Complete Guide to Bridging Loan Costs 2025

Everything you need to know about bridging loan costs: interest rates, fees breakdown, total cost calculations, and how to minimize costs. The definitive guide from FastBridge Funding.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Understanding every cost component of a bridging loan

Interest Rates

0.45% - 0.80% per month

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Loan-to-value ratio
  • Property type
  • Borrower experience
  • Loan term
  • Exit strategy

Example:

£500k loan at 0.60% monthly = £3,000/month interest

Arrangement Fees

1% - 2% of loan amount

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Loan size
  • Lender
  • Complexity
  • Broker fees

Example:

£500k loan with 1.5% fee = £7,500 arrangement fee

Valuation Fees

£500 - £1,500

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Property value
  • Property type
  • Valuation type
  • Location

Example:

Standard residential valuation = £600-£800

Legal Fees

£1,000 - £3,000

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Loan complexity
  • Property type
  • Solicitor rates
  • Additional work

Example:

Standard residential bridging loan = £1,200-£1,800

Exit Fees

0% - 2% (some lenders)

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Lender policy
  • Loan product
  • Early repayment

Example:

Many lenders offer "no exit fee" products

Broker Fees

1% - 2% (if using broker)

Factors Affecting Cost:

  • Broker
  • Loan size
  • Complexity

Example:

FastBridge Funding: typically 1-1.5% for standard cases

Real Example: Total Cost Calculation

See how all costs add up for a typical bridging loan

Example: £500,000 Bridging Loan over 6 Months

Loan Details: £500,000 at 0.60% monthly interest, 6-month term, 1.5% arrangement fee, 1% broker fee, no exit fee

Monthly Interest (6 months @ 0.60%)£18,000
Arrangement Fee (1.5%)£7,500
Valuation Fee£700
Legal Fees£1,500
Broker Fee (1%)£5,000
Exit Fee£0
Total Cost£32,700

This represents approximately 6.5% of the loan amount

How to Minimize Bridging Loan Costs

1. Lower Your LTV

Lower loan-to-value ratios (60-70% vs 75%) typically secure better interest rates. If possible, use more equity to reduce borrowing.

2. Shorter Loan Terms

Interest is calculated monthly, so shorter terms (3-6 months vs 12 months) reduce total interest costs. Only borrow for as long as you need.

3. Use a Broker

Brokers like FastBridge Funding can access better rates through volume discounts and lender relationships, often offsetting broker fees.

4. Negotiate Fees

Fees are often negotiable, especially for larger loans (£1M+) or experienced borrowers. Always ask - you might save thousands.

5. Choose "No Exit Fee" Products

Many lenders offer "no exit fee" products. These can save 1-2% of loan amount when you exit, worth £5,000-£10,000 on a £500k loan.

6. Clear Exit Strategy

Lenders favor clear exit strategies (sale agreed, mortgage approved). This can secure better rates and faster approvals.

Bridging Loans vs Mortgages: Cost Comparison

Bridging Loan (6 months)

  • Interest: 0.60% monthly = 7.2% annually
  • Fees: 2-4% of loan amount
  • Total Cost: ~6-8% of loan
  • Speed: 5-7 days completion

Mortgage (25 years)

  • Interest: 4-6% annually
  • Fees: 1-2% of loan amount
  • Total Cost: ~4-6% annually
  • Speed: 4-8 weeks completion

Key Insight: Bridging loans are more expensive per month but offer speed and flexibility mortgages can't match. For short-term needs (3-12 months), the higher cost is often justified by the ability to complete deals quickly and access properties mortgages can't finance. For long-term finance, mortgages are always cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about bridging loans

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