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Land Bridging Loans
At MS Lending Group, we recognise that in the dynamic world of real estate, timing is everything.
Whether you’re an investor, developer, or individual looking to seize new opportunities, our land-bridging finance solutions are designed to offer the swift, flexible support you need to move forward with confidence.
What Is a Land Bridging Loan?
A land bridging loan is a short-term financing option that provides immediate capital to cover the gap between purchasing land and securing long-term financing, or completing the sale of an existing property.
This type of loan is essential for those looking to act quickly on land acquisition opportunities, whether for investment, or other strategic purposes.
How Can Land Bridging Finance Be Used?
When applying for bridging finance, we understand it can be a little intimidating, but rest assured you’re in good hands with our team that deals with land bridging finance day in, day out.
With our help, you can use Land bridging finance to its full advantage, some of the key ways this financial bridge loan is used include, but aren’t limited to:
- Property Development: Financing for property enhancements, including refurbishments and renovations, that add value to the land or property.
- Settling Urgent Financial Obligations: Quickly resolving financial commitments related to land transactions.
- Acquiring Land for Development: Securing land for property development projects, from residential housing to commercial complexes.
- Investing in Land: Purchasing land for investment purposes, leveraging quick financing to capitalise on opportunities such as auction.
Lending Criteria for Land Bridging Finance
Lending criteria when it comes to bridging finance for land isn’t black and white.
Various lenders may have their own lending criteria, however with the process at MS Lending Group being as straightforward as we can make it, rest assured we focus on fast transactions so you don’t miss all important opportunities.
Our lending criteria are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing us to accommodate a wide range of borrower profiles and project types. While each application is unique, common factors we assess include:
- Land Valuation: The current market value of the land in question.
- Project Feasibility: The viability and profitability of the proposed project, including detailed development plans.
- Exit Strategy: A clear plan for repaying the bridging loan, whether through sale, refinancing, or other means.
Benefits of Using Land Bridging Finance
Land bridging finance offers a range of advantages, making it an essential tool for investors, developers, and businesses looking to secure land opportunities quickly.
Whether you’re purchasing land for development or securing a deal before long-term financing is in place, land bridging loans provide the flexibility and speed needed to act decisively.
#1 Fast Access to Capital
Traditional loans and mortgages can take weeks or even months to be approved. With bridging finance for land, you can access funds swiftly, enabling you to secure a land purchase before competitors or meet urgent financial obligations without delay.
This speed is particularly crucial for commercial bridging finance deals, where time-sensitive transactions require immediate funding.
#2 Varied Usage
Unlike standard mortgages, land bridging loans can be used for various purposes. This makes them an invaluable solution for those with diverse land-related financial needs.
#3 No Long-Term Commitment
A commercial bridging loan for land is designed for short-term use. This allows borrowers to secure funding without being tied down to long-term financial obligations, making it ideal for a range of projects.
#4 Enables Quick Land Purchases at Auction
When purchasing land at auction, immediate payment is required, typically within 28 days. Applying for bridging finance ensures you have the funds available to complete the purchase within the deadline, preventing you from missing out on valuable investment opportunities and providing you with the opportunity to pose as a cash buyer.
#5 No Strict Credit Requirements
Compared to traditional loans, bridging finance for land tends to have more flexible lending criteria, focusing heavily on exit strategies. While credit history is important to be eligible, it is more accessible to a broader range of borrowers, including those who may not meet the strict requirements of conventional mortgage lenders.
By choosing MS Lending Group, you gain access to bridging finance for land that is fast, flexible, and tailored to your needs. When you require a commercial bridge loan for land our expert team is here to help.
Why Choose MS Lending Group for Land Bridging Finance
Whether you’re searching for bridging finance for property development that is big or small, the key is having a competent team by your side who have heaps of experience across a range of clientele.
Luckily at MS Lending Group, that is exactly what we have.
We have helped countless individuals achieve their business goals with our speed, reactiveness and contactability. There is no time to waste when it comes to land bridging loans, we are always ready, ensuring you can get your investment deal done.
When you choose us for your land bridging finance needs, you benefit from:
- Quick Approval and Funding: We understand the importance of time in real estate transactions, so we work diligently to ensure a swift approval process and prompt funding so we don’t waste anybody’s time.
- Tailored Solutions: Our financing options are customised to meet your specific requirements, ensuring you have the flexibility to pursue your goals.
- Expert Guidance: Our team of experienced professionals is well-versed in the complexities of land transactions. We provide expert advice and support throughout the entire process—from your initial application to final repayment.
