When you’re buying at auction, facing a tight completion deadline, or trying to secure a property before your buyer is ready, speed is everything. That’s where bridging finance comes in.
But how long does a bridging loan actually take to complete in the UK?
The short answer: anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case.
In this guide, we break down the typical timeline, the steps involved, and what you can do to make the process even faster.
Typical Bridging Loan Completion Times
Fastest cases: 3–7 days
Some lenders can complete extremely quickly—sometimes in as little as 72 hours—if:
- The property is straightforward
- The borrower is well-prepared
- Legal work is minimal
- No significant issues appear in valuation or searches
These rapid completions are common with auction purchases or simple residential bridging loans.
Average cases: 1–2 weeks
Most bridging loans in the UK complete within 7–14 days.
This timeline allows for:
- Valuation of the property
- Underwriting
- Legal checks
- Signing of loan documents
This is still far quicker than a standard mortgage, which can take 6–12 weeks or longer.
Complex cases: 2–3+ weeks
Cases that require more thorough checks can extend the timeline to 2–3 weeks or more. These include:
- Properties with legal complications
- Heavy refurbishment or development projects
- Multiple charges or additional security
- Borrowers with adverse credit
- Properties with tenants, structural issues, or missing documents
Complexity doesn’t stop you from getting a bridging loan—it just slows down the process.
The Bridging Loan Process (Step-by-Step)
Below is the typical workflow from application to completion:
1. Application & Initial Approval (Same Day – 48 hours)
You submit your basic details and project information.
Most lenders or brokers can give an offer in principle within hours.
2. Valuation (1–5 days)
A valuer visits the property and produces a report.
Some lenders allow desktop valuations, speeding the process to under 24 hours.
3. Underwriting (1–5 days)
The lender reviews:
- Your exit strategy
- Credit profile
- Valuation report
- Affordability (if relevant)
- Security and legal documents
Straightforward cases move quickly; complex ones take longer.
4. Legal Work (3–10 days)
This is often the slowest part of the process.
Solicitors handle:
- Title checks
- Searches (sometimes search insurance is used instead)
- Reviewing loan documents
- Signing and completion arrangements
Using proactive or specialist bridging solicitors is key here.
5. Completion & Funds Released (Same Day)
Once legal work is done and documents are signed, the lender can release funds immediately.
Many completions happen same day or next business day.
What Can Slow Down a Bridging Loan?
Common delays include:
- Slow solicitors
- Incomplete documentation
- Valuation issues or down-valuations
- Title problems (unregistered land, restrictions, missing deeds)
- Multiple parties or third-party charges
- Complex company structures
Being prepared is the best way to minimise these delays.
How to Speed Up a Bridging Loan
To complete as fast as possible:
✔ Use a specialist bridging loan broker
They know which lenders can deliver quickly.
✔ Prepare your documents early
Including ID, proof of address, bank statements, property details, and exit strategy.
✔ Choose lawyers familiar with bridging finance
General conveyancers can slow the process significantly.
✔ Opt for desktop valuations where possible
Not all lenders allow it, but it can save days.
✔ Respond to lender queries immediately
Every hour counts in fast completions.
Final Thoughts
A bridging loan in the UK typically takes 1–2 weeks to complete, but with the right lender, solicitor, and preparation, it’s entirely possible to secure funding in under a week.
Understanding the process—and eliminating avoidable delays—is the key to a smooth, rapid completion.