MclainsCommercial Finance
Bridging Finance

Bridging finance

Bridging that lends on the open market value of the property, not the purchase price — so you can fund the full deal without cross-charging another property, move fast on auction buys, and roll up the interest on refurb projects.

How It Works

How bridging works

We don't just find you a bridging loan — we structure the facility around your exit strategy and manage the lender through to completion.

1

Initial Consultation

Tell us about your deal, the purchase price, the open market value, and your timeline. We review the numbers and confirm what is achievable — no obligation.

2

We Structure the Deal

We match your deal to the right lender and product — BMV, auction, or refurb — and structure the facility around your exit strategy and timeline.

3

Application & Completion

We handle the paperwork, submit your application, and manage the lender through to completion — keeping the deal moving to your deadline.

What We Arrange

Three routes, one lender panel

We search the whole-of-market specialist panel to find the right bridging product for your deal — whether you are buying below market value, bidding at auction, or funding a refurbishment.

100%+ funding

BMV Bridging

Lenders that lend on the open market value of the property rather than the purchase price — so if you are buying below market value, you can fund the full purchase price (and sometimes costs too) without cross-charging another property.

  • Lends on open market value, not purchase price
  • No cross-charge on another property required
  • 100%+ funding achievable on genuine BMV deals
  • Ideal for below-market-value acquisitions

Up to 95% of OMV

Auction Finance

Fast, decisive bridging for auction purchases — with lenders that go up to 95% of the open market value and can complete within the tight auction deadline, or provide proof of funds before you bid.

  • Up to 95% of open market value
  • Fast completion for auction deadlines
  • Proof of funds available pre-auction
  • Pre-auction approval in principle

Up to 75% LTV

Light & Heavy Refurb

Bridging for light and heavy refurbishment projects — funding the works as well as the purchase, with rolled-up interest so you do not service the debt monthly during the build.

  • Light and heavy refurbishment covered
  • Up to 75% LTV on cost
  • Rolled-up interest options available
  • Ideal for refurb-refinance strategies
Typical Terms

Typical bridging terms

Max LTVUp to 75% (standard) · 95% of OMV (auction) · 100%+ (BMV)
Typical loan size£50,000 – £5,000,000+
Term1–12 months (extensions available)
Completion speed5–10 working days
Interest typeRolled-up or serviced monthly
Exit strategyRefinance, sale, or let-to-sell
Whole of Market

We search the specialist panel

Not tied to any one lender — we find the bridging product that fits your deal.

Catalyst logo
West One logo
Ascot Bridging logo
Fairbridge Capital logo
Apex Bridging logo
Octopus Real Estate logo
Shawbrook logo
Allica Bank logo
MT Finance logo
Catalyst logo
West One logo
Ascot Bridging logo
Fairbridge Capital logo
Apex Bridging logo
Octopus Real Estate logo
Shawbrook logo
Allica Bank logo
MT Finance logo
Catalyst logo
West One logo
Ascot Bridging logo
Fairbridge Capital logo
Apex Bridging logo
Octopus Real Estate logo
Shawbrook logo
Allica Bank logo
MT Finance logo
Example Deals

Example bridging deals

BMV Acquisition

Below-market-value purchase in Luton

Investor acquired a commercial unit below market value, funding 100% of the purchase price through BMV bridging.

Purchase price£150,000
Open market value£200,000
Loan (75% of OMV)£150,000
Auction Finance

Auction purchase in Milton Keynes

Fast bridging completed within the 28-day auction deadline, funding 95% of the open market value.

Purchase price£400,000
LTV (of OMV)95%
Completion8 working days
Refurb-Refinance

Light refurb in St Albans

Bridging funded the purchase and cosmetic works, then exited onto a term mortgage at the improved valuation.

Purchase + works£300,000
LTV on cost75%
Exit valuation£400,000

Example deals are illustrative and based on typical transactions we arrange.

Areas We Cover

Serving London & the Home Counties

We source off-market property, arrange specialist finance and provide advisory services across London and the Home Counties — with deep, location-specific market knowledge in every area we cover.

Questions

Bridging FAQs

What is BMV bridging and how does 100% funding work?

BMV (below market value) bridging means the lender lends against the open market value of the property rather than the price you are paying for it. So if you are buying a property worth £200,000 for £150,000, a lender going to 75% of OMV would lend £150,000 — funding 100% of your purchase price without you needing to put in cash or cross-charge another property.

How fast can auction finance complete?

With a clear case and valuation in place, auction bridging can complete in as little as 5–10 working days. Auction deadlines are typically 28 days, and we manage the lender and paperwork to make sure you do not lose your deposit. We can also arrange proof of funds and an approval in principle before you bid.

What's the difference between light and heavy refurb?

Light refurbishment is cosmetic work — decoration, new kitchens and bathrooms, flooring — that does not require structural changes or planning permission. Heavy refurb involves structural work, extensions, conversions, or changes of use, often with planning. Both can be funded through refurb bridging, with the facility sized to cover the works as well as the purchase.

What LTV can I get on a bridging loan?

It depends on the product and lender. Standard bridging goes up to 70–75% LTV. BMV bridging lends on open market value rather than purchase price, which can effectively fund 100%+ of the purchase price. Auction finance can go up to 95% of open market value. We search the whole-of-market panel to find the right LTV for your deal.