At MS Lending Group, our goal is to help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. With our land bridging finance, you can move forward with confidence, knowing you have a dedicated partner by your side every step of the way.
Get in Touch for Land Bridging Finance Options
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today to learn more about how our land bridging finance solutions can help you achieve your objectives.
Our team is here to provide personalised assistance and answer any questions you may have.
What people want to know…
“Can I use bridging finance to buy land before securing planning permission?”
Yes, it is possible to use bridging finance for land before planning permission has been secured, in fact this is common among investors and developers.
It is not unusual for land to become available prior to planning consent being in place, that being said buyers need access to funding quickly in order to secure the opportunity before competitors do.
Bank lenders typically require planning permission before offering development finance, which is why investors can struggle to obtain funding during the early stages of a project.
This is where land bridging loans become particularly useful, since they are designed precisely for this purpose.
A short term loan allows developers to purchase the site first while they progress through the planning process, then once planning permission has been granted, the borrower can then move onto longer-term funding or sell the asset.
Land without planning permission usually carries a higher level of risk, which means lenders may offer lower loan-to-value ratios than they would on land with full planning consent.
However, a bridging loan borrower who presents a clear strategy and realistic development plans may still secure strong commercial bridging finance deals.
“I’ve bought land at auction – can I use bridging finance to complete it within 28 days?”
Yes, bridging finance for land is a popular choice used by buyers who have secured development sites at auction and must complete within the expected 28-day timeframe.
Property auctions move quickly, there really is no time to wait around and buyers are required to pay a deposit immediately after the hammer falls, with the remaining balance due within a matter of weeks.
Because traditional development finance or mortgages can take several months to arrange, many investors rely on land bridging loans to complete the purchase on time.
A reliable lender focuses primarily on the value of the asset and the borrower’s exit strategy rather than lengthy affordability assessments.
This means the underwriting process can move far more quickly, plus once the purchase is completed, the borrower can then progress the project by applying for planning permission, undertaking site preparation works, or arranging development funding.
For borrowers applying for bridging finance after an auction purchase, lenders will expect to see a clear plan for how the loan will be repaid.
This might involve refinancing, selling the land, or restructuring the project once planning permission has been obtained.
Because auctions often present time-sensitive opportunities, it is crucial to look for bridging finance deals that allow developers to move quickly while never compromising on due diligence.
“What happens if I can’t sell or refinance my land before the bridging loan term ends?”
If a borrower cannot sell or refinance their land before the bridging loan term ends, the most important step is to communicate with the lender as early as possible since the exit strategy is likely to change.
Understandably, delays can sometimes occur during property development projects, which is why there are normally different ways to handle an initial exit strategy not going as planned.
When these situations arise, lenders will generally assess whether the underlying project still has a viable route to completion.
If the asset remains strong and the borrower can demonstrate a realistic plan and reasoning behind the delay, lenders may consider restructuring the loan.
In many cases, this could involve extending the loan term while the borrower progresses planning or development, an extension may require additional legal documentation, a new valuation of the land, and potentially an extension fee.
There is a staple assessment during this scenario, and this is whether the borrower’s strategy remains credible.
If planning is progressing or development works are nearing completion, lenders are often willing to work with borrowers to achieve a successful outcome.
When managed responsibly, your bridging loan can still go ahead, often with another back up plan in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
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client testimonials
Pretty seamless experience. Speed of underwriting was top notch, knowledge of loan (security and product) was clear and thorough, and the appetite to lend was excellent.
Even when the underwriting process stalled (borrower-side delays), regular check-ins from the team to make sure everything was okay meant that the deal was kept alive and well so that when the borrower was in a position to complete, there were no delays.
BROKER
MS Lending Group pulled it out the bag once again! When they say they’ll deliver, you can absolutely trust that they will!
This was one of those cases where everything came down to the wire. The MS Lending Group team stepped up brilliantly, taking a proactive, common-sense approach and working tirelessly to make sure we got it over the line.
Their calm under pressure, responsiveness, and determination to find solutions made all the difference. It’s always a pleasure working with professionals who genuinely care about helping brokers and clients achieve the right outcome.
BROKER
The case was submitted with a really tight deadline, so needed clear communication and speed throughout.
The team worked really hard to complete this case in time for the applicant. They were communicative, efficient and motivated to get our application over the line.
We were really impressed with the service from start to finish and wouldn’t hesitate to use MS Lending Group or future cases!
BROKER
Speed and efficiency were absolutely top-notch, and communication was first class.
The solicitors were excellent too, keeping things moving without a hitch!
BROKER
Our client called in an extreme sense of panic as he was approaching the end of his notice period on which he had exchanged on and was at risk of losing a hefty deposit.
