What due diligence is required for bridging loans?

What due diligence is required for bridging loans?

When considering a bridging loan, understanding the due diligence required is crucial. This type of loan is often used for short-term financial needs, particularly in real estate transactions. Due diligence for bridging loans involves a detailed evaluation of the loan’s terms, the property involved, and the borrower’s financial health. Let’s explore what specific steps and checks are necessary to ensure a safe and beneficial bridging loan experience.

Understanding Bridging Loans and Their Purpose

Bridging loans are short-term funding options primarily used in the real estate market. They ‘bridge’ the gap between purchasing a new property and selling an existing one. These loans are also useful for property developers and investors looking to fund renovations before a sale or refinance. Understanding the purpose and mechanics of bridging loans is the first step in due diligence.

These loans often have higher interest rates than traditional loans due to their short-term nature and the higher risk involved. The repayment terms can vary but typically last up to 12 months. Borrowers need to plan their exit strategy carefully, which is a critical part of the due diligence process.

Lender Credentials and Reputation, do your due diligence.

Choosing the right lender is essential for a successful bridging loan. Due diligence here involves researching the lender’s background, their market standing, and reviews from past clients. It’s advisable to work with lenders who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring they adhere to strict financial standards and practices.

Check for any past legal issues the lender might have had and how they were resolved. A lender’s transparency about fees, penalties, and interest rates is also a key indicator of their reliability and customer service quality.

Bridging Lenders Diligence

The Asset Value

The property involved in the bridging loan acts as the collateral. Therefore, assessing its value accurately is paramount. This involves hiring an independent surveyor or valuer to provide a detailed report on the property’s condition and market value.

The Asset Type

Lenders will consider the type of property and how saleable it is. Turn will impact on the interest rates offered and repayment term. Location is another important factor with some lenders favouring city centre locations and avoiding anything in a rural setting.

The Borrower

There are a number of factors lenders will consider to gain an oversight of the applicant

Credit history.

If borrowers have outstanding defaults and court judgments it’s likely to cause a problem. So lenders take the view that these should have been paid off and satisfied before seeking to borrow further money. Others may insist that they are cleared before the loan is granted. Some lenders may take a more relaxed view but will offer higher rates and lower LTVs as a result.

Experience

Often, the purpose of the loan is to purchase, renovate or convert property. Lenders are ideally looking for borrows who have experienced of this nature. However, with careful planning and presentation of the application there are lenders which will take a view and lend to inexperienced property investors.

Asset background

Where property investors are using bridging finance lenders ask themselves ” what happens if it goes wrong?” Therefore, they look to see that the borrowers have other assets to support any personal guarantees being provided. As a result, in more complex scenarios it can be more difficult for people who don’t own property to qualify for a bridging loan.

In the scenario where people are using bridging to find another house to live in, this is less of an issue.

The exit

Having a robust exit plan to repay the loan before the agreed time is a fundamental requirement. A reliable exit protects the borrower so cannot be overlooked. If you fail to repay your bridging loan by the agreed date, the lender is likely to charge additional fees and a higher interest rate. In more extreme scenarios they could even take steps to repossess the property.

Legal Due Diligence

Legal due diligence is about understanding and agreeing to the terms set out in the loan agreement. This includes the loan amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees or charges that apply. It’s often wise to have a solicitor review the agreement to ensure that all terms are fair and that there are no hidden clauses that could adversely affect you.

Pay special attention to the default terms and conditions, as bridging loans can be more punitive in cases of non-compliance compared to traditional loans. Understanding your legal obligations and rights is crucial in the due diligence process.

The legal due diligence process should include checking for any legal disputes or claims on the property, its planning status, and any potential issues that could impact its value. This step not only helps in securing the loan but also protects the borrower from potential financial losses.

Carry Out Due Diligence On Your Own Plan

Effective financial planning is crucial for managing a bridging loan. This includes having a clear and viable exit strategy in place. Most borrowers plan to repay these loans by either selling the property or refinancing it under more favorable long-term loan terms.

Due diligence in financial planning means assessing your ability to meet the loan payments and eventual repayment, considering worst-case scenarios. This might involve analyzing market trends to predict property values and sales times, or considering how changes in interest rates could affect your refinancing options.

People Also Asked

What are the risks associated with bridging loans?

Bridging loans, while useful, carry higher interest rates and fees. The main risk is failing to repay the loan on time, which can lead to losing the property used as collateral.

How quickly can I secure a bridging loan?

One of the advantages of bridging loans is the speed of processing. You can often secure funding within a few weeks, depending on the lender’s requirements and the complexity of your situation.

Is it possible to extend a bridging loan?

Yes, some lenders may offer extensions on bridging loans, but this often comes with additional costs and higher interest rates. It’s important to discuss this possibility in advance.

Can I get a bridging loan with poor credit?

Yes, bridging loans are primarily secured against property, so your credit history may be less of an issue compared to other types of loans. However, better credit can result in more favorable terms.

What should I consider before applying for a bridging loan?

Consider the loan’s cost, your ability to repay, the lender’s reputation, and your exit strategy. Ensure you have a backup plan if the primary exit strategy fails.