How Long Does It Take to Secure a Bridging Loan Payment?

Posted by Apex Bridging on 26th January 2022 -

For many brokers looking to secure a fast bridging loan for their clients, “how long does a bridging loan take?” is the number one question.

Bridging loans provide companies and individuals with quick access to funds when a traditional mortgage is unavailable or would take too long to process. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the typical timescale for an application and consider the factors that can cause delays to the process.

How Long Does a Bridging Loan Take?

Some companies boast 24-hour turnaround times, but these are rare and often inaccurate claims. It is possible and relatively common to receive a decision within 24 hours — especially if a client has engaged the services of a broker or master broker. But it typically takes around two weeks for the funds to be released. Some less-established, cheaper lenders may require more stringent checks, resulting in a longer wait for the money transfer, possibly up to four weeks.

Our team of experts at Apex Bridging can generally give a decision within an hour or two and we aim to release the funds within seven days of your loan’s approval.

What Factors Could Slow the Process Down?

• The lender you chose. Every lender will have their own application process that a client must complete. Some require more rigorous checks than others. TheFCA (Financial Conduct Authority) does not oversee providers of unregulated bridging loans. This means these providers have less red tape to wade through, making the application process typically quicker than for regulated bridging loans.
• The repayment rate a client is happy to accept. As with traditional loans, bridging loans are priced according to the level of risk to the lender. A company that offers a quick turnaround and requires minimal checks assumes a greater risk of the borrower failing to repay the loan on time. So, it is likely to charge higher repayment and interest rates. If your client is intent on securing the best deal, they may have to wait longer for funds to transfer.
• If a survey is required. Most lenders can give a decision on a loan within hours, but a firm offer is only made after the property in question is surveyed. Some lenders will forego the need for a survey to speed the process up. However, although a survey can slow the process down, it is the best way to ensure a fair price is paid for the property and that lending is responsible.
• A client acting without expert advice. Brokers and master brokers spend years building up effective working relationships with finance companies. They understand how the system works and know which products will benefit their clients most. A client acting without a broker is likely to take longer finding the best deal, choosing a provider and completing the application process.
• The need for two solicitors. With a traditional mortgage, one solicitor completes all the legal paperwork involved in a transaction. Bridging loans require the lender and the borrower to engage separate solicitors. This can cause delays. Apex Bridging continually strives to improve the service our clients received. To that end, we are formulating a panel of lawyers who will work with the borrower and ensure communication is open and tasks are achieved quickly.

Some of these delays can be avoided, for example, by foregoing a survey or requiring only the title insurance instead of waiting for a full legal search. But speeding up the process involves greater risk for the lender — and this cost is likely to be passed on to the client.

How Can You Keep the Process Moving Quickly for Your Client?

• Choose the right lender. The lender stipulates its requirements and the application process. These can vary significantly between lenders. Choosing the right lender for your client is key to ensuring the process moves as smoothly and quickly as the borrower requires. Apex Bridging is a highly trusted and well-respected provider of bridging finance. We offer loans of up to 80% LTV (Loan-to-Value) and we never require credit checks, which can slow the process down considerably.
• Provide the right information promptly. After a loan is approved in principle, the lender will detail the documentation they require to commence and complete the application process. Make sure this information request is passed to your client promptly and that they understand exactly what is expected of them. Providing the right information promptly will prevent delays.
• Choose a solicitor with care. Your client must find a solicitor with expertise in arranging bridging finance. This procedure is quite different from arranging a standard mortgage, so a solicitor who is uncertain about the processes involved will slow things down. Make sure your client checks what experience a solicitor and their firm has in this area and suggest they request examples of successful cases. It’s also worth checking the solicitor’s workload. If your client is one of many, their case may not be prioritised, which will cause delays.

Apex Bridging is one of the UK’s leading bridging finance companies. We are the go-to choice for top brokers who we have helped to find the most appropriate funding for their clients. We are property experts and offer direct access to our team of underwriters — we like to keep things moving and don’t waste anyone’s time (or money!). Our new panel of expert solicitors will streamline the application process for your client and ensure they receive the funds they need as quickly as possible.

 

Contact us to arrange a no-obligation consultation today.