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Bridging Finance Across Westminster

Fast, flexible short-term property finance for the City of Westminster. From Mayfair townhouses to Church Street regeneration — same-day decisions, completion in 5-14 days.

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From 0.55% pm  •  Up to 75% LTV  •  Completion in 5-14 Days  •  Loans from £100K to £30M+  •  Same-Day Decision in Principle  •  From 0.55% pm  •  Up to 75% LTV  •  Completion in 5-14 Days  •  Loans from £100K to £30M+  •  Same-Day Decision in Principle
£0M+Capital Arranged
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Bridging Finance in Westminster Explained

Westminster bridging finance is a specialist form of short-term secured lending designed to help property buyers, investors, and developers act quickly in one of the world's most prestigious and competitive property markets. Whether you are purchasing a Georgian townhouse in Mayfair, securing an auction lot in Victoria, or funding a commercial-to-residential conversion in Soho, a bridging loan in Westminster provides the speed and flexibility that traditional mortgage finance simply cannot match. At Westminster Bridging Finance, we arrange fast, flexible short-term property finance across every corner of the City of Westminster, connecting borrowers with our panel of over 200 UK lenders to secure the best possible terms for each individual transaction.

The City of Westminster encompasses some of the most diverse and valuable real estate in the United Kingdom. At the very top of the market, Mayfair commands prices exceeding £5,000 per square foot for the finest period properties — Georgian townhouses, luxury mansion flats, and penthouse apartments that attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors from around the globe. At the other end of the spectrum, the Church Street regeneration area offers entry points closer to £600 per square foot, creating compelling value-add opportunities for investors willing to acquire and refurbish properties in an area benefiting from significant public and private investment. This extraordinary range — from prime to emerging — means that bridging finance in the City of Westminster must be equally versatile, accommodating loan sizes from £150,000 for a Church Street flat through to £25 million and beyond for a Mayfair trophy asset.

Several major regeneration programmes are reshaping Westminster's property landscape and creating fresh opportunities for bridging finance. The Victoria transformation has delivered modern office and residential schemes alongside the area's distinguished period buildings, attracting a new wave of investment. The Paddington Basin development, supercharged by the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, has established a thriving residential and commercial quarter where new-build apartments sit alongside refurbished Victorian terraces. Meanwhile, Marylebone continues to trade at a significant premium thanks to its village character, independent boutiques, and proximity to Regent's Park — a market where competitive situations frequently require the speed that only bridging loans in Westminster can provide. To understand the full range of short-term finance options available, explore our bridging finance services, learn how the bridging process works, or read more about our team and approach.

Who uses Westminster bridging loans? The answer spans virtually every type of property participant. Individual homebuyers use regulated bridging loans to break chains and secure their next home before selling their current property. Professional investors use unregulated bridging finance to move quickly on acquisition opportunities that would be lost if they waited for conventional mortgage approval. Developers use refurbishment bridging loans to fund the transformation of tired period properties into high-specification homes commanding premium prices. Auction buyers rely on bridging finance to meet the 28-day completion deadline that traditional lenders cannot accommodate. And international purchasers — a significant force in Westminster's prime markets — use bridging loans to acquire property while their longer-term finance arrangements are being put in place. Whatever the scenario, our role as a specialist central London bridging finance broker is to match each borrower with the optimal lender and structure from our extensive panel, ensuring speed, certainty, and competitive pricing.

Period Townhouses

Luxury Interiors

Prime Central London

Types of Bridging Loans Available in Westminster

Westminster's diverse property market demands an equally diverse range of bridging finance products. We arrange every type of property bridging loan in Westminster, tailored to the specific requirements of each transaction and borrower. Below is an overview of the principal bridging loan types we offer across the City of Westminster.

Regulated Bridging Loans

Regulated bridging loans are FCA-authorised products designed for borrowers who will occupy the property as their primary residence. In Westminster, regulated bridging is commonly used by families purchasing homes in Marylebone or St John's Wood who need to complete before their existing property has sold. These loans include full consumer protection and a 14-day reflection period. Learn more about our regulated bridging options.