Given this, the only lender who would meet the deadline with a desktop valuation was MS Lending Group.
The whole process was extremely efficient, quick and smooth!
BROKER
Super fast service! The application was sent on a Tuesday evening, the desktop valuation was done quickly, and funds released on the Friday, so extremely happy!
BROKER
Fast turnaround times, excellent responsiveness, and outstanding customer care are consistently delivered by the team at MS Lending Group.
Having completed five deals within a short space of time, I have nothing but positive feedback.
There is always a solution-driven approach to getting the deal over the line!
BROKER
Fantastic service – application to completion in 12 working days!
Auction purchase with a 15-day completion time on a semi-commercial property. The ability to use a desktop valuation along with the speed of the underwriting meant a great result for the client.
BROKER
The communication throughout the entire process was outstanding.
The team were incredibly responsive, answering all questions promptly and providing regular updates on the status of my application.
I never felt left in the dark, the application process was straightforward and well organised.
BROKER
Excellent speed and response times to all queries.
With a very tight timescale for the client, all parts of the operation pulled together to get there in a very small amount of time!
I cannot fault anything with the whole process!
BROKER
MS Lending Group were phenomenal as always!
The ‘get the deal done’ ethos is (with a lot of lenders) exactly what is missing in bridging, but not with MS Lending Group.
A common-sense approach over the tick-box exercise mentality applied by some is refreshing to say the least! The staff are great too, really friendly and helpful!
BROKER
Communication with everyone at MS Lending Group, in particular Mike Watson, was exceptional.
Clear, concise, common-sense approach to all queries raised and a very fast process with no delayed SLA queues.
17 days, including weekends, from application to completion!
BROKER
Communication is always exemplary with the team at MS Lending Group.
I really value the relationship that we have and the continued support that we get to help our clients.
BROKER
The service was amazing! From the start of the deal with Adam to the application team, everything was so smooth!
The requirements asked for were completely reasonable, and everything was reviewed within a 2-hour turnaround time (if not hours)!
The whole process from start to finish was outstanding, especially on such a sensitive case.
BROKER
The Speed and communication from the team at MS Lending Group, from the Relationship Managers, through to the Underwriters, was top-notch.
The ability to use a desktop valuation on a £1.2m property was the key to recommending MS Lending Group since we’d already lost a few weeks on an auction purchase after the all too familiar back and forth with a very cautious Underwriter for another lender.
BROKER
The customer service throughout.
The communication was excellent. Was never left waiting for a response.
The turn around. It was a matter of less than a week once everything was provided.
BROKER
As always, second to none service from MS Lending Group.
Speed, service, simplicity as is the MS Lending Group way.
Special shout out to Sam Bryce and Aimee Everton who were on top form throughout with updates, requests and another on-time completion!
BROKER
Most recently, a client of ours had been let down from their lender at the very last minute. They were really up against it in terms of time, and typically this business would have been lost. Knowing MS Lending Group entered the market with a no valuation necessary product up to £500,000, we quickly got in touch.
MS Lending Group approved the transaction within 24 hours, instructed solicitors, and the client was able to complete before their completion date. It was refreshing to see such a new business working in a slick and professional way.
BROKER
The communication and speed have been second to none. There seems to be many touch points by both the sales team and underwriter throughout which has kept the deal moving at pace throughout.
It really helps when all sides are communicating and are motivated in getting the deal done.
BROKER
The service was amazing! From the start of the deal with Adam, to the application team, everything was so smooth!
The requirements asked for were completely reasonable and everything was reviewed within a 24 hour turnaround time (if not hours)!
The whole process from start to finish was outstanding, especially on such a time sensitive case.
BROKER
case studies
Muti-unit Commercial Purchase in Derby
- locationDerby
- funded£642,250
- ltv70%
- product Commercial
Property Developer Portfolio Addition
- locationManchester
- funded£103,500
- ltv75%
- product Commercial Residential
No Valuation Auction Purchase in Plymouth
- locationPlymouth
- funded£120,400
- ltv83%
- product Commercial
Large Commercial Bridging Loan Secured in Berkshire
- locationBerkshire
- funded£1,425,000
- ltv52.2%
- product Commercial
No Valuation Auction Bridging Loan Secured in London
- locationlondon
- funded£323,250
- ltv75%
- product Commercial
Desktop Commercial Auction Purchase in Scotland
- locationFife
- funded£91,000
- ltv70%
- product Commercial
news & Insights
Fast Bridging Finance: How to get quick funding
What Happens If Your Bridging Loan Exit Fails
