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Last updated on January 5th, 2026 at 05:54 pm
Bridging loans will typically be funded in 3-4 weeks from the start of an application, but there are several cases where applications have been funded in as little as 5-7 days.
Bridging loans offer an alternative form of fast funding, consisting of private lenders and investors who can offer quick funding solutions to help customers purchase property under a tight deadline.
By removing the hurdles and long applications associated with mortgages and high street banks, bridging lenders and providers can often take a more personal view on an application and fund the loan directly in a matter of days or weeks.
There are several ways to speed up the process, such as knowing the lender’s criteria before you find the property, speaking to a bridging loan broker and having all the relevant paperwork ready.
Bridging Loan Speed Breakdown:
| Stage | Time Estimate |
| Initial enquiry & decision | Same day – 1 day |
| Property valuation | 1 – 3 days |
| Legal work & underwriting | 3 – 10 days |
| Funds released | Within 24 hours of approval |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Decision in Principle For a Bridging Loan?
A decision in principle, which offers indicative terms on a quick bridging loan, can usually take 24-48 hours to be provided by a lender. Sometimes, this can be offered in just a few hours.
The loan decision will always be subject to further checks, documents and a strong exit strategy – and the terms may be adjusted in line with this.
How Long Does Underwriting Take For a Bridging Loan?
Underwriting for a bridging loan can take a few days or weeks depending on the complexity and additional information required by the lender. Underwriting refers to the decision process made by the lender to analyse risk and carry out all the sufficient checks to make a loan decision. The underwriter may decide to approve or decline a loan, or adjust the terms in line with their risk profile.
How Long Does It Take For Funds To Be Released For Bridging Loans?
Once a bridging loan has been fully approved, it can take 24 hours to 3 working days for the funds to be released for large bridging loans, often depending on the size of the loan.
See Also
Is a bridging loan right for me?
Am I eligible for a bridging loan?
Why Would I Need a Bridging Loan So Fast?
Bridging loans are best used to complete fast on property deals. A bridging loan facility allows you to become cash buyer and therefore complete immediately on a property, helping you to avoid property chains and lengthy mortgage delays.
Popular amongst property developers and investors, the speed of funds is often a priority, whether it is to break a property chain, grow their portfolio or secure the property before another buyer does.
Popular reasons for needing a fast bridging loans include:
- Buying property at an auction (see auction finance loans)
- Buy a property below market price i.e distressed, off market property
- Breaking a property chain
- Growing a property portfolio
- Buying an unmortgageable property
- Avoiding repossession of an existing property to pay off mortgage arrears
- Raise capital for a business opportunity
- Short-term cash flow issues – e.g waiting for large invoices to be paid
- Important refurbishment or renovations
- Pay probate or inheritance tax liabilities (see probate loans)
What Can I Do To Get a Quick Bridging Loan?
Speak to a broker – A broker has access to rates and terms from multiple lenders and will be able to assist to help you find the best fit. This includes finding the most competitive rates, best LTV ratio and fastest funding.
Know the terms beforehand – It is very useful to know the bridging loan application process and understanding what brokers and lenders require to give you an initial decision in principle and to progress with your application.
A more seasoned property developer and bridging loan customer knows that the second they find a desirable property, they can move quickly with all the right information and documents – and they have an idea of the terms and rates so they can determine if it will be commercially viable. You want to get to the point that if you find the best property opportunity, you know which lender you want to work with, the criteria they offer and you can proceed immediately.
Unregulated may be faster – Unregulated bridging loans may offer decisions faster because lenders are more independent and not bound by strict FCA procedures.
Have a strong exit strategy and business plan – A strong exit strategy for your project and a business plan with financials and forecasts is essential to show to a lender to speed up the application. If you need the right format or an expert to put this together for you, you can ask a broker or lender beforehand for advice.
Have a deposit ready – You will typically require a deposit of at least 25% for a bridge finance loan and having this ready in cash or through equity in another property is vital to speed up the application. If you have found an exciting property, you ideally don’t want to take weeks finding the deposit elsewhere.
Get your documents ready – You will always need to show a broker and lender your financial records, statements, proof of funds and deposit – so having this ready straight away will certainly speed up your application.
Have a surveyor and solicitor ready – The turnaround of your bridging loan application will depend heavily on your partners such as your surveyor to do a valuation and report and your solicitor to process the legal documentation.
With some partners tied up on other projects, you want to avoid waiting several weeks for a response. This may also include any other partners you work with, such as getting assistance and quotes from accountants, architects and your builders.
Be responsive – Being available by email and phone with the broker and lender will help you progress your application, responding to any questions or document requests.
What Can Slow Down My Bridging Loan Application?
Property purchases can be unpredictable and there are factors that can slow things down. Specifically, any legal complications with the property such as title issues or leasehold agreements – and the response to these may depend on the availability of your solicitor. Hence, having good partners such as your solicitors to be able to process and respond to issues quickly is essential.
Some property types have more requirements than others, with residential property being a faster turnaround than commercial. Your ability to maximise the property’s value may be subject to planning permission, building regulations or being on green belt land – so having prior knowledge here is useful.
Finally, not having a deposit will certainly slow you down. You need to understand exactly what you can afford to borrow and have a deposit ready to go. When you find that elusive property, you want to be able to contact your broker or lender and your solicitor and everything is lined up so you can proceed as quickly as possible.
