March 2024 - MS Lending Group

Bridge to Let Finance for Property Investors: What To Know

Posted on March 16, 2024July 31, 2025 by dev

Bridge to let lenders offer services that allow for the investment freedom for those that are ready for a leap to the world of property investment. Find out here what bridging finance for property looks like from lenders and for borrowers.

What Is Bridge to Let Finance?

Bridge to let loans are a branch of bridging finance that offers the opportunity to potential property investors to purchase residential or even commercial property to rent out for the foreseeable future therein making a consistent flow of profit.

As getting a mortgage can be incredibly lengthy, and finding the right provider even more so, there is a solution to bridge this gap so that when anybody wishes to act fast when a property opportunity arises, they can.

Short term property finance bridges the gap, meaning there is no need to wait around for mortgages or rushing into the wrong provider as a bridging loan is there to pay the seller while working on a better solution to long-term funding.

These loans ultimately serve as a temporary solution to bridge the gap between the purchase of a property and the securing of a longer-term mortgage, making for more reactive decision making when on a property hunt.

How Bridging Finance on Property Works

Bridging finance typically works by the following structure, although do note different bridge to let lenders may have varying rules and regulations that make for different structures than the typical industry standard.

The first step is the consultation, meaning your chosen lender will be able to talk to you about what the loan is for, in this case, property and the specific situation for yourself.

Lenders will then get to know the key factors of eligibility, like the property type, the requested loan amount, the exit strategy, and of course, the affordability.

This is done quickly, most buy to let lenders understand that the reasoning for lending is due to the need for a fast turn around, so it is unlikely that there are going to be any lengthy waiting times.

Once this is in place, due diligence and compliance is conducted, followed by approval or disapproval of the loan. Once funds are released, the bridging finance loan is ready to be used on the desired residential or commercial property to rent.

What Can a Buy to Let Bridging Loan Be Used For?

Bridging loans for commercial property or residential property doesn’t only mean that the funds can be used for acquisition, in fact there are a range of ways related to the property that a bridging company can help with.

Some of most common uses of a bridge to let loans include, but aren’t limited to:

Property Acquisition
Property Refurbishment
Property Development
Property Conversion
Auction Purchases
Portfolio Expansion
Bridge Finance for Rental Income
Property Investment Opportunities

The best way to find out if your particular situation is suited to a buy to let bridging loan and if you’d fit the eligibility criteria, then it’s recommended that you speak to a lender and explain your situation.

How Much Can Be Borrowed for Bridge to Let Loans

There isn’t a straightforward answer to the amount in which can be borrowed from residential or commercial bridging finance lenders. The amount is determined upon the lender, their maximum and minimum lending criteria and if you’re eligible.

While some may have a cap on their lending capabilities, there are some larger scale lenders that may not have a cap on their lending for bridge to let finance.

The only way to find out the exact amount that is classed as maximum for a lender is to speak to them directly and have the numbers prepared on the budget that you hold for your property.

However, there are certain determining factors that you may find are a commonality across the industry. For example, a loan-to-value (LTV) Ratio which can determine the amount based on the percentage of the value of the property. This essentially means that the LTV is equal to the percentage of the property’s value that the lender will lend.

The best, and only way to find out how much a particular lender is willing to lend is on a case by case basis, so it is recommended that you speak to them directly to better understand your eligibility.

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Submit our application form or speak to one of our team members if you have any questions

application form contact

Residential vs. Commercial Bridging Loans: Key Differences

Posted on March 22, 2024August 1, 2025 by dev

Short-term bridging finance serves as an invaluable tool for navigating transitions and seizing opportunities.

Understanding the nuances between residential and commercial bridge loans is essential for borrowers to make informed decisions, continue reading to find out the key differences between residential and commercial bridging loans and how you can use them to your advantage.

The Differences of Residential and Commercial Bridge Loans

When it comes to short-term bridging finance otherwise known as bridging loans, understanding the differences between residential and commercial options is crucial.

Both serve as temporary financing solutions but they each cater to distinct needs and circumstances.

A Residential bridging loan is primarily designed for individuals or families who are looking to purchase a new residential property before selling their existing one.

Bridging loans for residential property are often used to cover the gap between the sale of a current property and the purchase of a new one. Usually a residential bridge loan will have shorter terms compared to mortgages, ranging from a few months to a year depending on your agreement with the lender.

Commercial bridge loans on the other hand serve investors and businesses who are seeking short term financing for commercial properties. Bridging loans for commercial property help to facilitate various transactions from acquiring new properties, funding construction projects to refinancing existing ones.

Commercial bridge loans typically have a higher interest rate with more stringent eligibility criteria. This is due to the larger sums involved in comparison to residential loans and the risk associated with commercial ventures.

