Comprehensive Guide To Best Bridging Loan
Suppose you set up a long-term loan for your company’s expansion project, which will only start at the beginning of next year. In the meantime, the project needs additional funds. If you choose the best bridging loan, you are taking out a short-term loan that matures at the start of your long-term loan like 2nd mortgage loan. This way, you will have access to funds to start your project while waiting for permanent funding. You can then pay off the best bridging loan with the proceeds of the long-term loan. Of course, this is just one example. Bridging loans come with all sorts of terms and other considerations. In this post, we will review everything you need to know about bridging loans, and you can decide if they are perfect for your business.
What is a short-term bridging loan?
Short-term bridging loans, becoming increasingly popular in Australia, are available from various lenders. Bridging loans in the past were only used to bridge the gap between buying a new home and selling your current home. There are now other situations in which you can consider short-term bridging loans, which we will discuss later.
These loans are short-term, typically lasting 1 to 12 months, ranging from $20,000 to $5,000,000, depending on the lender and circumstances. In Australia, you can often apply for the best bridging loan online. Private business loan lenders, in particular, are known for offering easy application processes, minimal paperwork, and fast funding (usually within one to two days of application).
What is the application process for bridging loans?
Bridging loan terms and application procedures vary greatly depending on the type of borrower and lender. For example, let us say you are a residential property developer who wants to buy a vacant lot and build a house to sell later. You are planning to get a construction loan, but in the meantime, you need funds to cover the property’s purchase price. So, you can get this type of loan to fill the gap. In this case, you will need to work with a lender who offers a land-bridging loan.
Some lenders offer bridging loans to start-ups in need of cash , these type of private business loans need to be secured. In these scenarios, individual lenders have specific application requirements and conditions for bridging loans. However, these loans generally tend to have higher interest rates (compared to other loans), shorter terms, and stricter collateral requirements. The application process is typically similar to a short term business loan. The lender expects the following information during the application process:
- ID
- Details of security property
- Completed application form
- Supporting documents
- Copy of contracts if applicable
Finally, the repayment of your 2nd mortgage loan depends on the loan amount and term you require. In most cases, bridging loans accepts a lump sum payment at the end of the term. However, if you use this loan for real estate, the lender will structure it so you can pay it with the proceeds of the real estate transaction.
When can short-term bridging loans be used?
The best use of short-term best bridging loans is to complete the tricky juggling act of buying a new home before your current one is sold. Timing is everything in this case, and getting it wrong can mean you miss out on buying your next property or are forced to sell your current home in a hurry. The best bridging loan can be a great solution if you need short-term funding to start your project quickly before securing permanent funds. However, there are two scenarios where a bridging loan is most suitable.
Purchasing of real estate
Bridging loans are mostly used in real estate transactions. As mentioned earlier, they are often helpful for developers and builders. However, other potential real estate scenarios are suitable for bridging financing. Whenever you buy a property and sell another one simultaneously, you can use a bridging loan to help cover closing and other costs. Commercial investors often use bridging loans, when they want to buy a new property before selling their current one.
Start-ups businesses
Bridging finance can be a powerful tool for business start-ups. Bridging loans allow start-ups to meet liquidity needs between funding milestones at any stage. For example, let us say your start-up has raised $1,000,000 in funding round one. Also, assume that your next funding round depends on whether your business is profitable. Eventually, you realize this is the problem because you need more private business loans to make a profit.
In this scenario, a bridging loan could provide short-term funding to generate income. Then, repay the bridging loan as soon as you secure your next round of funding from traditional sources.
Key benefits of short-term bridging loans
Bridging funds come with some benefits, which are:
Buy now, sell later
You do not have to see your next commercial investment pass by while trying to sell your current property.
Smoothly sell your current property
With some leeway, you can avoid potential losses from a hasty or forced sale of your current commercial investment.
Standard Interest Rate
Some lenders charge higher interest rates for bridging loans, but the good news is that many lenders charge competitive rates for these types of loans.
Lump sum payments
By repaying the loan in a lump sum when the property sells you can free up cash flow for your business or next commercial investment.
Key Takeaway
Unfortunately, there is no formula for determining whether a bridging loan is a suitable financing option. As with any additional working capital, there are pros and cons when looking for the best bridging loan. Analyze your situation well before making any decision.