4.8 Out of 5
Bridging Finance for Land with Planning
- Fast, flexible funding to secure your next land opportunity.
Land with Planning
Land with planning is a short-term loan secured against a piece of land, typically one without buildings or structures. This land could have been used for agriculture, storage, garages, with development potential. Such loans are typically used by property investors, and property developers to purchase land and either apply for a change of use or amend the existing planning to enhance it or make it more favourable to then sell the land on or build it out.
Land bridging loans are useful for developers seeking immediate funds to secure investments, such as the purchase of land at auctions. These bridge loans can effectively facilitate the acquisition of land, whether it’s intended for commercial or residential purposes. In many cases, we see developers using bridging finance to purchase land and then apply for planning permission to build residential or commercial properties.
This type of loan offers quick access to funds, often within a matter of days. However, in exchange for this speed, clients typically incur a higher interest rate compared to other, more conventional financing options. Most lenders will require a substantial upfront deposit, and in some cases, they may request additional collateral, such as a residential property, to secure the loan. As these loans are usually not serviced, lenders will also seek evidence of your exit strategy. In simpler terms, they want to know your plan for repaying the loan, which usually involves either selling the land or obtaining longer-term financing once your project reaches completion.
Product Features Include:
- Typically up to 70% LTV
- Terms up to 24 months
- Borrow from £50,000
- Whole of market
- Quick decision in principle
- Loans available throughout England, Wales and Scotland
Case studies
Some of our projects
Land Bridge for 220 Apartments
£10,400,000
Airspace Development
£1,200,000
CBILS Refinance for 4 Detached Houses
£3,400,000
Enquiry to Completion in 4 weeks
£3,600,000
our team
team of experts
FAQs
Common Questions & Answers
Do I need planning permission to get a land bridging loan?
Not necessarily. We work with lenders who will consider land both with and without planning permission, though the terms available will differ. Land that already has outline or full planning permission is generally viewed as lower risk and tends to attract better loan-to-value ratios. Land without planning — whether it has development potential or is being purchased ahead of an application — can still be funded, but lenders will want to understand your strategy for adding or unlocking value.
In many cases, borrowers use a land bridge to secure a site quickly, then apply for planning permission or an amendment to existing consent during the loan term, before refinancing onto development finance or selling the land on. If you are unsure how your site will be viewed, speak to one of our consultants and we will give you a straightforward assessment before you commit to anything.
What types of land can be used as security for a bridging loan?
We can arrange bridging finance against a wide range of land types, including residential development plots, commercial land, mixed-use sites, agricultural land and farmland, and scrubland or greenfield sites with development potential. Land that has been used for storage, garages, or similar purposes can also be considered.
What matters most to lenders is not just the category of land but the strength of the exit strategy and the site’s underlying value. Location, planning status, and what the land can realistically be developed into all influence what is available to you. If your site is unusual or complex, we are experienced in presenting those cases to the right lenders — get in touch and we will assess your options.
Can I get a land bridging loan with adverse credit?
Yes — adverse credit is not necessarily a barrier to land bridging finance. Because these loans are secured against the asset rather than assessed primarily on personal creditworthiness, specialist lenders are able to take a more flexible view than a high street bank or mortgage lender would.
Lenders will still want to understand your overall financial position and — critically — your exit strategy. If you plan to exit by selling the land or refinancing, the credibility of that plan carries more weight than your credit history. We have access to lenders who assess each case individually and regularly help clients who have been declined elsewhere. Be upfront with us about your situation and we will tell you what is realistically achievable.
Can I use bridging finance to refinance land I already own?
Yes. Refinancing land you already own through a bridging loan is a common strategy, particularly where you want to release capital, fund a planning application, or bridge a gap while longer-term development finance is being arranged.
We can facilitate refinancing on both unencumbered land and land that already has an active charge against it. The amount available will depend on the current value of the site, its planning status, and your intended exit. If your plan is to build out the site once finance is in place, our development finance page covers the options available once you are ready to move into the construction phase.
How quickly can land bridging finance be arranged?
Land bridging finance can typically be arranged in five to fifteen working days, depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly documentation can be provided. Simpler cases — particularly where the land has clear title, an agreed valuation, and a straightforward exit — can move faster. More complex situations involving multiple titles, planning disputes, or unusual land use may take a little longer.
The fastest way to move quickly is to be prepared: having details of the land, your exit strategy, and any relevant planning documentation ready from the outset will significantly speed up the process. We manage the case from application to completion and stay in close contact with both you and the lender to keep things moving. If you have a time-sensitive opportunity, tell us upfront and we will structure the process accordingly.