Do I need to cross-charge another property?

Not necessarily. With BMV bridging, the lender lends on the open market value of the property you are buying, so you can often fund the full purchase price without cross-charging another property. For higher LTVs or non-BMV deals, a second charge on another property may be needed — we will always be upfront about this.

Get Started

Book your initial consultation

Tell us about your deal and we'll match you to the right bridging product — no obligation.

Bridging Enquiry

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Insights

Bridging insights

View all insights
When Bridging Finance Beats a Traditional Mortgage
Bridging Finance

When Bridging Finance Beats a Traditional Mortgage

Discover why bridging finance is the essential tool for serious UK investors, offering the speed and flexibility that traditional commercial mortgages lack.

BMV Bridging: Buying Below Market Value at Speed
Bridging Finance

BMV Bridging: Buying Below Market Value at Speed

Master the use of bridging finance to secure commercial off-market deals. Learn how to leverage short-term capital to acquire property below market value efficiently.

Auction Finance: Completing in 28 Days
Bridging Finance

Auction Finance: Completing in 28 Days

Master the 28-day auction deadline with specialist bridging finance. Learn how to secure commercial assets efficiently and mitigate risk in the auction room.

Refurb Bridging: Funding Heavy Works Before Refinance
Bridging Finance

Refurb Bridging: Funding Heavy Works Before Refinance

Discover how to use refurb bridging to fund heavy commercial property works and transition to a permanent mortgage for long-term growth.

Bridging Exit Strategies and How to Avoid an Extension
Bridging Finance

Bridging Exit Strategies and How to Avoid an Extension

Avoid costly bridging loan extensions by mastering exit strategies. Learn how to plan for sales, refinancing, and let-to-sell scenarios effectively.

How Bridging Lenders Assess a Deal: LTV, Exit and Asset
Bridging Finance

How Bridging Lenders Assess a Deal: LTV, Exit and Asset

Master the fundamentals of bridging finance. Learn how lenders assess LTV, exit strategies, and asset types to secure your next commercial property investment.

When Bridging Finance Beats a Traditional Mortgage
Bridging Finance

When Bridging Finance Beats a Traditional Mortgage

Discover why bridging finance is the essential tool for serious UK investors, offering the speed and flexibility that traditional commercial mortgages lack.

BMV Bridging: Buying Below Market Value at Speed
Bridging Finance

BMV Bridging: Buying Below Market Value at Speed

Master the use of bridging finance to secure commercial off-market deals. Learn how to leverage short-term capital to acquire property below market value efficiently.

Auction Finance: Completing in 28 Days
Bridging Finance

Auction Finance: Completing in 28 Days

Master the 28-day auction deadline with specialist bridging finance. Learn how to secure commercial assets efficiently and mitigate risk in the auction room.

Refurb Bridging: Funding Heavy Works Before Refinance
Bridging Finance

Refurb Bridging: Funding Heavy Works Before Refinance

Discover how to use refurb bridging to fund heavy commercial property works and transition to a permanent mortgage for long-term growth.

Bridging Exit Strategies and How to Avoid an Extension
Bridging Finance

Bridging Exit Strategies and How to Avoid an Extension

Avoid costly bridging loan extensions by mastering exit strategies. Learn how to plan for sales, refinancing, and let-to-sell scenarios effectively.

How Bridging Lenders Assess a Deal: LTV, Exit and Asset
Bridging Finance

How Bridging Lenders Assess a Deal: LTV, Exit and Asset

Master the fundamentals of bridging finance. Learn how lenders assess LTV, exit strategies, and asset types to secure your next commercial property investment.

When Bridging Finance Beats a Traditional Mortgage
Bridging Finance

When Bridging Finance Beats a Traditional Mortgage

Discover why bridging finance is the essential tool for serious UK investors, offering the speed and flexibility that traditional commercial mortgages lack.

BMV Bridging: Buying Below Market Value at Speed
Bridging Finance

BMV Bridging: Buying Below Market Value at Speed

Master the use of bridging finance to secure commercial off-market deals. Learn how to leverage short-term capital to acquire property below market value efficiently.

Auction Finance: Completing in 28 Days
Bridging Finance

Auction Finance: Completing in 28 Days

Master the 28-day auction deadline with specialist bridging finance. Learn how to secure commercial assets efficiently and mitigate risk in the auction room.

Refurb Bridging: Funding Heavy Works Before Refinance
Bridging Finance

Refurb Bridging: Funding Heavy Works Before Refinance

Discover how to use refurb bridging to fund heavy commercial property works and transition to a permanent mortgage for long-term growth.

Bridging Exit Strategies and How to Avoid an Extension
Bridging Finance

Bridging Exit Strategies and How to Avoid an Extension

Avoid costly bridging loan extensions by mastering exit strategies. Learn how to plan for sales, refinancing, and let-to-sell scenarios effectively.

How Bridging Lenders Assess a Deal: LTV, Exit and Asset
Bridging Finance

How Bridging Lenders Assess a Deal: LTV, Exit and Asset

Master the fundamentals of bridging finance. Learn how lenders assess LTV, exit strategies, and asset types to secure your next commercial property investment.