Bridging Loans for Fast, Short-Term Property Financing Solutions

At AxJ, our experienced brokers are committed to securing the most favourable terms on fast bridging loans, ensuring you have the financial flexibility and better options.

A bridging loan can be a game-changer when you’re in the middle of a real estate transaction, and timing isn’t on your side. Maybe you’ve found your dream home, but your current property hasn’t sold yet, or you’ve come across a fantastic deal at auction that you don’t want to miss. Bridging finance lets you secure the new property – even when your funds are tied up elsewhere – helping ease the stress in these situations.

But what is a bridging loan exactly? Simply put, it’s a short-term financial solution that helps you manage those tricky in-between moments in the property financing market. Whether you’re looking to buy before you sell, need quick access to funds, or want to avoid moving costs, AxJ Finance Brokers will break down everything you need to know about how bridging finance works, the benefits, the types available, and your bridging loan eligibility requirements. And as experts in the mortgage broker industry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. 

 

Why Would You Need A Bridging Loan?

There are countless scenarios where a bridging loan could be a lifesaver. Need to secure auction finance quickly? Bridging loans can provide fast access to funds when auction deadlines are tight. Renovating your property for a better sale price? A bridging loan provides the money you need now, so you’re not forced to settle for less later. Or maybe you’re facing an urgent financial need, and a quick infusion of cash through equity release would make all the difference.

For example, imagine you’ve found your dream home, but your current one hasn’t sold yet. You don’t want to lose out on the new property, but your funds are tied up in the old one. That’s where a bridging loan steps in to give you access to capital while you’re waiting for your existing property to sell.

How Does Bridging Finance Work?

How Does Bridging Finance Work?

Learn how a bridging loan can help you transition between properties smoothly.

Bridging finance may sound complex, but the process is fairly straightforward. Essentially, a bridging loan means taking out a short-term loan against the value of your current property (or even the new one), and repaying it once you’ve secured longer-term financing or sold the existing property.

When you apply, lenders will assess the value of your property, review your credit history, and, most importantly, they’ll want to see a clear exit strategy—this means you have a plan in place to repay the loan, typically through selling a property or refinancing into a longer-term mortgage.

Bridging Finance Overview

Bridging loans usually come with interest-only payments, meaning your monthly payments are lower until the end of the loan term, at which point you pay off the entire loan. The bridging loan interest rate may be a bit higher than traditional mortgages, but because these loans are short-term (typically six months to a year), the overall cost is manageable if your exit strategy is solid.

You might be wondering, what if things don’t go as planned? That’s where having a clear exit strategy comes in. Make sure your property sale or long-term financing is realistic and achievable to avoid any added stress or costs.

Curious about how bridging loans work in Australia? Speak with one of our mortgage brokers who will guide you step by step.

Bridging Loan Eligibility and Requirements

Bridging loans are more flexible than traditional mortgages, but there are still some requirements to meet. Here’s what lenders typically look for:

  • You must be a property owner or buying a property. This means it’s possible to obtain bridging loans for pensioners.
  • Equity matters—lenders want to see that you’ve got substantial equity in your existing property (usually at least 50% loan-to-value).
  • Creditworthiness plays a role, though bridging loans are often more lenient than traditional home loans.
  • You need a solid exit strategy, whether it’s through selling your property, refinancing, or another clear repayment method.
Bridging Loan Requirements

As for documentation, you’ll need to provide:

  • Proof of income.
  • Property valuation reports
  • Details on your exit strategy (such as a signed sale agreement if you’re selling your property).
Ready to explore your options with bridging finance? Contact us today to speak with a specialist who will guide you through the process.

How to Qualify for a Bridging Loan

Qualifying for a bridging loan doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s a simple guide:

✅ Ensure you have enough equity in your property. If your loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is too high, lenders may hesitate.

✅ Meet basic serviceability requirements. While bridging loans are more lenient, lenders still want to make sure you can handle the loan’s interest-only payments.

✅ Consider the loan term. For buying an existing property, you’ll usually be looking at a maximum loan term of six months. For new builds, lenders may stretch this to 12 months.

✅ Get your property listed. Lenders like to see that you’re actively selling your property, not just planning to do so.

Wondering if you qualify for bridging finance? Get in touch, and we’ll assess your situation to see if a bridging loan is right for you.

Types of Bridging Loans

There are a few different types of bridging loans depending on your needs

Open Bridging Loans

These are ideal if you don’t have a firm repayment date—maybe you’re waiting on a property sale that’s dragging out longer than expected. There’s flexibility here, but lenders may ask for extra security due to the uncertainty.

Closed Bridging Loans

These are for people with a clear repayment date in mind. For instance, if your property sale is already in progress and you know exactly when the funds will come through, a closed bridging loan can be a smart option.

First Charge vs. Second Charge Bridging Loans

This refers to how the loan is secured against your property. A first-charge loan comes before any other loan (like your mortgage), while a second-charge loan is added on top of your current mortgage. Lenders will check how much of your property you own to decide which one you qualify for.
Not sure which type of bridging loan suits you best?
Let’s discuss your needs and help you choose the right option.

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Pros and Cons of Bridging Loans

Bridging loans comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to understand both sides before making a decision.

Pros

✅ Immediate Property Purchase: You can secure your new property even before your old one is sold, avoiding missed opportunities.

✅ Time to Sell at a Better Price: A bridging loan can give you breathing room to wait for the right offer rather than rushing to sell at a lower price.

✅ Interest-Only Repayments: This helps manage monthly costs until the loan is paid off.

✅ Comparable Fees: The fees for bridging loans are often similar to those for standard home loans, so you’re not paying excessive costs.

