Bridging Finance (Purchase) Guide 2026
Your complete mortgage journey — every stage, every party, every document. Select your journey below and click any stage to learn more.
Written and reviewed by Sophie Harrison · Page last reviewed 8 April 2026
What are you doing?
What type?
Bridging finance › I am buying a property
Click any stage to learn more
Sourcing & research
Review the market: rates, criteria, affordability.
You research lenders and products — rates, fees, LTV tiers, and criteria eligibility. Bridging finance is short-term (typically 3–18 months). The exit strategy — how you will repay the bridge — is as important as the property. An affordability sense-check at this stage sets realistic expectations before any formal approach. Mortgage Compare models this for you across 40+ lenders instantly.
Not sure which? Read our broker vs going direct guide
Exit strategy assessment
Lender assesses how and when you will repay the bridging loan.
Decision in principle (DIP)
High-level credit and affordability check with the lender.
Full mortgage application (FMA)
Complete application with full property and income detail, documents uploaded.
Underwriting assessment
Offer or declineLender assesses the application. Valuation and conveyancing proceed alongside.
Application review
Underwriters verify income, credit, documents, and policy compliance.
Valuation & survey
Surveyor visits the property and reports to the lender.
Conveyancing (pre-offer)
Solicitor begins searches and enquiries before the offer arrives.
Mortgage offer
Formal offer issued. References the ESIS. Can only be rescinded in limited circumstances.
Completion & drawdown
Bridging funds released. Purchase completes.
Exit — repay the bridge
Repay the bridging loan via your planned exit strategy within the agreed term.