| What it means | Mainstream mortgage lenders are unlikely to lend as things stand |
|---|---|
| Possible route | Bridging to buy, fix the issue, then refinance or sell |
| Typical loan | Up to around 70–75% of current value |
| Key question | Can the problem be fixed, at what cost and how quickly? |
| Some cannot be fixed | Some properties remain unmortgageable; we will say so |
| First step | Send us the listing link or auction lot number |
What "cash buyers only" really means
Agents use "cash buyers only" when they expect mortgage lenders to decline the property, or when the seller needs a quick sale that a mortgage could not meet. It does not always mean the property is a bad buy. It means you need to understand why before you offer, because the reason decides whether finance is possible.
Issues that can, and cannot, usually be fixed
- Usually fixable: no kitchen or bathroom, poor condition, a short lease that can be extended, missing building regulations sign-off, some title defects.
- Sometimes fixable: structural movement, non-standard construction, flats above certain commercial uses, planning breaches.
- Often not fixable: very small studios below lender minimum sizes, certain construction types, serious legal restrictions. Some properties stay unmortgageable, which affects resale value too.
How bridging can help
A bridging lender looks mainly at the property's value and your exit, so it may lend where a mortgage lender will not. You buy with the bridge, fix the issue (for example extend the lease or install a kitchen), then refinance onto a mortgage or sell. We check the exit lender first, because the plan only works if the property becomes mortgageable afterwards. For lease extensions, the statutory process and timescales need careful planning.
Before you offer, send us the listing link or auction lot number. We will tell you which lenders are likely to consider it and what the exit looks like.
Check your dealIndicative borrowing, total cost and the questions a lender will ask, in about two minutes.
Open the deal checkerExample cases
Illustrative examples based on the type of case we arrange. Not specific clients; every case is different.
£595,000 bridging loan at 70% LTV to buy and extend a short-lease Kensington flat
£185,500 auction bridging loan at 70% LTV completed in 16 days in Southend
Frequently asked questions
What does "cash buyers only" mean?
It usually means mainstream mortgage lenders are unlikely to lend on the property as it stands, often because of condition, a short lease, construction type or a legal issue. Sometimes it simply means the seller wants a quick sale.
Can I get a bridging loan on a cash-only property?
Often, yes. Bridging lenders focus on value and exit, so they may lend where mortgage lenders will not. The plan has to show how the issue will be fixed, or how you will sell, before the loan ends.
Can I buy a short-lease flat with finance?
Usually with bridging, then extend the lease and refinance onto a mortgage. The lease extension process can take time, so the bridging term and costs need to allow for it.
Is a cash-only property a good investment?
It can be, if the issue is fixable at a known cost and the price reflects it. If the problem cannot be fixed, the property may stay hard to sell or finance. Get legal and survey advice before you commit.
Important: Bridging and development finance are short-term, secured borrowing and can be expensive. You need a clear, realistic exit plan. Loans secured on a home you live in may be FCA-regulated; most others are not. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments.