There are lots of different brokers, and some of the categories we cover include:

• Bad credit bridging loans.

Specialist brokers and lenders can offer alternative financing to applicants with bad credit history who need niche borrowing. In this situation, the strength of your exit strategy is key to securing affordable rates.

Our team works with applicants with all sorts of credit issues, including low credit score, missed mortgage payments, CCJs, DMPs, IVAs, repossessions and bankruptcy.

Provided you have a viable proposition and can prove how you will pay back the debt; you can usually find competitive bridging finance.

• New property developers.

Many lenders steer clear of new property developers seeking a bridging loan and require a minimum number of years experience.

The Revolution teams work with first-time investors of all sizes, securing affordable bridge finance by negotiating with niche lenders who offer flexible lending policies.

• Unusual bridging loan projects.

Just as with mortgages, non-standard properties are considered a higher risk - so if you need a bridge loan to buy commercial premises in a particular sector, you need a lender who has experience dealing with non-standard bridging loan applications.

• Commercial property bridge finance.

In some cases, lenders will offer bridge loans for residential investments, but not for commercial properties. Others exclude particular types of commercial buildings, such as restaurants and petrol stations.

• Second charge bridge borrowing.

First charge bridge loans are easier to come by since the lender has the assurance of holding first charge security against your property.

Suppose you have an existing mortgage and need a bridging loan as a second or third charge. In that case, you can find a bridging loan through a lender with a different risk policy but will need to prove you have sufficient equity, and usually require a higher deposit level.

• 100% LTV bridge loans.

Should you not have a deposit available, you might struggle with some of the larger bridging loan lenders who offer LTV values capped at around 70% or 75%.

There are 100% bridging loans out there - so it's a case of demonstrating that you have sufficient security to make the loan an acceptable risk to a lender.

The process of obtaining a bridging loan is essentially the same as that of getting a traditional mortgage.

Lenders will want to know a bit about you, the applicant, as well as the facts of the property or asset you wish to use as collateral for the bridging loan. The following details will be required, but are not limited to:

• Your credit report. A solid credit score with no negative information will always put you in the best position to get an excellent bridging loan rate.
• Identification and proof of address. The standard address evidence and photo ID, such as a passport or driver's licence, will be required.
• A report on the value of the property. This valuation will include information about the property or asset you intend to use as collateral for the bridging loan and its current value, as well as the value at the end of any anticipated development.
• The specifics of your exit strategy. This plan could include formal details of the anticipated Schedule of Works or an Agreement in Principle from the onward lender if you're negotiating alternative financing.
• Knowledge of real estate. It will be necessary to provide information about your previous experience working with real estate. You can acquire a bridging loan even if you have no prior property experience, but the lender will closely examine the proposal.
• The amount of deposit available. The decision to lend is based on the risk to the lender. A higher deposit will not only make you a bet, but it will also increase your chances of securing a reasonable rate.
• Proof of Income. Some lenders may need documentation of a secondary source of income to help cover any unforeseen charges. They may request bank statements as proof.

There aren't standardised rates, and the terms you are offered will be heavily dependent on factors such as:

• How viable your exit strategy is.
• Your credit rating.
• What security you are offering.
• How much experience you have in the sector.
• The deposit you have available.

Generally, a deposit will be required for at least 30% to 35%, but if you can offer 40% or above, the rates available will improve.