chain break, or refinancing a mixed-use portfolio, you need to know how quickly bridging finance can be arranged. At LendFirst, one of the most common questions we hear is: “How long does a bridging loan actually take?”

The answer depends on the complexity of the deal, but here’s a clear breakdown of the process and how we make it faster.

Typical Bridging Loan Timescales in the UK

While bridging loans are far quicker than traditional mortgages, they’re not always “instant.” Based on UK market data:

• Fastest deals: 48–72 hours (rare, usually for existing clients or straightforward cases).
• Standard completions: 7–14 days (the average for straightforward residential or commercial purchases).
• Complex deals: 2–4 weeks (common when refinancing, dealing with multiple parties, or if legal/valuation issues arise).

Industry surveys suggest that most bridging loans are completed within 2–4 weeks; however, experienced lenders like LendFirst can significantly shorten this timeframe with proper preparation and direct decision-making.

The Step by Step Bridging Loan Process

Here’s what typically happens when you apply for a bridging loan with LendFirst:

• Initial Enquiry & Terms: We’ll issue indicative terms within hours of receiving your details. This sets out the loan size, LTV, and rates.
• Application & Underwriting: A short application form and supporting documents (including ID, proof of ownership, and an exit plan) are reviewed. We assess the deal on a case-by-case basis rather than using a box-ticking approach, which speeds things up.
• Valuation: A RICS valuation confirms the property’s market value. This can be arranged within days, but having valuers lined up quickly is key to avoiding delays.
• Legal Work: Both sides’ solicitors handle searches, title checks, and legal documents. This stage often dictates the overall timeline, so using experienced property solicitors makes a big difference.
• Funds Released: Once legal checks are complete, funds can be drawn down. For existing clients, this can happen in as little as 24 hours.

How to Speed Up Your Bridging Loan

If you want to complete your loan as fast as possible, here are our top tips:

• Have your exit strategy ready – lenders want to know how the loan will be repaid.
• Use the right solicitors – property-focused solicitors move far faster.
• Get documents in early – ID, company info, and property details should be ready to go.
• Choose a direct lender – at LendFirst, you’ll speak directly to decision-makers, not layers of committees.

Why LendFirst Can Complete Faster

Many lenders quote weeks; at LendFirst, we pride ourselves on moving at the speed of the deal. Because we underwrite in-house and focus on the asset, rather than bureaucracy, we can often issue terms within hours and complete transactions within days. That’s why brokers, landlords, and developers across the UK trust us when timing is critical.

So, how long does a bridging loan take to complete? Typically, it takes between 7 and 14 days, but with proper preparation and the right lender, it can be much faster.
Need funds quickly? Get an instant quote today or speak to our team about your bridging finance needs.