---
title: "Bridging loan terms and regulation questions"
description: "Questions about credit history, first-time buyers, regulation, interest payments and loan-to-value."
url: "https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loan-guide/bridging-loan-terms-and-regulation-questions"
site: "Mortgage Lane"
collection: "guides"
date: "2026-04-13"
author: "Joseph Lane"
category: "Mortgage guide"
reviewed: "2026-09-11"
reading_time: "2 min"
byline: "Joseph Lane"
author_credentials: "CeMAP · FCA authorised firm"
language: "en-GB"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# Bridging loan terms and regulation questions

Questions about credit history, first-time buyers, regulation, interest payments and loan-to-value.

Questions about credit history, first-time buyers, regulation, interest payments and loan-to-value.

[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)

## Bridging loan terms and regulation questions

Answers to common questions about bridging finance. Return to the [Bridging Loan Guide](https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loan-guide) for the overview.

## Questions and answers

**Q: What credit score do I need for a bridging loan?**

faq-id: what-credit-score-do-i-need-for-a-bridging-loan

There is no set credit score. Bridging lenders review credit in context rather than against a threshold, and missed payments, defaults, or CCJs do not automatically prevent approval where the asset and exit are strong.

**Q: Can a first-time buyer use a bridging loan?**

faq-id: can-a-first-time-buyer-use-a-bridging-loan

Yes. Most bridging lenders require no prior experience, which makes bridging useful for first-time buyers purchasing renovation properties or working around mortgage criteria that excludes them.

**Q: Are bridging loans regulated?**

faq-id: are-bridging-loans-regulated

Some are. A bridging loan is regulated by the FCA when it is secured on a property that is, or will become, the borrower's main residence: in law, where at least 40% of the property is used, or is intended to be used, as a dwelling by the borrower or a close family member. Bridging loans for buy-to-let, investment, commercial property or land are usually unregulated.

**Q: Do monthly payments apply to a bridging loan?**

faq-id: do-monthly-payments-apply-to-a-bridging-loan

Only on serviced-interest structures, where interest is paid monthly subject to affordability. With rolled-up or deducted interest, no monthly payments are made and the interest is settled when the loan exits.

**Q: What loan-to-value can I get on a bridging loan?**

faq-id: what-loan-to-value-can-i-get-on-a-bridging-loan

Up to 90% on residential property, 75 to 80% on commercial, and 50 to 70% on land depending on planning status. With additional security a cross-charge can fund 100% of the purchase price, and genuine below-market-value purchases can reach 100% of the price within 90% of open market value.

## 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: 2026-09-11

Source: https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loan-guide/bridging-loan-terms-and-regulation-questions