Who Can Take out A Residential Bridging Loan

A residential bridging loan caters to individuals or families that are navigating the complexities of buying, selling and owning residential properties. This quick bridging finance option is suitable for candidates that include the likes of:

Homebuyers: Homebuyers seeking to purchase a new home while awaiting the sale of their current property can benefit from a residential bridging loan. This loan will provide the necessary funds to secure a new home quickly in the competitive market, ensuring a seamless transition without having to waste valuable time waiting for the sale proceeds from your existing property.
Homeowners in need of quick funds: In today’s world there are many unexpected expenses, and that’s where residential bridging finance comes in effectively. When facing unexpected financial expenses or emergencies homeowners can turn to a residential bridging loan for fast finances. Bridge loans offer a convenient short term financing solution with minimal hassle.
Property investors: Property investors looking to capitalise on investment opportunities or expand their real estate portfolio may opt for residential bridge loans. Whether acquiring distressed properties, renovating homes for resale, or participating in property auctions, investors can leverage bridge financing to expedite transactions and maximise profits.

Who Can Take out Commercial Bridge Loans

Bridging loans for commercial property are tailored specifically to investors, developers and businesses of all sizes, these may include:

Real estate developers: Bridging loans for commercial property are often used by developers to secure funding for property acquisitions or construction projects. These short term bridging finance loans provide the much needed capital to initiate or complete development while awaiting long term financing or project completion.
Business owners: Small business owners often opt for commercial bridge loans to address immediate financial needs for things such as purchasing equipment, covering operating expenses or expanding operations.
Investors: Commercial bridging finance deals allow investors in commercial real estate to utilise bridge loans to seize time sensitive investment opportunities.

Interest: What To Know

The interest rates for residential and commercial bridge loans vary depending on factors such as the lender, loan amount, borrower’s creditworthiness, loan to value ratio and market conditions.

A residential bridging loan typically carries a lower interest rate in comparison to their commercial counterparts due to the lower risk associated with residential properties and that the property is likely to be smaller in size.

Borrowers can expect to pay slightly higher rates than traditional mortgages, this is due to the short term nature of bridge loans and the inherent risk.

Commercial bridge loans often entail higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk in commercial real estate transactions.

Some lenders may impose additional fees and charges, such as prepayment penalties, origination fees, underwriting fees that can further impact the overall cost of borrowing.

How Can I Use My Loan?

Both residential and commercial bridge loans provide flexibility in terms of usage, allowing borrowers to address various financial needs and objectives. The most common uses for bridge loan funds include:

Property Purchases

Whether you are in the market to buy a new home or acquiring a commercial property, short term bridging finance provides the necessary funds rapidly to complete the purchases, this gives borrowers the competitive edge in the competitive world of real estate markets.

Renovations and Repairs

The quick bridging finance option allows homeowners and investors to use loan funds to finance property renovations and repairs that can enhance the value and marketability of the property.

Business Expansion

Small business owners can leverage commercial bridge loans to fund the launch of new products or services, fund expansion and or seize growth opportunities in the marketplace.

Debt Consolidation

Borrowers can use bridge loan proceeds to consolidate existing debts, most commonly paying off existing credit card balances to have a lower interest rate loan.

Cash Flow Management

Bridging loans help with temporary cash flow gaps for businesses or individuals facing liquidity constraints due to unexpected expenses, seasonal fluctuations or delayed payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bridging loan and how does it work?

A bridging loan is a short term financing option used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing one. Providing borrowers with immediate access to funds typically for a duration of a few months to a year. Short term bridging finance allows borrowers to secure a property quickly without waiting for the sale proceeds from their current property.

What happens if I can’t repay the bridging loan within the agreed term?

Borrowers who are unable to repay the bridging loan within the specified term may face additional fees, penalties and or higher interest rates. Working directly with trusted lenders may be beneficial as some may offer extensions or refinancing options to help borrowers manage their repayment obligations effectively. However, it’s essential to discuss potential repayment challenges with the lender and explore alternative solutions proactively.

How long does it take to receive funds from a bridging loan?

The timeframe for receiving funds from a bridging loan varies depending on the lender’s processing times, complexity of the transaction and the borrower’s application and documentation. Choose a trusted lender like MS Lending Group in the UK and you can expect to receive funds rapidly as their processing times are fast paced, they understand that bridging finance for property purchase is essential for seizing opportunities and taking advantage of the fast paced market.

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Submit our application form or speak to one of our team members if you have any questions

application form contact

MS Lending Group announces £200m loans funded since business launch in 2021

Posted on March 27, 2024May 29, 2025 by dev

We are excited to announce that we have hit a milestone of over £200m in loans funded since our inception in 2021.

The announcement follows our further funding line extension from Pollen Street Capital. Established in 2021 in Manchester during the pandemic with just one employee, we have grown the business to a team of 19 and counting, focusing on providing innovative products that solve real problems.

Our CEO & Founder, Michael Stratton stated, “Our pipeline continues to be strong, as our customers are continuing to come back to us with repeat business. We have seen the business grow month on month, year by year, and this news is testament to the service our team are delivering. Over 80% of our deals are completed without the need for a full valuation which is why I believe we’re becoming the go-to lender for many customers and brokers.”

Our aim by the end of 2025 is to have lent over £500m, and become the top choice for bridging finance in the UK while continuing to collaborate with borrowers and brokers to ensure positive outcomes for all.

Michael added, “MS Lending Group was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic when a lot of lending across the property industry was put on hold. At the time physical in person valuations were unable to take place, so we launched the business with a No Valuation product utilising valuation software to deliver for clients. Since then we have relentlessly sought industry feedback, adapting our offering to best serve our customers. We found a lot of lenders would not lend under £100k and therefore launched no minimum loan size across all our products. That’s what MS Lending Group is all about, focusing and owning our own lending strategy and insuring being flexible in our lending as that’s what our customers need”.

If you’d like to know more about MS Lending Group and our products, drop us a message at enquiries@mslendinggroup.co.uk or speak to our team on 0161 823 7993.

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Submit our application form or speak to one of our team members if you have any questions

application form contact

£20m Funding Line Extension from Pollen Street Capital

Posted on March 19, 2024May 29, 2025 by dev

19th March 24 – MS Lending Group announces a further £20m funding line extension with Pollen Street Capital. The lender, which secured an initial funding facility with Pollen Street Capital in August 2022, has committed to an additional £20m of funding with plans to significantly increase the facility in the future.

Michael Stratton, CEO, said, “The additional injection in funds by our longstanding partner, Pollen Street, will help us continue to keep up with demand for our offering and remain fast and agile in the bridging market. As business levels continue to increase it is great we can rely on a longstanding partner to continue our trajectory supporting professional investors, SME developers and landlords across the UK”.

Since MS Lending Group entered the market in 2021, the finance provider has lent over £200m, with aims to lend £500m by the end of 2025.

“We have loved working with Pollen Street Capital since our initial facility agreement. From inception we set out to find a strategic partner that’s more than just a provider of capital. The relationship has gone from strength to strength, and we are proud to continue this partnership as we set our sights on further growth”. Michael Stratton continued.

Earlier this year, MS Lending Group launched its industry first Day Rate product, and continues to offer no minimum loan size, and no valuation up to £500k across residential, commercial, and semi-commercial properties.

James Bevans, Investment Director at Pollen Street added, “Pollen Street is pleased to support MS Lending Group with an increase in funding, building on our relationship with the team. Michael Stratton and Robert Goodall bring over 40 years’ experience in the industry to MS Lending Group. The MS team offers products across the UK providing much needed capital to SMEs given the decline of traditional bank finance, increasing the amount of affordable homes, and helping to improve the environmental efficiency of existing housing.”

“Our real estate lending strategy is built on selective partnerships, and this increased facility with MS Lending Group continues to fit well with our ambition to support experienced and successful businesses that are funding mass market residential-led schemes across the UK and Europe.”

The lender has also added Matt Blake, formerly of Pepper Money and Together as a non-executive director of the business. Matt’s role is to stay abreast of opportunities from a securitisation perspective and ensure MS Lending Group maintains a flexible and competitive funding structure.

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Submit our application form or speak to one of our team members if you have any questions

application form contact

International Women’s Day: How We Inspire Inclusion at MS Lending Group

Posted on March 8, 2024July 31, 2025 by rob

For International Women’s Day 2024, we are joining the global initiative to inspire inclusion with a particular focus on highlighting how the women within the MS Lending group have found their journey into Finance.

Having been recognised for over a century, International Women’s Day which was first celebrated in 1911 is a collective global force of activism committed to forging women’s equality.

Although a lot has changed since 1911, IWD is still important to recognise the ongoing challenges women face within certain industries compared to their male counterparts.

Finance, for example, is often not considered a likely career option for many girls and women weighing up their future career prospects due to the industry being perceived traditionally as male-dominated.

Inclusion at MS Lending Group

At MS Lending Group inclusion runs deep through the values of our business and is something we champion year-round, not just on International Women’s Day. We prioritise creating a supportive and empowering environment where every member feels valued and respected, irrespective of gender.

By continuously investing in the growth and development of our female employees alongside the rest of our team, we are strengthening the service that we offer our clients year-round, building a team of experts in their fields.

