Bridge to Let loans provide you with the opportunity to purchase a property where it would otherwise be impossible. Speak to one of our expert advisors today to find out whether a Bridge to Let mortgage is the right option for you.
A Bridge to Let mortgage is a type of bridging loan that comes with a pre-approved Buy to Let mortgage. It’s designed to help investors buy a property they’d otherwise struggle to afford with a normal mortgage.
While standard bridging loans are ideal for developers who want to sell a property shortly after purchasing, Bridge to Let mortgages are designed specifically for landlords intending to keep the property to house tenants.
With a Bridge to Let mortgage, the initial bridging loan is used to purchase — and in some cases develop — a property. It is then transferred to a Buy to Let agreement when the property is completed and tenanted.
The main difference between Bridge to Let loans and other modes of financing is that they:
Unlike traditional mortgages, a Bridge to Let loan can be arranged within a couple of days. This makes them ideal for circumstances in which borrowers need short-term financial support to secure long-term gains
To secure a Bridge to Let loan, applicants must have in place an exit finance strategy. One of the main advantages of a Bridge to Let loan is that it comes with a pre-approved exit strategy: you’ll let the property out to paying tenants once it’s been purchased.
Because the exit strategy is included in the agreement, a successful Bridge to Let application enables you to move straight from a bridging loan to a Buy to Let mortgage with the same lender. This saves you the hassle of having to apply for a bridging loan and a Buy to Let mortgage with two separate lenders. It also means you’ll only complete on the bridging finance once the Buy to Let mortgage is approved.
To apply for a Bridge to Let loan, you’ll need to provide some information about yourself. Bridge to Let mortgage lenders assess different factors to normal mortgage applications, so they’ll ask you for a contrasting set of details. These may include:
When you speak to your broker, they’ll use the information you supply to find the ideal lender for you at the very best rates available.
Interest rates vary between lenders and by the length of the loan you require. They’re often higher than standard. In order to avoid hefty APRs, it’s crucial you get your Bridge to Let mortgage at the very best rates available.
Speak to a Positive Commercial Finance advisor to ensure you don’t pay more than you need to.
The amount you can borrow is determined by the rental income you’ll be able to generate from the property.
This is subject to the lender’s maximum Loan to Value cap. For example, if a lender with an 80% LTV agrees to bridge a £100,000 property, they’ll cap lending at £80,000. In this scenario, the borrower would need to pay the remaining amount as a deposit.
There are a few factors that can affect your LTV:
As well as your agreed interest rate, lenders will charge additional fees to cover the administrative costs associated with securing your loan. This can include:
Fees are based on the loan value. Facility fees and exit fees, for example, might be between 1-2% of the Bridge to Let mortgage value.
While having adverse credit will limit your options, there are lenders who specialise in catering for borrowers that need extra help with their applications. With the right lender, you might still be able to secure a loan even with a low credit score, mortgage arrears or defaults.
If you do have adverse credit, it’s imperative that you find the right lender so that your application isn’t rejected. Speak to a friendly advisor today to learn about your options.