Complete comparison guide to help you choose the right option for your property finance needs. Understand the differences, costs, and when to use each.
See how brokers, direct lenders, and banks compare across key features
| Feature | Broker (FastBridge Funding) | Direct Lender | High Street Bank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of Approval | 24-48 hours (FastBridge Funding) | 3-7 days | 4-8 weeks |
| Completion Time | 5-7 days (FastBridge Funding) | 7-14 days | 6-12 weeks |
| Choice of Options | 100+ lenders (FastBridge Funding) | 1 lender only | Limited products |
| Complex Cases | Specialist expertise | Limited flexibility | Often declined |
| Rates | Competitive (access to best rates) | Fixed rates | Lowest rates (but slow) |
| Fees | Broker fee + lender fees | Lender fees only | Lowest fees |
| Auction Finance | Yes, specialist (FastBridge Funding) | Some lenders | No |
| Chain Break | Yes, 3-5 days (FastBridge Funding) | Limited availability | No |
| Development Exit | Yes, specialist (FastBridge Funding) | Some lenders | Rarely |
| Overseas Investors | Yes, specialist (FastBridge Funding) | Limited | Rarely |
High street banks only offer long-term mortgages (4-8 week process). For bridging loans, you need specialist lenders or brokers. FastBridge Funding works with 100+ specialist bridging lenders that banks don't have access to.
FastBridge Funding completes in 5-7 days vs 7-14 days for direct lenders and 6-12 weeks for banks. For time-sensitive deals (auctions, chain breaks), the speed advantage of brokers is critical.
While brokers charge fees (1-2%), you get: access to better rates through volume discounts, faster completions, expert guidance, and access to lenders you can't reach directly. For urgent or complex cases, the value is clear.
For auction finance, chain breaks, development exits, overseas investors, or complex structures, brokers like FastBridge Funding provide specialist expertise and access to the right lenders. Direct lenders and banks often decline these cases.
100+ specialist lenders means we can find the right solution for your specific scenario, not force you into a one-size-fits-all approach.
5-7 day completions for straightforward cases, 3-5 days for urgent chain breaks. We're consistently faster than direct lenders.
We're the strategic structuring partner for complex UK property finance: auctions, chain breaks, development exits, overseas investors.
Arranging £20-30M annually, years of industry experience, 100+ lenders. We have the expertise to handle complex scenarios and get deals done.
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Discover our comprehensive range of bridging finance solutions across the UK
Secure fast finance for auction properties with completion deadlines as short as 48 hours.
Finance property renovation and development projects with flexible bridging solutions.
Bridge the gap when your property chain breaks down or you need to complete quickly.
Access equity from your current property while searching for your next home.
Secure land for development projects with fast access to bridging finance.
Exit your development project with flexible refinancing options.
Call now to speak with our team. Available 24/7 with instant responses and expert guidance when you need it most.