Bridging Loans Explained

Published on: 07 May 2021 Last Updated on: 02 January 2025

Bridging loans have become popular among borrowers for all the right reasons. With everyone talking about bridging loans, including the mainstream media, the chances are that you have already heard of these loans before.

This is especially true if you are trying to move houses. However, several people do not know what a bridging loan is and how it works.

Taking a bridging loan could be the best thing to do if you have found a dream house you want to acquire before someone else buys it, and you are yet to find a buyer for your existing home, which still has a mortgage.

A bridging loan will give you the funds you need to buy the second house as you wait to sell the current one. Even so, there is so much more to bridging loans than you might imagine.

In this guide, we will discuss everything about bridging loans from the basics, pros, and cons. keep reading to discover everything you need to know about bridging loans.

So what exactly is a Bridging Loan?

Simply put, a bridging loan is a short-term loan taken on top of the current home loan. As the name suggests, a bridging loan is usually taken when you need to buy a new house immediately before selling your existing home. When you take this loan, you will be paying interest on two loans.

To put things into perspective, bridging loans are a form of interest-only loans.

The value of your existing property will determine the value of the loan. It is also vital to note that these loans have limited terms and contain special concerns. Depending on the lender, the amount and terms of the loan will vary. You can view this bridging loan calculator first before you apply for the loan to get a glimpse of your financial responsibilities.

The structure of bridging loans differs from one private money lender to another. Some private lending providers will require you to continue serving your loan until you settle in your new property. The private finance providers will the interest of your two loans together during the loan duration.

Once you find a buyer for your second property, the mortgage will be discharged. You will then start paying the principal and interest of your current loan. On the other hand, other private lending providers will ask you to service both loans after taking a new one.

After the sale of your home, the initial mortgage will be discharged, while the bridging loan might be converted into the home of your choice for your new property.

When taking a bridging loan, it would help to think about compounding interest because you will be charged for both loans. Always keep in mind that you will end up paying more than you should if you fail to find a buyer for your house quickly. Bridging loan interests are calculated daily and charged monthly.

Another key element you should have in mind is the duration of the bridging loan. These loans usually last around six months to 12 months, depending on the private finance providers and your preferences. Your loan length will be six months if you buy an existing home and 12 months for a new one.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Bridging Loan?

Now that you are aware of what a bridging loan is and how it functions, it is time to look at the pros and cons. Understanding the benefits of these loans and the challenges you are likely to encounter when you take a bridge loan will help you make the right decisions. Here are the pros and cons of a bridging loan:

The Benefits of a Bridging Loan:

Bridging loans have so much to offer. It is crucial to understand what you should expect with this type of loan to get the best options. Here are the pros of bridging loans:

More Convenience:

Do you want to buy your dream home quickly? A bridging loan will allow you to do just that even if you have not sold your existing house just yet.

Flexible Repayments:

Depending on your bridging loan structure, you will only have to service your existing home loan finance when you take a bridging loan.

Avoid Further Expenses:

You will not have to rent when you take a bridging loan. It will allow you to move even if you do not have a buyer for your house.

Considerations of a Bridging Loan:

Like is the case with any other type of loan, bridging loans also have their fair share of cons. For instance, you will be forced to pay more if you fail to sell your house as soon as possible.

Choosing the Best Bridging Loans for Your Needs:

Bridging loans are categorized as open bridging loans and closed bridging loans. Closed bridging loans have a pre-determined settlement date while open bridging loans do not have an agreed settlement date.

When looking for a bridging loan, it will help to consider the duration, interest rates, and loan structure. It would also help to compare alternative loans before making the final decision.

Above all, it is essential to find the right private lending company. Fortunately, you can use an easy-to-use online platform such as ADS.finance to find the best private finance option near you.

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The Power Of Heavy Machinery In The Construction Industry

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Request recent paystubs, tax returns, and bank statements as evidence. Income should adequately cover rent and other costs. Employment Verification Speak with the stated employer's HR department to confirm the position, dates employed, and salary. Beware if details seem shaky. Rental History Checks Contact previous landlords to check payment history, lease violations, damages, complaints, evictions, etc. Look for consistent on-time payments. Beware of frequent moves, evictions, or unpaid rent. Credit Checks Run a thorough credit check to verify your credit score, current debts, and any negative marks. Watch for unmanageable debts, court judgments, and bankruptcies. Background Screening Perform criminal and eviction record screening through approved channels to uncover any serious offenses or causes for concern. Personal Reference Checks Contact 1-2 references provided to assess the applicant’s reliability and character from people who know them. 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For instance, a low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean the person won’t pay rent reliably if other factors check out. And someone with an old petty misdemeanor isn’t necessarily high-risk if they have great landlord references. Consider the full scope - credit, background, income, rental history, interview impressions and references for a balanced decision. Don't let one element override others without due consideration. Strategies For Choosing The Best Tenant Picking the ideal tenant involves balancing several factors. The ability to afford rent is of course essential. Tenants need a stable income adequate to cover the rent plus other costs. However, also consider their income growth potential, not just current earnings. Look at their track record too. Do they have a solid history of paying on time, maintaining units well, following rules, and keeping good relationships with past landlords and neighbors? Consistency in meeting obligations predicts future behavior. Also assess their responsible character based on the full application, background checks, interview, and references. Do they seem conscientious, honest, and reasonable? Shared values matter for a good fit. While an imperfect credit score does not preclude someone, evaluate if they are actively managing income and debts responsibly regardless of past issues. Furthermore, consider lifestyle compatibility with the property and community. Will their habits mesh well? Similar priorities and standards make for an easier relationship. Avoid fixating on any single factor when choosing tenants. Seek those who balance financial ability, compatibility and character. This leads to positive partnerships that serve both parties' needs. Taking a big-picture view helps identify tenants who will be assets to your property and business. 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Bridging Loans Explained

So what exactly is a Bridging Loan?

What are the Pros and Cons of a Bridging Loan?