Bridging & Development Loans in Greenwich

Need short-term property finance in Greenwich or nearby areas like Charlton, Deptford, Woolwich, or Blackheath? At Mortgage Broker Greenwich, we help investors, developers and homeowners secure fast and flexible bridging and development finance tailored to their projects.

Whether you’re purchasing at auction, refurbishing a property before refinance, or funding a small-scale development, we’ll guide you through your short-term lending options and connect you with a suitable FCA-regulated adviser where required.

What Is a Bridging Loan?

A bridging loan is a short-term facility designed to “bridge” a funding gap — typically lasting from 3 to 18 months. It can be used for property purchases, auction finance, chain breaks, or refurbishments prior to refinancing onto a longer-term mortgage.

• 🏠 Purchase before sale: Buy your next home before your current one sells.
• 🔧 Refurbishment works: Finance upgrades before refinancing or selling.
• 🏗️ Development projects: Fund land purchase or build stages.
• 🏡 Conversions: Transform single dwellings into flats or HMOs.
• 💰 Short-term opportunity: Move fast on below-market or time-sensitive deals.

What Is Development Finance?

Development finance supports the construction or conversion of residential and mixed-use projects — from single-unit refurbishments to multi-unit builds. Lenders usually release funds in stages aligned with project progress and professional monitoring reports.

• Light Refurbishment: Non-structural works such as new kitchens, bathrooms, or redecoration.
• Heavy Refurbishment: Structural alterations, extensions, or conversions.
• Ground-Up Development: From land purchase to build completion.

Bridging Loan Features

• ⏱️ Speed: Funds can be arranged within days for auction or chain deadlines.
• 📆 Short Term: Typical terms from 3 to 18 months.
• 💸 Interest Options: Rolled-up, retained, or serviced monthly.
• 🏦 Exit Strategy: Refinance, sale, or other pre-agreed repayment method.
• 💡 Security Types: Residential, commercial, or mixed-use property (1st or 2nd charge).

Development Finance Criteria

• Loan to GDV: Up to 65%–70% of Gross Development Value depending on project.
• Loan to Cost: Up to 85% of total build costs in some cases.
• Experience: Track record improves access and rates.
• Monitoring: Funds released in tranches following stage inspections.
• Exit Route: Sale of units or refinance to long-term product.

Common Greenwich Scenarios

• 🏘️ Terrace Conversions: Turning large Victorian homes in Westcombe Park or Charlton into flats.
• 🏗️ New Builds: Developing infill plots around Kidbrooke Village or Woolwich.
• 🔁 Refurb to Let: Short-term finance before switching to a buy-to-let or HMO mortgage.
• 💼 Commercial to Residential: Converting small offices or retail units into flats or mixed-use buildings.

Costs & Fees to Expect

• Arrangement fee (typically 1–2%)
• Valuation & QS reports
• Legal & exit fees
• Broker/Introducer fee where applicable
• Monitoring surveyor costs (for staged developments)

Example Timeline

1. Initial Discussion: Outline project, costs, timescales and exit route.
2. Indicative Terms: Receive heads of terms or decision in principle.
3. Valuation & Due Diligence: Independent valuer and solicitor instructed.
4. Offer & Completion: Formal offer issued; funds released quickly upon signing.
5. Repayment: Exit via refinance or sale once project completes.

Who We Work With

We collaborate with lenders specialising in short-term finance and property development, from established banks to boutique finance houses. When regulated advice is required, we’ll introduce you to an FCA-authorised adviser who can guide you through your options.

Documents Typically Required

• Proof of ID and address
• Full project appraisal and cost breakdown
• Planning permission and drawings (if applicable)
• Schedule of works and contractor details
• Exit strategy evidence (refinance or sale)

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can a bridging loan be arranged?

Some lenders can complete within 5–10 working days with the right documents in place, particularly for auction or time-sensitive purchases.

Do I need planning permission for development finance?

Usually yes, but some lenders consider permitted development or bridging-to-planning cases where permission is expected shortly.

What’s the typical minimum loan amount?

Bridging loans typically start from around £50,000, while development finance can range from £150,000 upwards depending on scale.

Can I use bridging finance for auction purchases?

Yes—bridging is commonly used for auction property purchases requiring completion within 28 days.

What happens at the end of the term?

The loan is repaid via your chosen exit route—typically sale or refinance. We’ll help you plan the exit strategy from day one.

Get Started

Talk to our Greenwich team about short.