Hear from our Team

This year for International Women’s Day we asked the women on our team to reflect on what it means to them to be a woman in finance. Here is what they had to say…

Alexandra Stratton, CMO

Bridging Finance often feels like the big boys club, and I admit when I first entered the industry in 2021 after having my first child, I felt some serious imposter syndrome. But I focused on my strengths, and what I could bring to the business and industry. I’ve focused my motivation on helping to demystify the world of bridging through clever marketing and brand building. I love my role in the senior leadership team at MS Lending Group, and it is irrelevant that I’m a woman, I’m here to get sh!t done.

Aimee Everton, Senior Business Processor

Being a woman in finance involves joining an industry where female empowerment is gaining momentum. It means challenging stereotypes and championing equality. Whilst networking can be challenging at times, fostering relationships is paramount. There are opportunities for personal growth and empowerment, and by achieving success, we set an example for other women in finance and newcomers at MS Lending Group.

Alice Birtwell, Executive Assistant to CEO

Women are natural collaborators and can offer a pragmatic approach to decision-making. It’s important that women are given the same opportunities as men and not held back by their personal circumstances. By creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, we can pave the way for success.

Izzy Robbins, Assistant Asset ManagerBVT

The underrepresentation of women in finance brings about challenges, however, as a collective group supporting each other in this industry, we can drive a positive change, giving us the opportunity to make a difference. Each day we can push ourselves and others to make a positive contribution, supporting one another to break the stereotype and thrive as women in finance.

Ellie Kenworthy, Business Processor

Being a woman in finance means I am actively contributing to challenging the stereotype of the finance industry as being predominantly male-dominated. Each day, I am increasingly amazed by the resilience and capability of women as we actively confront these stereotypes, We are demonstrating our competence in male-dominated roles. Working alongside other fearless women in the industry fills me with excitement and motivation, knowing that together, we are challenging expectations and making meaningful strides towards gender equality.

Beth Kellett, Internal Relationship Manager

Being a woman working in finance I have gained a sense of empowerment as our industry, like many is often male-dominated. Now, women can seize opportunities, break through barriers, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable industry. I feel like my knowledge and skills are recognised and make a genuine difference in the workplace.

Fay Cripps, Asset Manager

Joining the finance industry as a newly graduated student, at the time was a little overwhelming. The corporate world seemed male-dominated, and I often found myself wondering, how would I ever find my feet.

My incredible team have shown that gender is irrelevant, we break boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and most importantly help each other learn and grow. Being a woman in finance means that our voices are now heard and differentiated views are valued and rewarded. We can achieve whatever we set our minds to and I’m proud to say, that I found my feet.

So, this International Women’s Day we are celebrating the women in the MS Lending Group team who continue to offer a fast and reliable service for our clients through their unwavering dedication and expertise.

You can learn more about who we are and what we do here, or get in touch with us today!

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Submit our application form or speak to one of our team members if you have any questions

application form contact

What Is Bridge to Let Finance?

How Bridging Finance on Property Works

What Can a Buy to Let Bridging Loan Be Used For?

How Much Can Be Borrowed for Bridge to Let Loans

Share this:

related news & Insight

Bridging & Short Term Finance in 2026: Trends for Short Term Property Finance

What The Autumn 2025 Budget Means for Commercial Bridging Finance

Bridging Finance Explained: Fees, Lenders, and Fast Solutions for UK Property Buyers

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

The Differences of Residential and Commercial Bridge Loans

Who Can Take out A Residential Bridging Loan

Who Can Take out Commercial Bridge Loans

Interest: What To Know

How Can I Use My Loan?

Property Purchases

Renovations and Repairs

Business Expansion

Debt Consolidation

Cash Flow Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bridging loan and how does it work?

What happens if I can’t repay the bridging loan within the agreed term?

How long does it take to receive funds from a bridging loan?

Share this:

related news & Insight

Bridging & Short Term Finance in 2026: Trends for Short Term Property Finance

What The Autumn 2025 Budget Means for Commercial Bridging Finance

Bridging Finance Explained: Fees, Lenders, and Fast Solutions for UK Property Buyers

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Share this:

related news & Insight

Bridging & Short Term Finance in 2026: Trends for Short Term Property Finance

What The Autumn 2025 Budget Means for Commercial Bridging Finance

Bridging Finance Explained: Fees, Lenders, and Fast Solutions for UK Property Buyers

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Share this:

related news & Insight

Bridging & Short Term Finance in 2026: Trends for Short Term Property Finance

What The Autumn 2025 Budget Means for Commercial Bridging Finance

Bridging Finance Explained: Fees, Lenders, and Fast Solutions for UK Property Buyers

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?

Inclusion at MS Lending Group

Hear from our Team

Share this:

related news & Insight

Bridging & Short Term Finance in 2026: Trends for Short Term Property Finance

What The Autumn 2025 Budget Means for Commercial Bridging Finance

Bridging Finance Explained: Fees, Lenders, and Fast Solutions for UK Property Buyers

READY TO MAKE AN APPLICATION?