Many developers rely on bridging loans for fast, flexible financing, and it can be the optimal solution to achieve a land purchase.
In this guide, we'll run through how bridging finance works for land investments - and how to get the best deals!
Contact Revolution on 0330 304 3040 for any assistance with finding a bridging loan for land, or drop us a message at info@revolutionbrokers.co.uk.
Can I Finance a Land Purchase with a Bridging Loan?
You can, and the process works similarly to financing a property purchase. Bridge finance is much faster to arrange than a mortgage, although it is only short-term and does carry higher interest rates.
If you're buying land with planning permission, you can use bridging finance for either residential or commercial investments, and the lender will primarily be interested in your exit strategy.
Land finance can be challenging, as most bridge lenders prefer property investments at a lower risk. However, if you have sufficient security, and can demonstrate how you will repay the loan, there are options.
What are the Typical Exit Strategies for Repaying Land Bridging Finance?
Your exit strategy determines how you plan to pay back the short-term bridge loan - some of the common methods include:
- Developing the land and selling it at a profit - bridge loans can provide a fast financing solution to help you invest in a plot of land, particularly if it is subject to a bidding war, or being sold at auction. Once the development is complete, or you have secured planning permission, you can sell it on, repay the lender, and keep the profit.
- Refinancing on a self-build mortgage - you can get a self-build mortgage if you have the right skills to build your own home, or have a contractor who does! Self-build mortgages release funding in stages, usually requiring a deposit of at least 25%, and sometimes up to 50%. You can use a bridge loan to secure the land, and then remortgage to refinance the initial investment, plus the construction costs.
- Taking out developer finance to cover the investment cost. Development finance is similarly short-term, but you can use a bridge loan to invest in land, and then development finance can cover the costs of the development work itself. You can combine bridge finance and development finance in some cases.
- Using a standard remortgage - bridge loans are fast, so if you plan to get a mortgage but don't have time to wait, then a bridging loan can be a temporary solution while you get longer-term lending in place.
Are There Bridge Loans for Land Purchases Without Planning Permission?
There are, yes, but a lot depends on how likely you are to secure permission in the future.
If permission is refused or takes a long time to secure, you might be in a difficult position with repaying the bridging loan, so this is a much higher risk proposition.
Some niche lenders will finance land without planning, but you will need to pay a substantial deposit, with some LTV caps as low as 50%.
How Much Can I Borrow for a Land Investment Through a Bridge Loan?
Usually, the LTV will be limited on a land purchase, and you can borrow up to 65% of the investment value.
If there is no planning permission, you will need a higher deposit.
What are the Standard Rates on Land Bridge Loans?
The rates are usually higher than for property bridging loans, but you can find competitive deals through an independent broker.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Bridging Loans Against Land?
Lenders assess every bridging loan application on its own merit, but in general, they will look at:
- Whether you have planning permission in place - and, if not, how likely it is to be granted.
- Your exit strategy - this must be viable, and you'll need to provide documentation or evidence to back it up, such as a mortgage agreement in principle.
- How much experience you have in developing land. Not all lenders require you to have a minimum number of years experience, but it can help mitigate the risk factor.
- Your credit history is also relevant, and a clean credit score will mean you are a lower-risk applicant and can achieve lower interest rates.
Are There Commercial Bridging Loans for Land Purchases?
There are indeed - if you are a limited company, or a Special Purpose Vehicle, you can take out a commercial bridging loan on a land purchase.
Expert Support with Bridging Loans for Land
Land investments are a specialist area. Therefore, you need an independent, whole-of-market broker to negotiate bridging loan deals on your behalf and assess your circumstances to determine the best lenders to apply to.
To explore your bridging loan options, contact Revolution on 0330 304 3040, or drop us a message to info@revolutionbrokers.co.uk.