The first quarter of 2025 marked a record-breaking period for the UK bridging sector. According to figures from the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA), the total value of completions reached £2.8 billion, the highest quarterly total in more than a decade.
Developers, faced with tighter credit conditions, persistent material inflation and higher base rates, are increasingly using bridging loans as a tactical tool to maintain project momentum. These loans are being used to acquire land, refurbish properties, and cover temporary funding gaps while awaiting traditional finance or sales proceeds.
Unlike conventional bank lending, which can take months, bridging loans can often be arranged in weeks. This speed is invaluable when opportunities arise suddenly — such as distressed sales or auction properties — and timing is critical.
Industry experts note that, despite higher interest rates compared to mainstream mortgages, the cost is outweighed by the strategic advantage of liquidity and control. The flexibility to refinance, sell, or restructure later gives developers more options in uncertain conditions.
As one BDLA report summarised: “Short-term lending has become a long-term strategy.”