Mortgage guide

How do I get Land bridging loan with bad credit?

Land bridging lenders often operate on a non-status basis, focusing more on the specifics of the deal and the exit strategy rather than the applicant’s credit status. This means applicants with adverse credit will have greater flexibility and more options than with mortgage borrowing.

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How do I get Land bridging loan with bad credit?

Land bridging lenders often operate on a non-status basis, focusing more on the specifics of the deal and the exit strategy rather than the applicant’s credit status. This means applicants with adverse credit will have greater flexibility and more options than with mortgage borrowing.

Non-Status Approach

In the context of land bridging loans, ‘non-status’ refers to the lender’s approach where the emphasis is less on the applicant’s credit history or financial status. Instead, the primary focus is on the value of the deal itself, the property or land involved, and the viability of the exit strategy, which is how the loan will be repaid, such as through the sale of the property or refinancing.

Land bridging loan lenders are primarily interested in the potential of the land or property transaction and how the loan will be repaid. This approach is beneficial for borrowers who may not have a strong credit history but possess a promising property deal.

Applicants with Adverse Credit

Similar to some mortgage lenders, land bridging loan lenders can accommodate applicants with adverse credit histories. This includes past missed payments, County Court Judgments (CCJs), defaults, or even an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).

Post-Bankruptcy Options

If you have been discharged from bankruptcy, your options with land bridging loan lenders tend to improve over time. Generally, the prospects are better after 3 years and continue to improve after 6 years, as this distance from bankruptcy indicates reduced risk to the lender. But we can get lending for applicants that have just been discharged also especially if the deal stacks up on a non-status basis.

If you are looking to buy land with adverse credit, we would love to help

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Land 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.

Land bridging loan criteria
CriteriaDetail
BorrowersPersonal, Ltd co, LLP, Trusts, Offshore Trusts
Repayment typeInterest only
Max Loan to Value (LTV)65% max
TermMax 36 months
Minimum loan£40,000
ExperienceNot required
Max applicants6
UsesAgricultural land, business use, self build, pre-planning

Published indicative terms for the wider product category are shown for context. They are not a quote for the specific circumstances discussed in this guide.

Best Bridging Loan Rates UK November 2026

Loan to valueRate
65% LTV0.62% per month (2% lender fee)
75% LTV0.72% per month (2% lender fee)
85% LTV0.9% per month (2% lender fee)
Rates, fees and eligibility can change. Ask an adviser to confirm the current terms for your property and borrowing requirement.

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

Can I get a bridging loan with bad credit?

You can often get a bridging loan with bad credit, because bridging lenders lend mainly on the property's value and the exit rather than credit scoring. Severe or recent adverse credit can mean a lower loan-to-value or higher price, and the exit must work despite your history.

Why are bridging lenders more flexible with bad credit?

Bridging lenders focus on the security and how the loan will be repaid, usually within months, so a strong property and a clear exit matter more than past credit problems. Mortgage lenders, lending for decades, rely more on credit history.

Can first-time buyers get a land bridging loan in the UK?

Yes, first-time buyers can obtain a land bridging loan in the UK, but criteria are stricter than for experienced borrowers. Lenders typically require a higher deposit, a clear exit strategy, and may impose lower loan-to-value limits due to the increased risk profile.

What is a land bridging loan?

A land bridging loan is a short-term, secured loan used to purchase land in the UK where a standard mortgage is not available. It is commonly used for land without planning permission or without provable income and is repaid within a defined period, usually 6 to 24 months.

Is re-bridging a bad sign?

A single re-bridge to a well-evidenced exit need not be a bad sign, because planning, building works and sales can take longer than planned. Lenders and borrowers read repeated re-bridging on the same property without progress towards the exit as a warning sign, because each refinance adds fees and interest to the debt while the property's value stays much the same. The test is whether the reason for the delay is clear and the exit is now nearer than it was.

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