Quick finance solutions can be essential to securing high-value property developments, however, not all bridging loan providers are equipped to manage multi-million-pound transactions.
In this guide, we look at specialist high-value bridging finance, the criteria lenders evaluate for large bridging loans, and how these loans can be structured to best support your goals.
What is classed as a large bridging loan?
A large bridging loan typically starts from £1,000,000 and extends to £50,000,000 or above. These bridging facilities, usually for large commercial projects, are bespoke to the individual property developer, high-net-worth individuals, or corporate entities applying.
As significant capital is involved, lenders tend to assess large bridging loan applications on a case-by-case basis. They often offer greater flexibility in terms of how they are structured, and may accept multiple sources of collateral as security (cross-collaterisation).
This type of finance may be suitable for:
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Luxury residential property
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Commercial property sites, such as industrial parks and retail centres, or similar mixed-use developments
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Large-scale refurbishments or property conversions (e.g commercial to residential)
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Refinancing or Debt maturity bridges (e.g to cover development delays)
Key criteria for larger loans
Bridging loan lenders will typically look at similar requirements, no matter what the value of the loan. However, for higher value bridging finance, they tend to put the most importance on:
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The quality and value of your supporting asset(s) - which will help define the LTV available to you
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The strength of your exit strategy
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Your experience and previous success in delivering a similar project in the past
How to get a large bridging loan
High-street banks rarely offer high-value bridging finance as standard products. Due to the bespoke nature of this type of loan, it’s usually best to follow these four steps when applying for this level of finance:
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Work with a specialist bridging broker: High-value loans of this size are almost exclusively available through accredited intermediaries like Money Helpdesk. Get in touch below, to speak with one of our large bridging experts today
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Identify and value acceptable security: Ensure you have recent valuations of any assets you intend to use as security
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Prepare a strong exit strategy: Lenders placing multi-million-pound loans will thoroughly stress-test your exit strategy, which must be realistic and achievable within the loan term
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Demonstrate a relevant track record: Lenders look closely at borrower capability for this level of finance, so a strong portfolio history of similar previous projects will provide additional support to your application
Get expert bridging loan advice
What rates and costs to expect
Due to the size of larger bridging loans, they usually attract lower interest rates than smaller bridging facilities. Monthly interest rates for multi-million-pound loans generally start from around 0.45%, depending on the LTV ratio, property type, and asset suitability.
Other fees to consider:
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Arrangement fees: similar to smaller loans, these tend to be 1% to 2% of the gross loan amount
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Valuation fees: Specialist RICS surveyors required in these circumstances can be more expensive than those reviewing standard bridging loan assets
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Legal Fees: While the borrower still covers both their own legal costs and the lender’s, legal check costs do not usually rise with a larger loan value
Best lenders for large bridging finance
High-value finance such as large bridging loans are typically provided by a network of specialist institutions, such as:
There are also many more options to consider, however, accessing these providers almost always requires an introduction through an accredited broker. We can make that introduction for you, and present the transaction directly to the underwriters of the most suitable lender.
Head of Bridging and Commercial
High net worth exemption
As a high-net-worth client, you may be able to access greater speed and flexibility, due to High Net Worth (HNW) exemption, set out under FCA guidelines (MCOB 11.9). This clause states that eligible borrowers can opt out of standard affordability assessments and regulatory protections, treating the transaction as an exempt loan.
For high-value transactions, applying under the high net worth exemption can offer some additional advantages, such as:
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Streamlined underwriting - Lenders are more flexible, focusing on overall wealth, alongside your security and exit strategy
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Speed - Removing MCOB compliance hurdles significantly reduces approval times, which can be particularly helpful when buying at auction
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Flexible loan terms - Custom roll-up interest arrangements, higher LTV limits may be available
Important: keep in mind that opting for high net worth exemption means waiving certain FCA regulatory protections, such as access to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for conduct-related complaints. It’s strongly advisable to seek independent legal advice before exercising this option.
Speak to a bridging finance specialist
Navigating the high-value lending market requires specialist market knowledge and direct connections to senior credit decision-makers. At Money Helpdesk, our bridging advisers specialise in structuring complex, multi-million-pound residential and commercial facilities and negotiate directly with private debt funds, challenger banks, and specialist lending desks.
For a swift, no-obligation consultation, get started now, to find out more.
FAQs
The most common exit strategies are remortgaging onto a long-term commercial mortgage or buy-to-let mortgage, refinancing via development finance, or selling the property upon project completion.
Yes. Lenders frequently accept multiple assets to secure 100% bridging finance. This is known as cross-collateralisation.
This approach is widely used by high-net-worth individuals, property developers, and investment funds to preserve cash reserves, acquire high-value assets quickly, or fund large-scale developments without diluting equity.
High-value bridging loans undergo more extensive underwriting and legal due diligence than standard short-term facilities. RICS ‘Red Book’ valuations, by top-tier surveyors are typically required, as well as thorough corporate searches, clear ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) transparency, and Personal Guarantees (PGs) backed by an Independent Legal Advice (ILA).
On multi-million-pound transactions, separate specialist legal teams are also instructed for the lender and borrower to expedite complex title checks, charge registrations, and option agreements.