Mortgage guide
Bridge to let mortgage
A bridge-to-let mortgage is a short-term finance solution used to purchase or refinance a property and then transition it onto a buy-to-let mortgage once it becomes mortgageable. It combines an initial bridging loan with a planned exit onto a long-term buy-to-let mortgage, making it ideal for properties that cannot meet standard rental or condition criteria at the point of purchase.
- Published
- 4 Aug 2026
- Last reviewed
- 8 Oct 2026
- Reading time
- 2 min
Bridge to let mortgage
A bridge-to-let mortgage is a short-term finance solution used to purchase or refinance a property and then transition it onto a buy-to-let mortgage once it becomes mortgageable. It combines an initial bridging loan with a planned exit onto a long-term buy-to-let mortgage, making it ideal for properties that cannot meet standard rental or condition criteria at the point of purchase.
Bridge-to-let is commonly used for refurbishment projects, vacant or un-mortgageable properties, or buy-to-let investments requiring works, licensing, or rental stabilisation before refinance. The initial bridging phase provides fast funding and flexibility, often with rolled-up interest and no monthly payments, while the exit mortgage is arranged once the property is let, compliant, and generating income.
Bridging calculator
Estimate the gross loan against property value before interest, fees and retained amounts.
Bridging Loan Criteria
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Criteria | Detail |
|---|---|
| Borrowers | Personal, limited company (Ltd co), LLP and offshore trusts, depending on the lender |
| Repayment type | Interest only or repayment |
| Term | Short term. The maximum term varies by lender; in our experience the minimum term is usually 1 month, and 3 months with some lenders |
| Experience | Not always required; it depends on the lender and the exit |
| Max applicants | Varies by lender |
| Valuation types | Automated valuation (AVM), Market Value 1 (MV1) yield based, market value (MV), 180-day or 90-day value, depending on the lender and how it labels the valuation basis |
| Regulated and unregulated | Yes, both: regulated where the borrower or a close family member lives, or will live, in the property |
| Credit searched | Usually, depending on the lender |
| Credit scored | Varies by lender; the decision rests mainly on the property and the exit |
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Loan to value | Rate |
|---|---|
| 65% LTV | 0.62% per month (2% lender fee) |
| 75% LTV | 0.72% per month (2% lender fee) |
| 85% LTV | 0.9% per month (2% lender fee) |
For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Additional Security | 100%+ |
| Residential | 90% |
| Commercial | 75% |
| Land | 70% |
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Frequently asked questions
What is bridge to let?
Bridge to let is using a bridging loan to buy and improve a property, then refinancing onto a buy to let mortgage once it is lettable. Some lenders offer both as a combined product.
How long does a bridge to let take?
A bridge to let typically takes around two weeks to arrange from application to completion. Timescales depend on valuation speed, legal readiness, and lender processes, but bridge to let products are designed for faster execution than standard buy-to-let mortgages.
Who are typical bridge to let lenders?
Bridge to let lenders are usually specialist UK bridging lenders with integrated buy-to-let products or partnerships. They operate outside mainstream high-street banks and focus on professional landlords, investors, and time-sensitive property transactions.
What are the best types of bridge to let mortgage deals?
The best bridge to let deals typically offer competitive exit rates, flexible refurbishment allowances, realistic loan terms, and no obligation to refinance with the same lender. Suitability depends on property type, rental potential, and compliance with UK buy-to-let rules.
Can I let a property on a bridging loan?
Some bridging lenders allow a property to be let during the term, others do not; letting is usually part of preparing for a buy to let refinance. The bridge agreement sets out what is permitted.
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