---
title: "Alternatives to bridging loans"
description: "Mortgage and other funding options to compare with a bridging loan."
url: "https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loan-guide/alternatives-to-bridging-loans"
site: "Mortgage Lane"
collection: "guides"
date: "2026-04-13"
author: "Joseph Lane"
category: "Mortgage guide"
reviewed: "2026-10-08"
reading_time: "1 min"
byline: "Joseph Lane"
author_credentials: "CeMAP · FCA authorised firm"
language: "en-GB"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# Alternatives to bridging loans

Mortgage and other funding options to compare with a bridging loan.

Mortgage and other funding options to compare with a bridging loan.

[Bridging loan](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions?term=bridging-loan)

Bridging finance

A short-term loan secured against property or land to cover a funding gap until an agreed repayment event, such as a sale or refinance.

[Read the full definition of Bridging loan](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions?term=bridging-loan)

Back to overview

[Bridging Loan Guide](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loan-guide)

Related definitions

[Bridging loan](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-bridging-loan)

## Alternatives to bridging loans

### Alternatives to bridging loans

**Bridging is not always the right tool, eight [alternatives](https://mortgagelane.com/short-term-finance/alternatives-to-bridging-loans) suit different circumstances:**

1. **Renovation mortgage.** Purchase plus renovation costs on uninhabitable property, up to 80% LTV, no renovation experience required.
2. **Self-build mortgage.** Staged payments aligned to construction, up to 80% of Loan to Gross Development Value (LTGDV).
3. **Further advance.** Additional borrowing on the existing mortgage, typically cheaper and without bridging exit fees.
4. **Second charge mortgage.** Borrowing against home equity without refinancing the first mortgage, with first-charge lender consent.
5. **Buy-to-let mortgage.** Where the property already qualifies, the term product beats the bridge.
6. **Development finance.** For larger construction projects, funded against project milestones.
7. **Unsecured loan.** Smaller, shorter needs without collateral.
8. **Secured loan.** Larger amounts against an asset.

## Talk it through with an adviser

Speak to a Mortgage Lane adviser about your circumstances and the next steps.

Published: 2026-04-13

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08

Source: https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loan-guide/alternatives-to-bridging-loans