This site is intended for customers only. If you are a professional intermediary, please visit our broker & introducer site.

Bridging Loan Criteria

bridging loan criteria

Bridging loan qualification criteria

What do you need to qualify for bridging finance?

Our goal is to make short-term property funding straightforward, but like any financial product, there are still boxes that need ticking. This page outlines the key bridging loan criteria, so you know exactly what to expect before you apply.

Understanding the bridging loan requirements helps speed up your application and gives you the best chance of securing the deal you need, without surprises along the way.


What is the criteria for a bridging loan?

Security:

You’ll need a property (or multiple properties) to secure the loan. This could be residential, commercial, land, or mixed-use.

Exit strategy:

How you plan to repay the loan, typically through sale, refinance, or other liquidity event.

Loan-to-value (LTV):

Most lenders offer up to 75% LTV, but it can vary depending on the asset and risk.

Credit history:

While adverse credit isn’t always a deal-breaker, it may impact terms.

Borrower type:

We work with individuals, limited companies, SPVs, partnerships and trusts.

Experience:

For development or refurbishment loans, some experience may be required.

Typical bridging qualifying criteria

Criteria Factor Typical Requirement
Minimum loan amount:
£150,000
Term:
1–24 months
Location:
England, Wales, Scotland (in some cases)
Security Type:
Residential, commercial, land, or mixed-use
Age:
18+ (some lenders require 21+)
Residency:
UK residents preferred; some offshore options may be available
Exit Strategy:
Must be clearly defined and realistic

For an initial assessment of your enquiry, all we need initially is:

Estimated value of property

Type of property and location

Amount required and how long for

How you plan to repay the loan

What lenders look for

Different lenders apply different bridging loans criteria, depending on their risk appetite and funding model. Some will be more flexible with credit history, while others focus heavily on the asset and exit.

We work across a panel of specialist lenders and private funders, meaning we can match your scenario with the right underwriting approach.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the bridging loan lending criteria, our team is happy to review your case and advise on your best options.

bridging loan lenders requirements

Documents you'll need

To move forward, you’ll typically need:

  • Proof of ID and address
  • Details of the security property (valuation or marketing info)
  • Company accounts (if borrowing through a business)
  • Details of your exit strategy (e.g., mortgage DIP, sale listing, etc.)
  • Asset and liability summary
  • Bank statements (where relevant)

Meeting the bridging loan requirements early in the process makes everything faster, cleaner, and more likely to fund on time.

Bridging loans are commonly used for:

Buying before your current property sells

Auction purchases with short completion deadlines

Buying land to develop

Light or heavy refurbishments

Raising capital against existing property assets

Business cash flow or tax liabilities

Key features of our bridging loans

Loans from £150,000 to £25 million+

Short terms from 1 to 24 months

Residential, commercial, and land considered

First or second charge options available

Interest roll-up, serviced or retained

Transparent fees and no hidden clauses

Want to know more about bridging loans?

Why work with Envelop Finance?

  • Clear guidance on bridging loan lending criteria
  • Access to flexible lenders who assess each case on its own merit
  • No time-wasting, just straight answers
  • Full support from enquiry to completion

Unsure if you qualify?

If you’re unsure about your bridging loan eligibility, we’re happy to review your case with no obligation. We’ll let you know if you meet the bridging loans criteria and what steps to take next.

Bridging doesn’t have to be complicated. We will guide you through the process.

Scroll to Top