✅ Avoid Double Moving Costs: You don’t need to rent or temporarily move between properties, saving you time, hassle, and money.

Cons

❌ Interest Compounds Monthly: If your property sale or refinancing is delayed, the costs can add up.

❌ Dual Valuation Costs: Both properties involved in the loan may need to be valued, which adds to upfront costs.

❌ Higher Rates if Delayed: If your exit strategy falls through, interest rates could increase, making the loan more expensive.

❌ Early Termination Fees: If you repay the loan too early, you might face additional charges.

When it comes to property financing through bridging loans, it’s all about timing and having a solid plan in place. While they offer a great way to bridge the financial gap in real estate transactions, they do require careful consideration. That’s where we come in—as your trusted mortgage broker, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Have questions about bridging loan interest rates in Australia or feeling unsure and need a bridging loan comparison before making a decision? Don’t worry, we’ve helped many people navigate this process, and we’ll do the same for you. Let’s chat about your situation and find the perfect bridging loan solution for you. We’re here to make things simple, stress-free, and, most importantly, work for you.

We Simplify The Bridging Loan Process

At AxJ, we’re here to provide clarity and support every step of the way. Our finance brokers are committed to offering personalised guidance, ensuring that you fully understand the benefits, all bridging loan costs involved, and potential implications of your loan. We understand that bridging finance can be a big commitment, and we’ll work closely with you to develop a tailored plan, giving you more confidence and peace of mind.

FAQs on Bridging Loan

Bridging loans provide you with short-term funding to cover the gap between buying a new property and selling an existing one. As a borrower, you can access funds quickly, typically secured against the property being sold. You usually have up to 12 months to repay the loan, either through the sale proceeds or refinancing.

Several Australian banks offer bridging loans, including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, and NAB. A bridging finance broker can assist you in navigating your options by assessing your financial situation, conducting bridging loan comparisons, and negotiating favourable terms on your behalf.

A bridging finance broker is a professional who helps clients secure short-term loans (known as bridging loans) to cover financial gaps associated with buying a new property and selling an existing one. They act as the middleman, negotiating with various lenders to find the best bridging loan interest rates and terms for you.

Yes, it’s possible to get a bridging loan with less-than-perfect credit. Unlike traditional mortgages, lenders of bridging loans are more concerned with the value of your property and your exit strategy than your credit score. However, keep in mind that having a stronger credit profile can help you access better bridging finance rates and terms. As your broker, we can assess your situation and connect you with lenders who are more flexible when it comes to credit requirements.

One of the biggest benefits of a bridging loan is how quickly you can get the money. Typically, fast bridging loans can be arranged in a matter of days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly the necessary documentation and property valuations can be completed. As your broker, we work with lenders who specialise in quick turnarounds, helping to expedite the process and ensure you get the funds when you need them most.

Yes, bridging loans can be used for other purposes beyond property transactions. For instance, they can be used to fund urgent renovations, business cash flow needs, or even to prevent foreclosure on a property. The key factor is that the loan is secured against property assets, and you have a clear exit strategy for repayment. As brokers, we can help tailor the loan to fit your unique financial situation.

If your property sale is delayed and the loan term is coming to an end, it’s essential to communicate with your lender as soon as possible. Some lenders may offer an extension, but this could come with additional costs or higher interest rates. We can help you get the best deal or explore refinancing options to ensure you don’t run into penalties or financial difficulties.

Many bridging loans come with early repayment charges, often referred to as early termination fees. However, the specific terms will vary depending on the lender. As your broker, we can help you find lenders with flexible terms or even those that allow early repayment without penalties, so you can keep your options open without incurring unexpected costs.

Yes, to apply for a bridging loan, you will need to have both your existing and new properties valued. This helps the lender determine the amount you can borrow based on the equity available in your current property.

The amount you can borrow with bridging finance typically depends on the equity in your current property and the value of the property you intend to purchase. Lenders usually allow you to borrow up to 80% of the combined value of both properties.

A deposit is usually not required for a bridging loan, as the loan is secured against the equity in your current property. However, the specifics can vary depending on the lender and your financial situation.

While some lenders may offer up to 100% bridging finance, it is less common and typically depends on your bridging loan eligibility, including the strength of your financial profile (equity, credit history, and income.) Comparing bridging loan costs and bridging finance rates across lenders can help you find the best option.

Bridging loan brokers generally charge a fee between 0.5% to 2% of your loan amount, though some may opt for a flat fee. Additional costs often include application fees, valuation fees, and legal fees.

Bridging finance costs vary, but typically, you can expect interest rates between 0.5% and 1.5% per month, plus setup fees and potential exit fees. The exact cost depends on the lender, loan size, and duration.

Bridging finance can be more expensive than regular loans, with interest rates between 5% and 12% per year. Extra fees can include setup, valuation, legal, and sometimes exit fees. Since it’s a short-term loan, interest often adds up monthly, so it’s best for those who can repay within 6–12 months.

To get a bridging loan, you can apply directly through a traditional bank or a specialist lender, such as AxJ. We’ll start by assessing your financial situation, then help you submit an application with details about the property you’re selling and the one you’re buying. Traditional banks like ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, and NAB may have stricter bridging loan eligibility criteria than us. As a specialist lender, we may provide more flexibility in terms and approval speed.

The term for a bridging loan can vary, but it typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. Some lenders may offer longer terms, but these are less common and may come with higher bridging loan interest rates or other conditions. Our brokers can help you review your options carefully, as bridging loan comparisons can reveal better terms and rates suited to your needs.