The benefits of using a specialist bridging loan solicitor

By Helen Jackson 10th March 2025

Using a specialist solicitor when applying for bridging finance can be useful.

Although it’s not a legal requirement to use a solicitor to help you navigate this type of finance, some lenders will insist you use one to make the process as efficient and legally sound as possible.

So, what are the benefits of working with a specialist bridging loan solicitor, and when might you need to instruct one?

Do I need a bridging loan solicitor?

There are a handful of times you might want to consider using a bridging loan solicitor, including:

If you’re purchasing a property at auction. You only have 28 days to complete the sale of an auction property, and a mortgage can take too long to arrange. A bridging loan solicitor can ensure you secure the property quickly and easily with a bridging loan.
If you need an injection of cash. Bridging loans aren’t just handy for purchasing properties, they can help plug gaps in cash flow just like a traditional loan.
If there’s a break in the property chain. If you’re buying a new property before selling your existing one, you might need a bridging loan to help initially fund the new purchase, repaying the loan with your previous property sale when it comes to it.
If your mortgage is delayed. A mortgage can take four to six weeks to approve. If you don’t have that kind of time frame and you want to move quickly on your purchase, a bridging loan can mean very quick access to funds, which your loan solicitor can help with.
If you need fast funds to complete a project. Project scopes change, which means budgets sometimes spill over. A bridging loan solicitor can help you complete your project quickly by accessing bridging finance.
If you’re purchasing an unmortgageable property. Some properties are uninhabitable, and while that presents a fantastic opportunity to make money, you can’t secure a mortgage through a traditional lender. But a bridging loan gives you the chance to spend money making it habitable to secure a mortgage.

All of these scenarios require experienced professional hands to ensure you secure bridging finance quickly to help you achieve your end goal.

7 benefits of hiring a specialist bridging loan solicitor

There are many benefits to hiring a bridging loan solicitor over a generalist solicitor, here are seven:

1. Experience and expertise

Applying for bridging finance is more complex than a traditional bank loan. Specialist solicitors have specific experience in securing bridging finance and can help you navigate the entire process.

They can help you develop an exit plan to repay the finance, or you might require additional security, they can advise you on interest options, i.e. rolled up, retained, etc.

These solicitors have an intimate knowledge of all bridging loan complexities and can easily provide you with sound advice while protecting your best interests.

2. Quicker loan completion times

Most people applying for this finance need almost immediate access to significant funds. So the quicker you can complete the application process, the better. Working alongside a specialist solicitor means working with someone familiar with the process, which means you bypass any misunderstandings or unnecessary delays collecting the right paperwork. They understand this process like the back of their hand.

3. Mitigates risk

Your solicitor will conduct due diligence, which extends to reviewing contracts and payment terms and conditions to ensure the lender treats you fairly. They also carry out standard title searches and property checks to uncover any problems before they cause too much disruption.

4. Coordinate all parties involved

As they act on your behalf, a bridging loan solicitor will be the point of contact between all parties involved in the financial transaction. They’ll communicate with the lender, estate agents, brokers and valuers. This minimises the borrower’s stress throughout the transaction.

5. Offload the admin

Applying for a bridging loan means collecting a substantial amount of documentation. Documents can include typical ID verification, including passports or utility bills, to proof of business ownership, asset details, property portfolios, valuation reports, etc.

But working with a specialist solicitor means they collect and organise all required documentation so you don’t have to.

6. Established lender relationship

The preexisting relationship between lender and the bridging loan solicitor can get you good rates, flexible terms and even reduced arrangement fees. This relationship also means the solicitor is familiar with specific lender requirements, making the process as streamlined as possible.

7. Extended support after the loan

Although your solicitor’s job primarily focuses on securing the finance, they can also support you after you get the funds. Help can include extending the bridging loan agreement, giving legal advice and interpreting legal documents associated with your finance agreement.

Additional information

If you want to work with a specialist bridging loan solicitor, but don’t know how to choose one, we’ve written a guide to help you find the best solicitor to help with your bridging finance application.

So, here’s what to look for when choosing a bridging solicitor, including seven questions you should ask them (and what red flags you should look out for!).

How to find a bridging loan solicitor

Finding and comparing bridging loan solicitors is easier than you think. At BLD, our directory is full of all things bridging-loan-related, from showcasing bridging loan lenders to specialist bridging loan solicitors. We’re the one-stop shop for your bridging finance needs.

Click on our bridging loan solicitor profiles to learn more about their experience and specialisms and contact them through our directory for a custom quote.

You’re not obligated to accept any quote you receive from one of our partners.

Compare bridging loan solicitors.