Unlocking the Potential of a Joint Bridging Loan

By Georgia Galloway | Friday 11th August 2023 | 4 minute read

Your financial journey is unique, and so should your solutions. A joint bridging loan can help you bridge a temporary cash-flow gap or open new property investment opportunities.

The world of finance offers various tools to meet diverse needs. One such tool, often overlooked but incredibly versatile, is the joint bridging loan. Designed for two individuals, typically partners or spouses who jointly own property, this short-term financing option can be a game-changer in time-sensitive situations.

Avoid getting caught in the traditional mortgage approval delays when an opportunity presents itself. With its quick access to funds and less sensitivity toward credit issues than conventional mortgages, a joint bridging loan could be your ticket to securing that dream property.

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The Concept of Joint Bridging Loans

A joint bridging loan is a type of short-term finance designed to resolve temporary cash flow problems. This financial solution involves two individuals - usually partners or spouses - who jointly own property and are both named on the loan.

This form of financing comes into play when quick access to funds is necessary for property transactions. This form of financing is ideal for fast-track refurbishment works that don't require planning permission or to bridge the gap between buying a new property and selling an existing one.

The flexibility inherent in these loans sets them apart from traditional lending forms such as mortgages. Unlike long-term loans where repayments span several years, these facilities offer repayment terms typically ranging from 1 month to 18 months based on individual circumstances and needs.

Its dual security approach is an essential feature of this financial product. The amount granted under joint bridging finance heavily depends upon the value and equity within properties owned by both borrowers involved in securing the agreement - indicating equal responsibility among each borrower towards ensuring timely repayments throughout their agreed term period.

In essence, while conventional mortgage lenders base decisions primarily on credit scores and income levels; bridging lenders focus more on asset values, making them attractive even if you've had previous credit issues.

Bridging loans differ due to their interest calculation method: instead of being calculated annually like most other borrowing products available today, they're generally computed monthly. This unique characteristic may result in high overall costs despite seemingly low advertised rates, which potential borrowers should consider before proceeding further into any transaction involving such arrangements.


Why Opt for a Joint Bridging Loan Over a Mortgage?

In the realm of property investment and development, choosing between joint bridging loans and typical mortgages often comes down to individual circumstances. The essential advantage that sets bridging finance apart is its speed and flexibility - when time sensitivity plays an important role.

The Speed and Flexibility of Bridging Loans
Bridging loans are renowned for their rapid processing times compared to traditional mortgage lenders. In some cases, funds can be accessed within just nine days. This swift turnaround makes them invaluable when faced with urgent property purchases or pressing development projects requiring immediate funding.

Alongside this impressive pace, there's also considerable versatility attached to these types of loans. They cater well to diverse needs such as auction buys, refurbishment costs, or even short-term cash flow problems; essentially, anything that high-street lenders may typically shy away from due to their stringent lending criteria.

Dealing with Bad Credit
Credit history undoubtedly holds significant weight during any loan application process, including mortgages, but surprisingly less so when it comes to sourcing large bridging loans. There exist specialist providers who consider other factors like asset value, exit strategy, etc, rather than focusing solely on credit scores.

This holistic approach opens avenues for those struggling financially, providing they meet certain conditions the lender sets. However, one must exercise caution here because despite being more accepting towards lousy credit issues, interest rates tend are usually higher since a bridge loan is primarily designed as a temporary solution only meant to tide over immediate financial hurdles, not long-term commitments like a regular mortgage would be suitable for hence careful planning should go into ensuring you're able to repay back without causing further strain your finances at end term period.


The Importance of Exit Strategies in Bridging Finance

Planning an exit strategy when contemplating a joint bridging loan is crucial. This plan outlines how you intend to repay the bridge loan at its term's conclusion, bearing in mind that these loans are short-term fixes for temporary cash flow problems or property development projects.

An effective exit strategy provides assurance to both borrowers and lenders about the repayment within the agreed period. Without it, securing finance from esteemed lenders can be challenging.

First Charge vs Second Charge Lending
In order to structure your repayment effectively, understanding first-charge and second-charge lending becomes vital. A first charge loan implies that if there is a default on repayments and the selling off of property ensues; this lender has priority over receiving funds before any other party does.

A second charge loan stands behind an existing mortgage secured against your asset. In payment defaults, primary mortgage providers receive their due before secondary creditors do under such borrowing arrangements.

This distinction impacts perceived risk by lenders during approval processes for bridging finance applications - which ultimately influences interest rates, among other conditions attached to these loans.

Potential Exit Strategies
Your choice between opting for either first-charge or second-charge lending should align with your planned exit strategy. A typical approach many borrowers adopt involves obtaining a traditional mortgage once financial stability resumes - using this long-term funding source as leverage toward paying off outstanding bridge debt.

Selling business assets or downsizing properties offers another popular option - converting physical capital into liquid reserves capable of covering remaining debts. Lastly, some individuals may choose to leverage inheritance money received post-family members' demise - yet another potential method towards settling accounts upon completion of predetermined agreement periods with respective lenders.


Conclusion

Joint bridging loans are a versatile financial tool that can solve temporary cash flow problems. They involve two individuals, usually partners or spouses, who jointly own property.

The speed and flexibility of these loans make them an ideal solution for urgent property purchases or development projects.

Despite the high-interest rates and associated costs, their potential to bridge gaps in financing cannot be overlooked.

A clear exit strategy is crucial when opting for this type of loan. It's essential to understand the first-charge vs second-charge lending and regulated versus unregulated bridging loans.

Although there are alternatives like remortgaging or raising money against other assets, joint bridging loans often provide the quickest access to funds in time-sensitive situations.


We're experienced financial experts who arrange short-term bridging loans for property owners, securing you the best deal from over 200 bridging loan providers, including private investors and family offices.

Get expert assistance today; we're on hand to answer any questions about bridging loans.

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Joint Bridging Loan FAQs

What is a joint bridging loan?

A joint bridging loan is when two individuals (usually partners, spouses etc) are both named on the loan and both own the property.

Is a bridging loan more expensive than a mortgage?

Bridging loans often have higher interest rates compared to mortgages. However, they offer quicker access to funds, which is crucial in time-sensitive property transactions.

What are the criteria for getting a bridging loan?

The main criteria include having an exit strategy, owning significant property equity, and demonstrating how you'll repay the loan at term-end.

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