---
title: "Second charge bridging loans"
description: "A second charge bridging loan is a highly effective way to release property equity quickly without refinancing or disturbing an existing first-charge mortgage."
url: "https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loans/second-charge-bridging-loans"
site: "Mortgage Lane"
collection: "guides"
date: "2026-08-04"
author: "Written by an adviser at Mortgage Lane"
category: "Mortgage guide"
reviewed: "2026-10-08"
reading_time: "2 min"
byline: "Written by an adviser at Mortgage Lane"
author_credentials: "CeMAP · FCA authorised firm"
language: "en-GB"
robots: "index,follow"
---

# Second charge bridging loans

A second charge bridging loan is a highly effective way to release property equity quickly without refinancing or disturbing an existing first-charge mortgage.

A second charge bridging loan is a highly effective way to release property equity quickly without refinancing or disturbing an existing first-charge mortgage.

[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 Loans](https://mortgagelane.com/short-term-finance/bridging-loans)

Related definitions

[Charge priority](https://mortgagelane.com/definitions#def-charge-priority)

·

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

## Second charge bridging loans

A second charge bridging loan is a highly effective way to release property equity quickly without refinancing or disturbing an existing first-charge mortgage. As a whole-of-market broker, we arrange second charge bridging finance across a broad panel of specialist lenders, giving access to far more options than a single lender or direct provider. Whether the requirement is for an investment opportunity, a time-critical purchase, or short-term liquidity, we structure second charge bridging loans around speed, flexibility, and a clear exit strategy, rather than rigid affordability-led criteria.

**Why use a second charge bridging loan?**

Second charge bridging loans allow borrowers to raise capital behind an existing mortgage, using the available equity in the property. This approach is particularly suitable where:

- The existing first-charge mortgage is on a low or fixed rate
- Early repayment charges would make refinancing inefficient
- Refinancing the first charge would be too slow or impractical
- Capital is required quickly for a short-term purpose

Because second charge bridging is asset-led, it can often be completed significantly faster than a full refinance, making it well suited to time-sensitive transactions.

### Whole-of-market access: standalone and cross-charge structures

We arrange both standalone second charge bridging loans and cross-charge bridging structures, selecting the approach that delivers the most efficient leverage.

Standalone second charge bridging loans are secured against a single property that already has a first-charge mortgage

Cross-charge bridging loans use multiple properties as security, increasing borrowing potential and reducing the need for large cash deposits

As a whole-of-market broker, we compare lenders offering residential, buy-to-let, and commercial second charge bridging, ensuring the structure aligns with both the asset and the wider strategy.

### Flexible leverage and tailored terms

Second charge bridging loans can typically be arranged up to:

- 75% combined LTV on residential property
- 80% combined LTV on buy-to-let property
- Around 65% combined LTV on commercial property

We also work with lenders that allow rolled-up interest, meaning no monthly payments during the loan term, helping to preserve cash flow until the agreed exit.

## Talk it through with an adviser

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

Published: 2026-08-04

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08

Source: https://mortgagelane.com/guides/bridging-loans/second-charge-bridging-loans