The Intermediary – June 2025 - Flipbook - Page 42
SPECIALIST FINANCE
Opinion
Four tips for faster
bridging completion
I
n bridging finance, speed is
everything. Whether your
client is chasing an auction
deadline, refinancing before
penalty interest kicks in,
or seizing a time-sensitive
investment, the ability to complete
quickly is oen what makes or breaks
the opportunity.
But fast bridging isn’t just about
how quickly a lender can issue a
decision in principle (DIP). The
real challenge lies in geing from
application to completion – and
that requires alignment between
lenders, surveyors, lawyers and you,
the broker.
At Castle Trust Bank, we’ve
completed refinance loans in as lile
as nine hours, so we’ve seen first-hand
what it takes to deliver fast and reliable
outcomes. Here are four practical
tips that can help you accelerate your
bridging cases and deliver a standout
result for your client.
Get it right first time
The quality of the initial submission
can make or break a case.
Incomplete documentation, vague
details or inconsistencies only slow
things down.
A fully packaged application that
includes valuation instructions,
planning documents (where relevant),
exit strategy details, and redemption
statements (if applicable) enables
underwriters to progress the case
without unnecessary back-and-forth.
Beer still, use a lender that offers
a broker portal with real-time case
tracking and automated prompts. This
avoids duplication, reduces admin,
and ensures nothing gets missed.
At Castle Trust Bank, our PULSE
application platform offers a slick
user journey, only asking pertinent
questions and enabling brokers to
obtain multiple quotes on the same
case. It also delivers instant pricing,
immediate terms and instant creditbacked DIPs.
Choose a responsive lender and
lean on your BDM
Bridging isn’t always straightforward.
You’re oen dealing with complex
ownership structures, non-standard
property types, or tight timeframes.
This is where people maer. Look
for lenders that offer direct access
to decision-makers and where your
business development manager (BDM)
acts as a problem-solver, not just a
ANNA LEWIS
is commercial director
at Castle Trust Bank
salesperson. The ability to escalate
quickly, clarify requirements, or
unlock a deal structure can make a
world of difference.
We’ve structured our team to
provide upfront certainty, with a daily
drop-in that enables our BDMs to
discuss cases with key decision-makers
and respond to brokers quickly and
with confidence.
Consider dual legal
representation
The legal process can be one of the
biggest bolenecks in any bridging
transaction. Dual representation,
where a single solicitor acts for
both the lender and the borrower,
can streamline communication,
eliminate duplication, and save days
on completion.
It’s not suitable for every borrower,
particularly those with complex legal
considerations, but for experienced
landlords and investors who
prioritise speed, it can be a highly
effective strategy.
Use title insurance to
avoid search delays
Complex decision-making: People matter when bridging is not straightforward
42
The Intermediary | June 2025
Traditional local authority searches
can take weeks. Title insurance is a
smart alternative, providing cover
against the same risks without
the wait.
It’s especially useful on refinance
cases or when dealing with tight
auction timelines, and it can also
help get complex deals over the
line. At Castle Trust Bank, we
use title insurance as standard on
many of our bridging cases to keep
things moving. ●
