In recent years, speed has dominated the conversation around bridging finance.
The push for fast completions and the promise of ultra-quick lending decisions have been promoted as the ultimate solution for borrowers and a hallmark of modern bridging.
But the reality, particularly for those of us who’ve spent years on the landlord side, is often more complex.
Having been both a borrower and a lender, I’ve learned that genuine value in bridging finance extends beyond mere speed.
It requires thoughtful processes, a human touch, and a partnership approach to ensure that both borrower and lender achieve their goals.
Speed: The hype vs. reality
No one disputes the importance of speed. The very appeal of bridging finance is, after all, its ability to step in quickly when a borrower needs short-term capital.
But in practice, there are trade-offs to rushing, especially if corners are cut on due diligence or if the lender lacks a full understanding of the borrower’s goals and circumstances.
Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) have become a popular tool to streamline processes, but they come with limitations. AVMs don’t account for unique property characteristics, nor do they capture the full picture of the borrower’s strategy.
By relying solely on automation, lenders risk missing nuances that a traditional, relationship-driven approach might uncover.
The industry’s rush to increase speed has sometimes come at the expense of personalisation.
For many borrowers, the interaction with their lender isn’t just about capital but about finding a partner who understands their unique vision.
The borrower-lender relationship is built on trust, communication, and alignment of goals, and this can’t be accomplished by algorithm alone.
Building real relationships with borrowers
One way to overcome these challenges is by emphasising personal connections.
From my own experience, borrowers want a lender who listens, who is upfront about the process, and who is available when challenges arise.
Lending, particularly in bridging, is often about working through complex situations—projects that are time-sensitive, or properties that don’t meet conventional criteria.
In these cases, a lender’s ability to be flexible and responsive makes all the difference.
A more personal approach also fosters mutual respect and understanding.
Borrowers often have a plan for their property that goes beyond simple metrics, and when lenders take the time to understand this, they can structure loans that align with the borrower’s real needs.
On the other hand, an overly transactional approach risks missing these insights.
Speed without understanding can lead to misaligned expectations, increased risk, and a process that ultimately drags on longer than necessary due to miscommunication or a lack of clarity.
Transparency is critical to building trust, and that starts with a willingness to engage in open conversations about all aspects of the loan.
Whether discussing legal issues, explaining timelines, or setting out payment terms, being upfront from the beginning allows borrowers to plan more effectively and reduces the chances of last-minute surprises that delay completion.
Clear communication is a way to build respect, show integrity, and establish a reputation that keeps clients coming back.
Flexible structures
A good lender also knows when to apply more flexible structures based on the specific requirements of the deal.
For instance, if a borrower has a plan for an exit that hinges on certain market conditions, the lender should be prepared to discuss various scenarios and ensure the loan terms are suitable.
Having this flexibility doesn’t mean the process is slower; it means the lender can adapt more precisely, helping the borrower achieve their end goals.
Less haste, more speed: finding the right balance
Rushing through the process can sometimes lead to more delays down the line when issues inevitably crop up due to lack of attention in the initial stages.
By taking time to thoroughly understand the borrower’s requirements, to address questions up front, and to bring a collaborative approach to the transaction, lenders can provide an experience that is both efficient and tailored.
At its core, bridging finance is not just about quick capital. It’s about empowering borrowers with the resources and expertise they need to realise their goals.
A thoughtful lender understands that speed, while valuable, is most effective when it is paired with a clear, strategic focus on long-term success.
In today’s market, the need for speed is balanced by the need for relationships, understanding, and collaboration.
By keeping our processes transparent and building partnerships based on trust, we can provide bridging finance that truly adds value.
We called our company Fast & Flexible Lending International, but our tagline is quality lending for quality borrowers, being quick without being quality is not an option.
David Gross is director of Fast & Flexible Lending International
