The Intermediary – July 2025 - Flipbook - Page 49
SPECIALIST FINANCE
Opinion
Bridging the
big deals
O
nce considered a
stop-gap solution
for modest property
purchases, bridging
is increasingly
becoming a strategic
tool for sophisticated investors
and developers. The numbers tell
the story: according to Bridging &
Development Lenders Association
(BDLA) data, the average bridging
loan in the UK now sits at £540,000 –
higher than many might expect.
We’ve been witnessing this shi
first-hand. Our own average bridging
loan size is £810,490, and we’re
comfortable underwriting up to
£20m across both residential buyto-let (BTL) and commercial assets.
These aren’t rare exceptions – they’re
reflective of a market that’s maturing
in scale, ambition, and complexity.
High-value deals are not confined
to London postcodes or headlinemaking developments. We’re seeing
substantial cases in regional cities,
smaller towns, and even semi-rural
locations. Whether it’s a mixed-use
conversion or refinancing a portfolio
in a limited company structure, the
demand for tailored, larger bridging
loans is only growing.
But with greater value comes greater
complexity. Timelines can be tight,
and clients are oen juggling multiple
moving parts – planning approvals,
refinance exits, capital redeployment.
Broker expertise is critical, and so is
the lender they choose to work with.
High value bridging cases don’t leave
much room for error. Certainty of
funding, clarity on structure, and the
ability to make decisions swily and
sensibly can make or break a deal.
We’ve built our bridging proposition
around this very principle. As a fully
licensed UK bank with a specialist
lending mindset, we bring the best
of both worlds: regulated credibility
and agile execution. Our team is
experienced with complexity and
we take a hands-on approach to
structuring solutions that work in the
real world. Crucially, we assess each
application on its own merits – not
against a one-size-fits-all checklist.
MIKE SAYS
is CEO of GB Bank
For brokers handling these kinds of
cases, having a lender that genuinely
understands the nuances of high-value
bridging can transform the experience
– not just for them, but for their
clients. Deals progress faster. Issues
get solved earlier. And everyone has
confidence that the funding will be
delivered on time.
The bridging market is rich
with potential. But unlocking that
potential, especially at the higher end,
means knowing who to work with.
For brokers, the opportunity is
clear. Bigger deals come with more
complexity, but greater rewards.
Working with a lender that
specialises in larger loans and has
earned a recognised pedigree in this
area can be the key to unlocking
that opportunity.
Because when it comes to bigticket bridging, expertise isn’t just an
advantage. It’s a necessity. ●
ADVERTISEMENT
Affordability.
Boosted.
Three ways we’re helping brokers
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From smarter criteria, expert support and cashback
rewards, we’re helping landlords go further
Property secured on a loan may be repossessed if repayments are not maintained.
All information correct at 28/5/25. Visit our website for further information and full terms and conditions. Authorised by the Prudential
Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Registered in England and
Wales under company registration no. 09872265 at Suite 101, The Nexus Building, Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 3TA.
February 2025 | The Intermediary
49
