Bridging lenders are adding funding and new products, and speakers at this month's Finance Professional Show expect demand to grow in 2027. But with Bank Rate now at 4%, the investors who get the best terms will be the ones who arrive with a well-prepared case.
What's changed in the last week
On 5 November the Bank of England raised Bank Rate from 3.75% to 4%, its first rise in more than three years. The next decision is due on 17 December.
At the same time, lenders are adding capacity. S&U PLC, parent of Aspen Bridging, secured £650m of new debt facilities plus £250m of group equity, which Aspen says will help it grow its bridging, buy-to-let and development lending (Mortgage Solutions, 4 November). Maslow Capital passed €1bn in UK and EU bridging completions, and Together extended its concierge bridging service to Commercial Trust clients to speed up completions (Bridging & Commercial, 3 November).
What the experts expect for 2027
A bridging panel at the Finance Professional Show described 2026 as a "tricky" year but was broadly optimistic about 2027, expecting more demand and more new lenders (Bridging & Commercial, 6 November). Two points stood out for borrowers:
- More choice, harder to place: with several new lenders and banks offering bridging, panellists said picking the right lender matters more than ever.
- Auctions are busy: auction enquiries rose in the second half of 2026, with panellists pointing to below-market-value buying and rental yields as the draw.
Why the rate rise matters for your exit
Most bridging loans are repaid by a sale or by refinancing onto a term mortgage. A higher Bank Rate can make buy-to-let and commercial affordability tests tighter, so the refinance you plan at the start needs checking against today's lending criteria, not last year's. Lenders look closely at the exit before they agree terms.
Quick tips
- Line up finance before the hammer falls: auction purchases usually need to complete within 28 days of exchange.
- Stress-test your exit: check the refinance works at current rates and realistic rents or values.
- Budget for every cost: interest, arrangement and exit fees, valuation and legal costs all add up.
- Have documents ready: ID, proof of funds, a schedule of works and, for landlords, your property portfolio.
- Check regulation: bridging on property you or your family will live in is FCA-regulated; most investment and commercial bridging is not.
How OMB can help
Our CeMAP-qualified advisers compare bridging lenders across the market and help you shape the exit before you apply. Run your numbers with our bridging loan calculator, check upcoming sales in our property auction calendar, download our free property auctions guide, or read how we helped a client complete an auction purchase in 28 days in Southend.
Sources
- Rightmove: Base Rate rises to 4% (5 November 2026)
- Bank of England: Bank Rate
- Mortgage Solutions: Aspen's parent company secures £900m funding (4 November 2026)
- Bridging & Commercial: Bridging market remains resilient heading into 2027 (6 November 2026)
- Bridging & Commercial: Maslow Capital surpasses €1bn (3 November 2026)
- Bridging & Commercial: Together extends concierge bridging service (3 November 2026)
To talk it through, contact us or start your enquiry.
Important: This guide is general information, not personal advice. Rules, rates and lender criteria change; speak to an adviser about your circumstances. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.