Bridging Loans with Bad Credit

If you have an adverse credit history, you might think it’s impossible to get a bridging loan for your property.

However, whilst bad credit can make things a little more complex, with a little help, you still could have a chance of getting the funds you need.

 

Lenders tend to assess applications on a case-by-case basis and will make a decision based on your individual circumstances.

We explain how getting a bridging can work and the important factors you need to consider before you apply.

Can I Get a Bridging Loan with Bad Credit?

There are lenders that specialise in providing bridging loans to borrowers with adverse credit histories. This can be true in the most severe cases of poor credit as it depends on your individual circumstances, intended use of the loan and planned exit strategy.

 

A bridging loan might still be an option even if you’ve experienced:

If your exit strategy (your planned method of repaying the loan in full) does not rely on a refinance but on a property sale or other clear source of funds, that will make the application process simpler.

 

Although most bridging lenders carry out a credit search for reference purposes, this is typically for their records. However, some lenders—particularly where the exit strategy is a sale—may not take adverse credit into consideration. They will still require an explanation as to why any arrears occurred.

Using a Bridging Loan to Stop Repossession

If you’ve missed several months of mortgage payments and your property is at risk of repossession, a bridging loan could offer a solution. It could be used to stop legal proceedings, giving you time to sell the property on your own terms.

For example:

  • You can use the bridging loan to settle the mortgage arrears with your current lender.
  • This could give you up to 12 months to sell the property so you can avoid enforced repossession.

Bad credit is not always the root cause of repossessions orders being issued. It can also occur with:

  • Interest-only mortgages where the term has ended and the lender is seeking repossession.
  • Using a bridging loan to pay off the mortgage and gain time to sell the property without a very short-term time limit. 

Using a Bridge Loan to Avoid Bankruptcy

A bridging loan could be useful to applicants that have temporary financial difficulties and are in need of short-term funding to resolve them.

For example, the funds could be used:

  • To pay off urgent debts or arrears to stop legal action.
  • While waiting for expected funds (e.g. from a property sale or inheritance).

However, a bridging loan would not be suitable if:

  • You do not have a clear exit strategy or repayment plan in place.
  • It would only delay an inevitable bankruptcy or insolvency

Lenders will require evidence of funds due (such as a property under offer) or a defined route to repay the loan before they will consider a bridging loan application.

Can I Use a Bridging Loan to Consolidate My Credit?

In most cases, lenders will not approve an application if the funds are to be used solely for debt consolidation, especially if it involves your residential home.

  • Bridging loans are intended to be used for property-related situations, such as downsizing, refurbishments, chain breaking or preventing repossession.
  • Lenders may see credit consolidation as part of a deeper financial issue, rather than solving it.
  • Many borrowers with missed payments hope to refinance later. However, if those credit issues remain on your file, refinancing may not be possible at the end of the loan term, which could cause more financial stress.

The only scenario where consolidating credit via a bridging loan on a residential property might be acceptable is when:

  • The credit (e.g. credit cards) was used to improve the property in preparation for sale.
  • You can provide evidence, such as statements showing purchases for renovations (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens).
basics to a bridging loan

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How To Improve Your Bridge Loan Application

To improve a bridging loan application, you could try:

Final Thoughts

  • Dealing with a bad credit history can feel like a burden and it may restrict the type of finance options that are available to you.

    If you are worried about your credit score impacting your ability to get a bridging loan, take some time to assess your finances and ensure that it is an affordable option.

    The Willows team is able to help you get started with your application and can help you find the most suitable lender for your circumstances.

    Call us on 01656 766 158 to find out more. 

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Clients Agreement

Information About the Services We Provide

Client Agreement and Initial Disclosure Document

Willows Finance Limited
Brocastle, Bridgend, CF35 5AS

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Firm Reference Number: 670052
Company Number: 6678545 (Registered in England and Wales)

This document outlines the services we provide. If you need clarification, please contact us at 01656 766158.

 

Which Products Do We Offer

We offer first and second charge regulated mortgage contracts for business or personal use.

Other finance options may include:

  • Remortgage
  • Further advance with your first charge lender
  • Unsecured loan

Regulatory Status:

  • Residential mortgages are regulated by the FCA
  • Buy-to-let and business use mortgages are not usually regulated
  • Some buy-to-let mortgages may qualify as “consumer buy-to-let”

 

Whose Products Will Be Offered

  • We use a representative panel of lenders for second charge mortgages.
  • We use a limited number of lenders for first charge mortgages (list available on request).

 

Which Service Will Be Provided

We offer an advised mortgage broking service and provide enough information for you to make an informed decision.

We are not independent financial advisers. Free debt advice is available from the Money Advice Service.

 

Privacy Policy

You can view our privacy policy at: https://willowsfinance.co.uk/privacy-cookie-policy/.

Lenders may also have their own privacy policies which will be provided to you.

 

The Cost of Our Services

We charge a broker fee upon loan completion. The average fee is approximately 5%, depending on your situation.

 

Fee details:

  • Maximum fee: 12.5%
  • Typical range: £0 to £3,500
  • Example: £100,000 first charge = £2,500 (2.5%)
  • Example: £100,000 second charge = £3,500 (3.5%)

No refund is offered after completion. You may pay upfront or add the fee to your mortgage. Fees and commission will be detailed in your ESIS and Mortgage Agreement.

 

The Mortgage Offer

You will receive a Mortgage Agreement and an ESIS document detailing:

  • Interest rate
  • Repayment schedule
  • Total amount payable
  • Lender details

 

Cancellation Rights

You may cancel your application anytime before completion without any charge. Mortgages cannot be cancelled after completion.

 

Arrears / Missing Payments

Missing payments can lead to charges, repossession, and negative impacts on your credit rating.

 

Risk Warnings

Consolidating debt may result in higher long-term interest. Securing debt against your home increases risk.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loan secured on it.

 

Complaints

If you wish to complain, contact us at:

Willows Finance Limited
Brocastle, Bridgend, CF35 5AS
Tel: 01656 766158

You may be able to refer your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

 

Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)

We are covered by the FSCS. You may be eligible for compensation of up to £85,000 per person per firm for mortgage advice and arranging.

More info: www.fscs.org.uk

 

Next Steps

After processing your application, you’ll receive a Mortgage Agreement and have a 7-day reflection period.

Contact us during this period with any questions. To proceed, sign and return the agreement.

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