One day on my way to the office, I noticed something. No, it was not a gorgeous dress or expensive jewellery. But, a house, it was beautiful. At the very first glimpse, I decided to buy it at any cost. Now, I feel proud to live in that house. Thanks to “Bridging Loan”, it is only due to it my dream to own that house could see light of the day, which could have been impossible with little savings in my account.

Bridging loan is a short-term loan offered by commercial lenders to borrow for a specific purpose such as for critical and immediate purchase of a property, pending arrangement of a long-term mortgage. Bridging loans are also known as "interim financing", "gap financing or a "swing loan".

Bridging loans are commonly used to “bridge the cash gap” when completing commercial real estate transactions. As there can often be a time lag between the sale of one property and the purchase of another, a bridge loan allows a homeowner more flexibility.

A borrower can be an individual or corporations and can be customized for many different situations. The purpose of borrowing could be to purchase a land, residential or commercial property. Bridging loan can also be used in case of auction where a borrower can have a bridging facility so that a bid on a property can be done with confidence.

A borrower will be asked to secure the loan with some kind of significant collateral. Heavy machinery, business equipment, inventory, other commercial or residential properties owned by the borrower and even properties involved in the purchasing process can be put as a collateral against the loan.

Bridging loan can be classified into open and closed bridging loan. Open bridging loan is available to a borrower who goes ahead with the plan to buy a new house without finalising the terms of sale of the existing house. Closed bridging loan is available to borrowers who have agreed on the terms of the home he is buying and selling, but there is delay in moving from the old to the new house.

Lenders usually allow bridging loans of up to 65% of the value of the property kept as a collateral against the loan. A standard bridging loan would range anywhere between £25,000 to £5,00,000. Some lenders can provide a bridging loan for a higher amount too. Repayment term for a bridging loan usually vary from 2 weeks to a maximum of 12 months.

The loan term will depend on the lender and the amount borrower wants to borrow.

You can look for a bridging loan from a normal bank or an online lender. A strong relationship with a lender can be helpful while applying for a bridging loan. Online loan is convenient; you can apply for it from a computer that has Internet facility. A borrower can browse various online loan websites that provide bridging loans. You just need to fill a small application form to apply for a loan. Online lenders will quickly check the details given by you in the form and will contact the specialist bridging lenders who can offer best loan deal. Collect loan quotes from various lenders and compare them to find the most suitable loan.

A great credit history is always beneficial for you and your business; it will help you get the loan easily. Now a days, various lenders offer bridging loan to self-employed or people with bad credit history, who found it difficult to get loans and mortgages in the past.

Short term bridging loans can be a solution to your urgent cash need. Make the best use of the loan to fulfill personal desire to own a new beautiful home or a valuable property.