The buy to let market is in a state of transition. Landlords are navigating shifting tax rules, stricter licensing regimes and fluctuating demand, all while contending with higher borrowing costs. These pressures have prompted a more creative and free-thinking approach to portfolio management. For clients, that means looking beyond the traditional mortgage model and using bridging finance to unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Latest figures from the BDLA underline just how firmly bridging has established itself in the market. In Q1 2025, completions reached £2.8 billion, matching the record level seen at the end of last year. Applications surged to £18.34 billion, a 55.3 per cent increase quarter-on-quarter and the largest spike on record.
Harnessing equity
One shift I’ve noticed in recent times which may have a bearing on this business uplift is among landlords using equity in buy to let property as a springboard to fund further acquisitions. That might mean raising capital against a UK property to purchase another closer to home, or taking the concept across borders to buy overseas. Either way, the principle is the same: bridging allows an investor to access cash quickly while planning a longer-term refinancing or sale as the exit route.
The global element is particularly striking. Demand for international property investment has been on the rise, spurred by currency advantages, lifestyle relocations and strong yields in popular markets such as Spain, Portugal and Dubai. Yet conventional lenders rarely move fast enough to capture opportunities abroad. Traditional remortgaging can take months, only to falter on issues of affordability, criteria or appetite. For an investor who has found the right property at the right price, time is often the deciding factor.
Defined exit, fast deals
This is where bridging demonstrates its value. By releasing equity from an existing residential or commercial buy to let property, investors can create the liquidity to secure a deal overseas. Brokers play a pivotal role in structuring this type of finance, ensuring that the exit is clearly defined and achievable, and guiding clients through what may be their first cross-border transaction. The addition of legal fee support or valuation flexibility can make all the difference in giving landlords confidence to press ahead.
A recent case illustrates the point well. An experienced landlord wanted to diversify their portfolio by acquiring property abroad but needed rapid access to capital. StreamBank was able to provide a £650,000 bridging facility secured against a UK buy to let property through a loan structured at 65 per cent LTV, complete with a competitive monthly rate. Valuation was achieved through an AVM, reducing both cost and turnaround time, and £1,000 was contributed towards legal fees. The investor used StreamEdge to release equity quickly and cost-effectively, completing on their overseas purchase without missing the window of opportunity.
Cases like this highlight the practical role bridging can play in helping landlords adapt to today’s market conditions. It is not just about filling short-term gaps, but about providing the freedom to act decisively when opportunities arise. Whether it is refinancing a buy to let to fund refurbishment, restructuring portfolios, or releasing equity to buy property abroad, bridging has moved beyond being a niche product. It is now a core tool in the broker’s kit.
As the figures show, activity in the sector continues to rise. Brokers who understand the possibilities of bridging will be well placed to support clients who need to move quickly, think differently and look beyond conventional finance.
Roz Cawood is managing director of property finance at StreamBank
