Side by side
| Factor | Bridging loan | Sell first |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Monthly interest plus arrangement, valuation and legal fees | None |
| Speed of purchase | Fast | Depends on your sale |
| Risk | Costs grow if your sale is slow | You may lose the home you wanted |
| Regulation | Regulated if secured on your home | Not applicable |
Figures are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Always check the contract you are offered.
When each one wins
Bridging loan
- Buying at auction with a fixed deadline
- Your home is certain to sell and you have plenty of equity
Sell first
- Your home may take a while to sell
- Your budget cannot absorb several months of interest
Our take
Bridging works best when you are sure about the exit. Work out the cost if your sale takes twice as long as the agent expects — if that figure is uncomfortable, sell first.
Questions sellers ask
Do I need a broker for a bridging loan?
Most bridging loans are arranged through specialist brokers. Make sure the loan is regulated by the FCA if it is secured on your own home.
Free agent matching
See what your home could be worth
Get a free indicative valuation in about 60 seconds. See your estimate before deciding whether you want introductions to local agents.
Free for sellers. We pass your details to our partner GetAgent (Move with Us Ltd), who introduce you to up to 3 estate agents operating in your postcode area. Agents pay GetAgent a referral fee only on a successful sale — you never pay more than normal commission. How we make money.