Quick and straightforward First and Second Charge Bridging Loans across the UK
Speak to our specialist team today to discuss your Bridging Loan requirements
Whether you are buying at auction, refinancing quickly, funding a refurbishment, or securing a property before arranging longer-term finance, Mercantile Trust offers unregulated bridging finance designed to help you move fast when timing matters.
We assess each case on its individual merits, with manual underwriting that can accommodate complex income, limited company structures, adverse credit histories, and non-standard properties where mainstream lenders may be less flexible.
With our common sense approach to lending, we offer flexible and quick solutions tailored to your needs.
A bridging loan is a short-term secured loan that gives borrowers fast access to funds while they arrange a longer-term solution, such as a property sale or refinance.
It is typically used when speed is critical and a conventional mortgage or business loan cannot be arranged within the required timeframe.
Bridging finance is commonly used by:
Bridging Loans are often used when speed is essential and traditional Buy to let mortgage lenders cannot move quickly enough.
At Mercantile Trust, we provide Bridging Loans tailored to a wide range of business needs and properties, including complex cases that may not fit standard lending criteria.
Bridging finance can support a wide range of property transactions and short-term funding requirements, including the scenarios below.
Our Bridging Loans can be used for a variety of property transactions and short-term funding needs, including:
Complete property purchases quickly within auction deadlines.
Fund light or heavy refurbishment projects before refinancing or sale.
Prevent property chains from collapsing while awaiting a sale.
Secure investment opportunities before arranging long-term Buy-to-Let finance.
Flexible underwriting for applicants with previous credit issues.
Available for personal and limited company applicants.
Finance options for properties that mainstream lenders may decline.
Mercantile Trust is a specialist UK lender focused on short-term property finance, with a practical approach to cases that need speed, flexibility, and individual assessment.
Mercantile Trust is a specialist UK lender focused on fast, flexible property finance solutions.
Rather than relying solely on automated scorecards, we review applications manually so that the property, borrower profile, and exit strategy can be considered in the round.
We offer several types of bridging finance depending on the property, the purpose of the loan, and the intended repayment route.
Secured against a property with no existing mortgage.
Raise additional funds while keeping your current mortgage in place.
Finance renovation or improvement works before refinancing or sale.
Fast finance designed for auction completion deadlines.
A clear exit strategy is a key part of any bridging loan application because the loan is designed to be repaid within a short, defined term.
Before completion, the lender will want to understand how the loan is expected to be repaid and whether that route is realistic for the circumstances.
Common exit strategies include:
Our team will work with you to understand the most suitable exit strategy for your circumstances.
1
Submit your enquiry
2
Receive an initial lending decision
3
Property valuation instructed
4
Legal work completed
5
Funds released
We are here for anyone who needs flexible and tailored loan solutions. Whether you have complex income, have imperfect credit, are employed or self-employed, or need faster access to funds than a high street lender can offer — we’re here to help.
Let’s discuss how we can help your next investment. Speak to an expert.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions borrowers ask about bridging finance.
See how property investors, landlords, and developers across the UK have used bridging finance from Mercantile Trust to purchase properties, complete refurbishments, meet auction deadlines, and unlock investment opportunities. These real-world examples demonstrate how fast, flexible short-term lending can help solve complex property finance challenges.
£410k second‑charge business loan completed in 7 days, refinancing costly stock finance, cutting £100k interest and boosting cash flow.
Auction finance completed in 2 days. £100K net raised via equitable charge, AVM accepted, ensuring deadline met without delay.
Scottish landlord raised funds for BTL refurbishment using a Homeowner Business Loan secured on their residential property.
Fast £100k rolled bridge via equitable charge, completed in 2 days, enabling a buy-to-let purchase where a traditional lender route wouldn’t work.
Case study: £70k 1st charge bridge completed in 2 days, secured on an unencumbered BTL to fund a family business.
Fast, flexible second-charge bridging loan across four NI properties with no valuation or legal fees, helping a landlord consolidate and move forward.
