Bridging finance has always been about problem-solving.
A sector once regarded as a last minute, last resort for borrowers has transformed into a vital resource for property investors, developers, and brokers alike.
It’s no longer just a solution for distress; it’s a financial strategy in its own right, helping clients move quickly, secure opportunities, and structure deals that might not otherwise get off the ground.
This shift hasn’t happened by accident. It has been driven by brokers becoming more engaged, lenders raising their game and the industry, as a whole, recognising the growing role of short term property finance.
As a result, more regulated mortgage brokers have entered the space, bringing with them a level of scrutiny and professionalism that has helped redefine bridging’s reputation.
The numbers clearly back this up. Bridging continued its record-breaking growth in the final quarter of last year, with data from the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) showing increases in applications, completions and loan book values, which broke through £10bn for the first time.
The figures show that bridging completions grew to a new record of £2.30bn in Q4 2024, representing a 28.6% increase on the previous quarter.
This helped to drive a 14.4% increase in the size of overall loan books to £10.30bn and there continues to be strong growth in pipeline business, with applications increasing by 3.9% in the fourth quarter to reach £11.30bn.
Bringing standards into focus
As bridging finance has moved into the mainstream, industry bodies have played a key role in shaping best practice.
The BDLA has ensured that standards continue to rise and given lenders a collective voice.
More importantly, it has fostered closer ties with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) demonstrating that bridging is far from a Wild West corner of the mortgage market.
Unlike other specialist lending areas that lack a dedicated lender trade body, bridging has benefited from a more structured approach.
That has helped brokers, too. Knowing which lenders operate to higher standards of transparency and customer focus has made it easier to match clients with the right funding partners.
The days of bridging being a minefield of inconsistent criteria and unpredictable outcomes are largely behind us.
However, as always, brokers need to be selective about who they work with. By aligning with lenders that share a commitment to transparency and responsible finance, brokers can ensure they are delivering the best possible outcomes for their clients.
At Inspired Lending, we have recently announced our membership of the BDLA.
This new partnership marks a significant milestone for us, and we are proud to be part of an association whose guiding principles form the bedrock of the bridging and development finance industry.
Choosing the right lending partner
With increased professionalism in the market, selecting the right lender has never been more important.
While most now operate to high standards, there are still differences in approach. Some lenders prioritise speed above all else, while others take a more measured, risk-aware stance.
For brokers, this puts greater onus on understanding who they are dealing with, how they structure deals, and what their long-term approach to lending looks like.
This isn’t about overcomplicating the process. It’s about ensuring that the lender you choose aligns with your client’s needs—not just in terms of rates and terms, but in how they assess risk, support brokers in getting deals over the line, and how they work with you and your clients post completion.
What’s next for bridging?
As the market continues to mature, education will be key to maintaining momentum.
Trade bodies, broker networks, and training initiatives are becoming increasingly important in ensuring that brokers have the knowledge and confidence to navigate bridging finance effectively.
One such example is the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP), which launched in 2023 to provide a recognized accreditation in bridging, short term finance, development finance and specialist buy-to-let.
It provides a definitive and targeted education programme for the short term and specialist lending sector and participants who complete the modules are recognised through the award of an LIBF digital badge and accredited for CPD purposes.
Bridging finance has come a long way. What was once a niche product is now an essential part of the property finance toolkit, with a recognised education framework.
As the sector continues to grow, the brokers who fully engage with it will be in an excellent position to support their clients.
It’s no longer a question of whether bridging finance has a place in the market, it’s about how brokers position themselves to make the most of it.
Gavin Diamond is chief executive officer at Inspired Lending
