What is an Asset-Based Bridging Loan?

By Georgia Galloway | Thursday 10th August 2023 | 3 minute read

An Asset-Based Bridging Loan can be a viable option if you want to secure quick and flexible finance. This type of loan allows you to leverage various assets beyond property as collateral.

The flexibility of Asset-Based Bridging Loans makes them particularly useful for businesses with diverse asset portfolios. They offer short-term financial solutions that traditional loans may not provide.

Borrowers can use anything from factory equipment to high-value specialist tools as security. Thus, these loans present a unique opportunity for those seeking immediate liquidity.

New cars at dealer showroom demonstrating example of asset used for asset-based bridging loans.


An Introduction to Asset-Based Bridging Loans

Asset-based, also known as asset-backed, bridging loans serve as a unique type of short-term borrowing. Rather than relying on commercial or residential properties for security, these asset-based loans use other assets such as vehicles, high-value machinery, and more.

The loan amounts typically range from £25,000 to £2 million. This broad span caters to property investors, business owners, and land speculators who require urgent access to funds - even those with an adverse credit history or late payments on existing arrears.

Compared to traditional mortgage applications that involve lengthy procedures and in-depth credit checks, asset-backed bridging offers swift accessibility. The focus here is primarily on the value of pledged assets rather than scrutinising the borrower's financial status - making it an attractive option when cash flow needs bolstering urgently while waiting for long-term finance solutions or pending sales transactions.


Comparing Traditional Bridging Loans and Asset-Based Bridging Loans

In short-term borrowing, two prominent options are traditional bridging loans and asset-backed bridging loans. Each has its unique characteristics tailored to cater to different financial needs.

Understanding Traditional Bridging Loans
The typical bridging loan is a temporary solution until long-term finance becomes available. Property developers or investors with residential properties often use it as collateral. The amount you can borrow usually ranges from £25,000 to millions depending on your property value.

The Versatility of Asset-Based Bridging Loans
An asset-backed bridging loan offers more flexibility than its traditional counterpart when securing your facility - not just commercial or residential properties, but assets like factory equipment or high-value specialist tools, among others, can be used as security against the borrowed sum.

This means businesses across various sectors have an opportunity to raise urgently required funds swiftly while managing monthly repayments effectively using existing assets beyond property alone.

For instance, let's consider a manufacturing company that may secure a short-term asset-based loan using plant machinery. In contrast, land speculators might choose vehicles or other high-value items instead, according to what best suits their situation.

Another advantage here lies in how this approach bypasses extensive credit checks typically involved in traditional lending practices, thus speeding up access times significantly while still providing robust finance secured against tangible business assets.


Unpacking Asset-Based Lending

Asset-based lending has emerged as a viable alternative for businesses in the quest to raise finance quickly. This approach enables companies to unlock capital in their assets, including accounts receivable, stock, and machinery.

This form of financing can prove invaluable during strategic business events such as acquisitions or management buyouts. It also offers much-needed support when restructuring finances or refinancing existing loans. 


The Mechanics Behind Asset-Based Loans

An asset loan is issued based on the value of tangible company assets that serve as collateral for borrowing money. Lenders can mitigate risk by focusing on these physical items rather than credit history alone while providing urgently required funds even with adverse credit situations.

Beyond just property and equipment, though, this bridging finance extends its reach into intangible elements like outstanding invoices - another way it differentiates from traditional mortgage options. 


Potential Benefits And Risks Of An Asset Loan

Asset-based bridging loans offer numerous advantages over typical bridging loans due mainly to their flexibility: Companies with substantial tangible assets but poor cash flow, making them ineligible for conventional short-term loans, can still access necessary funding through this method.

Nevertheless, the risk potential should not be underestimated. For instance, late payments could lead to repossession by the lender if the borrower fails to meet monthly repayments owing to financial strain caused by unforeseen circumstances. 


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.

Get a quote

Call our friendly team on 01202 612934, we're ready to help.

Asset-Based Bridging Loans FAQs

Is it worth getting a bridging loan?

Bridging loans can be beneficial if you need swift access to funds, particularly for property transactions or business cash flow. However, they often have higher interest rates than traditional loans.

How much property can be valued for a bridging loan?

The value of the property used as collateral in a bridging loan varies widely depending on the lender's criteria and your financial situation. Typically, up to 75% of the property's value can be borrowed. Additionally, asset-based bridging loans use other assets such as vehicles, high-value machinery, and more.

What are the criteria for getting a bridging loan?

To secure a bridging loan, you typically need an exit strategy (repayment plan), a good credit history, proof of income or revenue stream, and valuable assets as security, such as properties or machinery.

We use cookies. By using the website you agree with our use of cookies. For more information, please read our privacy policy.

Okay, got it!