“As bridging becomes more mainstream, we’re seeing more lenders enter the space, and existing lenders are becoming more sophisticated, designing products that better reflect real market needs”
– Claudine Reynolds – Roma Finance
PR: How are landlords using bridging finance in today’s market, and what types of projects are proving most popular?
CR: Landlords are increasingly aware of how bridging finance can unlock opportunities in today’s market. Rather than starting with a strategy, many are now finding the right property first and then shaping their plans around it.
We’re seeing strong demand for commercial-to-residential conversions, but also a noticeable rise in commercial-to-commercial projects, like transforming pubs into office space or splitting larger units into smaller commercial lets. Bridging finance offers the speed and flexibility landlords need to move quickly and capitalise on these opportunities.
PR: What should property investors be aware of when comparing bridging lenders, and what are the key terms they should look out for?
CR: When comparing bridging lenders, investors should look beyond the headline rate. Key terms to review include exit fees, repayment flexibility, extension options, and how interest is charged—retained, rolled up, or serviced. Be sure to check whether the offer is based on a net or gross loan amount, as this can significantly impact your available funds.
A lender’s track record and funding source also matter. Those with institutional backing tend to be more stable and better equipped to weather market fluctuations. Just as important as the lender is having the right solicitor—one with bridging experience who can hit the ground running, keep the process moving, and ultimately save time and money.
PR: How has demand for bridging changed over the past 12 months, and what’s driving that shift?
CR: Demand for bridging has grown significantly over the past 12 months, driven by increased awareness and a more dynamic property market. As bridging becomes more mainstream, we’re seeing more lenders enter the space, and existing lenders are becoming more sophisticated, designing products that better reflect real market needs.
There’s also a shift in investor behaviour. Many experienced landlords who have built up substantial portfolios over the years are now choosing to exit the market, creating rare opportunities for newer or less experienced investors to acquire full portfolios. Bridging finance offers the speed and flexibility needed to capitalise on these opportunities quickly, which is a big part of what’s fuelling the surge in demand.
PR: In what scenarios can bridging finance offer landlords a competitive advantage, especially in a high-rate or fast-moving market?
CR: In a high-rate or fast-moving market, speed and flexibility are everything, and that’s where bridging finance, particularly Roma’s new Revolving Credit Facility, gives landlords a real edge.
This facility allows property entrepreneurs to access funds quickly and easily, without having to start the process from scratch each time. It gives them the power to move fast, secure deals, and buy well, often ahead of the competition. Whether it’s snapping up a below-market-value property or acting quickly on a portfolio opportunity, having instant access to funds can be the difference between winning and missing out.
PR: What’s your outlook for the bridging sector in 2025, and how do you see investor demand evolving?
CR: The outlook for the bridging sector in 2025 is strong. There are growing opportunities for investors to buy well, whether that’s full portfolios or individual properties priced to sell.
We expect to see continued demand from experienced investors who know what they’re looking for and are using bridging to move quickly on assets that match their strategy. While there may be fewer newcomers, the market is becoming more professional, with savvy investors using bridging not just to fund purchases, but to gain a competitive advantage in a shifting landscape.
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