2 September 2026 | Written by Julie Meehan
First Charge Bridging Loan Completed in Just Three Days
When a portfolio landlord needed to raise funds quickly to repay bridging finance secured against another property, timing was critical.
Mercantile Trust provided a £425,000 net first charge bridging loan, completing the case in just three days.
The challenge
The customer was an experienced landlord with a large property portfolio and owned the security property unencumbered.
They needed to raise capital against the property to clear an existing bridging loan secured against another property. With a repayment deadline approaching, the new finance needed to complete quickly.
The security property was valued at £940,000, providing a strong equity position.
The solution
Mercantile Trust agreed a first charge bridging loan with:
- Net loan: £425,000
- Property value: £940,000
- Term: 9 months
- Interest: Rolled
- Security: First charge over an unencumbered property
- Repayment strategy: Refinance onto a longer-term loan
A clear exit strategy was established from the outset, with the customer intending to refinance the bridging loan onto suitable term finance.
How did the bridging loan complete in three days?
Speed depended on more than the lending decision.
Mercantile Trust’s solicitor and the customer’s solicitor worked closely together throughout the transaction, helping to keep the legal process moving and resolve requirements quickly.
Title insurance was also used where appropriate, helping the case progress within the required timeframe.
This collaborative approach enabled the £425,000 net bridging loan to complete in just three days.
The outcome
The customer secured the funds needed to repay the bridging finance on their other property within the required timeframe.
By using equity in an unencumbered property from their wider portfolio, the landlord was able to address an immediate funding requirement while retaining a clear longer-term refinancing strategy.
Tara Evans, Chief Executive at Mercantile Trust:
“Speed is one of the most important factors in bridging finance, particularly when a customer is working towards a fixed deadline. At Mercantile Trust, our manual underwriting and direct communication allow us to assess cases quickly, make practical decisions and keep everyone updated throughout the process. This was a strong case with suitable security and a clear exit strategy. By working closely with both solicitors from the outset, we completed the £425,000 loan in just three days and helped the customer meet their repayment deadline. The completion highlights Mercantile Trust’s practical approach to time-sensitive lending. Each case is individually assessed, allowing its underwriting team to understand the circumstances and respond quickly where the application, security and exit strategy support the borrowing.”
Need to raise funds quickly against a property?
A bridging loan can provide short-term finance where timing is important, including situations where funds are needed to repay existing borrowing.
At Mercantile Trust, each application is individually assessed, with our team taking a practical approach to the circumstances, security and proposed exit strategy.
Speak to Mercantile Trust about your bridging finance requirements.
Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debt secured against it.
This case study is based on an individual application. Lending decisions, rates and terms are subject to eligibility, valuation and full underwriting.
Subject to status and lending criteria.
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Bridging loans are a short-term financing option, designed to "bridge" the gap between a financial need whilst long-term finance is being arranged.
