Mortgage guide

Bridging finance for developer exit

Explore development exit bridging loans, interest repayment options and refinancing after a project is complete.

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Bridging finance for developer exit

We understand the financial pressures developers face at the end of a project. When the build is complete but sales are still in progress, or if you’re looking to refinance away from costly development finance, a development exit loan can provide the ideal solution. Specifically, a developer exit bridging loan is a short-term funding option that helps developers repay their existing finance and gain the flexibility needed to finalise sales or prepare for long-term refinancing. This type of development exit finance is typically more competitively priced than standard bridging loans due to the lower risk associated with a completed asset. It’s designed to give developers more time and breathing room at a critical point in the project lifecycle, without the need for expensive extensions or rushed sales. Most development exit loans are available on terms ranging from 1 to 36 months, offering developers the flexibility to align finance with their sales strategy, market conditions, or future refinancing goals. Whether you need just a few months to finish marketing units or a longer term to prepare for a refinance, Mortgage Lane can source whole-of-market options, including broker-only exclusive products not available directly to borrowers.

Interest Repayment Options: Rolled vs. Serviced

There are two common ways to structure interest repayment on a development exit bridging loan:

Rolled (Deducted) Interest:

The total interest for the full loan term is calculated at the outset and deducted from the gross loan amount. This simplifies cash flow by removing the need for monthly interest payments, though it reduces the initial amount released.

Serviced Interest:

Alternatively, borrowers can opt to pay the interest monthly during the term. This keeps the loan amount intact on day one and is useful for developers with regular income who want to maximise the cash released. The right option depends on your project’s cash flow, sales strategy, and how much liquidity you need upfront. Unlike traditional mortgages, where interest is often calculated and charged annually, development exit bridging loans follow a monthly charging model. This ensures the finance aligns with the fast-moving nature of the post-completion sales process and allows for better control over exit timelines and budgeting. The monthly model also enables borrowers to exit early without paying full-term interest, making it a more cost-effective option for developers expecting to sell units quickly.

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For refinancing a completed development onto a gross bridging loan, based on its current open market value. Select Remortgage; development costs and undrawn construction funding are not assessed.

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Indicative estimate only, subject to lender criteria and valuation. This is not a mortgage offer. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.

Development exit finance criteria

For context, these are the wider product terms covered by this guide. Availability and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the lender.

Development exit finance criteria
CriteriaDetail
BorrowersPersonal, Ltd co, LLP, Trusts, Offshore Trusts
Repayment TypeInterest only, repayment
TermMax 36 months for bridging finance, up to 40 years for re-mortgage finance
Max Applicants6
Valuation typesAutomated Valuations (AVM), Market Value 1 (MV1) yield based, Aggregate Valuations for multi property finance loans, Market value (MV), 180 day or 90 days value
Credit checkCredit searched, not credit scored

About the author

Joseph Lane CeMAP is an expert bridging finance broker

Founder, CEO

Calls and emails here go to Joseph personally, not to a general inbox.

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+44 7487 829005joe@mortgagelane.comMore about Joseph

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Frequently asked questions

What is the exit strategy of a bridging loan?

The exit strategy of a bridging loan is the planned way the loan will be repaid in full at the end of its term. The two usual exits are a remortgage onto a longer-term mortgage on the same property and a sale of the property, and money from another identifiable source, such as the sale of another asset, can also repay it. The lender checks the evidence for the exit and whether it will cover the full redemption figure in time. For a regulated bridging loan on a home, the FCA requires the lender to have evidence of a clearly understood and credible repayment strategy (FCA Handbook, MCOB 11.6.41R).

What exit strategies do bridging lenders accept?

Lenders accept exits such as the sale of the property, a refinance onto a mortgage, the sale of another asset, or other funds expected within the term, provided they are realistic and evidenced at application.

How does development finance compare to a bridging loan?

Development finance is similar in cost and term to bridging loans but is designed for construction and major refurbishment. It can fund up to 100% of build costs and is assessed against gross development value, making it more suitable for larger projects.

Can I get 100% bridging finance?

A bridge can sometimes fund 100% of a purchase price with additional security, or on a discounted purchase where the lender accepts a higher market valuation. The total debt must still fit the lender’s loan-to-value limits, and fees or retained interest can leave a cash contribution to pay.

What is closed bridging finance?

Closed bridging finance is a short-term bridging loan where the exit strategy is confirmed and time-defined from the outset. Repayment is tied to a known event, such as an exchanged property sale or approved refinance, which reduces lender risk and often results in lower interest rates than open bridging.

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