Can I convert my bridging loan into a mortgage?

Can I convert a bridging loan into a mortgage?

To convert a bridging loan into a mortgage, there are two very distinct and different options. It is important that borrowers understand the terminology and plan accordingly.

Asking to convert a bridging loan into a mortgage suggests simply changing the terms of the agreement with the same lender. Whilst this is possible, it comes with conditions, benefits and disadvantages.

The alternative approach is to repay the existing bridging loan by remorging with a different lender. The type of debt has been converted but it is a totally separate transaction.

Bridging loans are always a temporary solution that you must replace with a longer-term mortgage or repay the loan in some of the way. Transitioning from a bridging loan to a mortgage might be a viable option. In this article, we’ll explore the feasibility of this process, the steps involved, and key considerations to ensure you make the right financial decision.

Understanding Bridging Loans and Mortgages

Bridging loans are short-term, interest-only loans intended to ‘bridge’ the gap between a debt coming due and the main line of credit becoming available. Bridging loans are for real estate transactions, like buying a property before selling your current one.

In contrast, a mortgage is a long-term loan – typically 25 to 30 years – to buy property or land, with the property as collateral.

To convert a bridging loan into a mortgage, you must first understand both financial products’ specifics. Bridging loans usually have higher interest rates compared to mortgages due to their short-term nature and greater risk to the lender.

Converting a bridging loan into a mortgage with a different lender

This is simply a remortgage. There is nothing confusing and difficult about this provided that there is sufficient equity, income, a decent credit status and circumstances to allow the remortgage to happen. The remortgage could be of an investment property which is being refurbished and is now ready to let. It could be the borrowers main residence and the bridging loan was only used to buy the new property before the previous home was sold. Either way, standard remortgage criteria will apply and you can find out more information on homeowner mortgages or buy to let mortgages.

How to convert a bridging loan into a mortgage with the same lender

It is possible to take out a bridging loan and then take out a separate remortgage with the same lender. However this would be a different transaction and no different really from remortgaging with a totally different lender. The only difference might be a small saving on legal fees.

To truly convert a bridging loan into a mortgage it needs to be arranged in advance at the same time as the bridging loan.

These types of loan are normally only available secured against investment properties. Typically they are used when somebody wishes to use bridging finance to purchase and refurbish a property. Then to repay the bridging loan and replace it with a buy to let mortgage.

It’s called a bridge to let loan

A small number of lenders offer this product. When agreeing the bridging loan they also underwrite and agree a buy to let mortgage which can be used to pay it off at some point in the future. Normally within 12 months or so. However there are advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a bridge to let loan

• As a property investor or landlord having a pre-agreed mortgage to replace your bridging loan can take away a lot of stress or worry.
• Because the loan is agreed as part of one transaction, there maybe some reduced lender fees and legal costs compared to doing it in two separate transactions.

Disadvantages of a bridge to let loan

• Bridging loans are often required quickly. Because the lender is underwriting both the bridging loan and the buy to let mortgage simultaneously, there are additional requirements. This can significantly slow down the completion of the bridging loan.
• There are a limited number of lenders offering this. Therefore the remortgage available could be significantly less competitive. You won’t have access to research the whole of the market. You could be taking a product with a lower LTV, higher rates and potentially larger fees. Remember a mortgage is a long-term product and you could be tied into the Bridge to let mortgage for a number of years. This could mean paying a significantly more than you need to.

Remember. If you are taking out a bridging loan with the intention of repaying it with a new mortgage, the lender will want to see a decision in principle from that lender anyway. Your broker can give you some comfort that a remortgage will be available to exit the bridging loan. This way, the options you will be offered will be from a panel representing the whole of the market. Not just a small number of specialist lenders. Of course, this is provided that your circumstances don’t change in the interim.

Case Studies and Real-World Examples

Consider the case of a couple who used a bridging loan to quickly purchase a new home before selling their old one. Once they sold their previous property, they applied for a new mortgage. They used the sale proceeds to cover part of the bridging loan and converted the remainder using a remortgage. This strategy allowed them flexibility in their moving timeline and saved them from having to rush their home sale.

An example of a bridge to let mortgage involves a property developer. He used a bridging loan to finance a renovation project. A buy to let mortgage was pre-agreed at the same time with the same lender. After increasing the property’s value and securing tenants, the developer successfully converted the bridging loan into a buy to let mortgage. Providing more favorable terms than the bridging loan. However, he sacrificed his choice of mortgage from the whole market in favour of having a guaranteed exit.

People Also Asked

What are the main differences between bridging loans and mortgages?

Bridging loans are short-term, usually up to 12 months, with higher interest rates. Mortgages are long-term, typically 25 years, with lower rates and used mainly for purchasing property.

Can I get a mortgage after a bridging loan?

Yes, obtaining a mortgage after a bridging loan is common, provided you meet the lender’s criteria for income, credit score, and LTV ratio.

Are there alternatives to converting a bridging loan into a mortgage?

Extending the bridging loan, refinancing with another type of loan, or selling the property if the original exit strategy fails.