Unregulated Bridging Loans

Unregulated bridging finance is designed for investment properties and buy-to-let acquisitions where the borrower will not reside in the property. This is the most commonly used bridging product in Westminster, supporting investors acquiring rental properties in Paddington, buy-to-let flats in Bayswater, and commercial premises across the West End. Unregulated loans offer greater structural flexibility and the fastest possible completion timescales. Explore unregulated bridging finance.

First Charge Bridging Loans

First charge bridging loans are secured as the primary lien against the property, offering the most competitive rates available — from 0.44% per month. In Westminster, first charge bridging is typically used for outright acquisitions where no existing mortgage is in place, or where the current mortgage will be redeemed as part of the transaction. View first charge rates.

Second Charge Bridging Loans

Second charge bridging loans sit behind your existing mortgage, enabling you to raise capital against your Westminster property without disturbing your current lending arrangements. This is particularly valuable for Westminster homeowners seeking to raise a deposit for a second property or fund refurbishment works while retaining a favourable existing mortgage rate. Second charge bridging explained.

Refurbishment Bridging Loans

Refurbishment bridging loans fund both the purchase and renovation of Westminster properties, with capital released in stages as works progress. These loans are ideal for the many period property renovation projects across Westminster — from restoring a Georgian facade in Mayfair to converting a commercial unit above a Soho restaurant into a luxury residential apartment. Refurbishment finance options.

Auction Finance

Auction finance provides the speed and certainty needed to complete Westminster property purchases within the standard 28-day auction completion deadline. Westminster properties appear regularly at major London auctions, and pre-approval before auction day means you can bid with confidence. Auction bridging finance.

Chain Break Finance

Chain break bridging loans allow Westminster buyers to secure their next property before their current home has sold, eliminating the risk of losing a dream home to chain delays. In a market where desirable properties in Pimlico, Little Venice, or Marylebone attract multiple offers within days, a chain break bridge can be the decisive advantage. Chain break solutions.

Commercial Bridging Loans

Commercial bridging finance supports the acquisition, refinancing, and redevelopment of commercial and mixed-use properties across Westminster's diverse business districts. From Soho media offices to Victoria retail units and Fitzrovia creative workspaces, we arrange commercial bridging for all property types. Commercial bridging finance.

Land Bridging Loans

Land bridging loans finance the acquisition of development sites in Westminster, with or without planning permission. Given the scarcity and value of developable land within the borough, speed of acquisition is often critical — and bridging finance provides the rapid completion that secures the site ahead of competing bidders. Land and development finance.

Speed When It Matters

In Westminster's competitive property market, speed is everything. We deliver fast, reliable bridging finance at every stage.

2 Hour DIP

Receive a Decision in Principle within 2 hours of your enquiry. Our experienced team and lender relationships mean fast, reliable indicative terms for Westminster properties.

5-14 Day Completion

From application to completion in as little as 5 days for straightforward cases. Complex Westminster transactions typically complete within 14 working days.

28-Day Auction Finance

Meet tight auction deadlines with confidence. Our 28-day auction finance solution ensures you can bid and complete on Westminster properties without delays.

How Quickly You Can Complete in Westminster (5-14 Days)

Speed is the defining advantage of fast bridging loans in Westminster. In a property market where the best opportunities can attract multiple offers within hours, the ability to complete a purchase in 5 to 14 days — rather than the 6 to 12 weeks required for a conventional mortgage — is often the difference between securing a property and losing it. Our process begins with a same-day decision in principle (DIP), giving you an indicative offer within hours of your initial enquiry. From there, we instruct valuations within 24 to 48 hours and work with our panel of specialist property solicitors to progress legal work in parallel, minimising the timeline to completion.

The Westminster property market creates scenarios where speed is not merely desirable but essential. In Mayfair, competitive situations for prime residential property regularly involve multiple cash-rich bidders — and a bridging-backed offer with proof of funds and a confirmed DIP can be as compelling as a cash offer, completing on a comparable timeline. At auction, the standard 28-day completion deadline is non-negotiable, and bridging finance is the only realistic route for buyers who are not purchasing outright with cash. In regeneration areas like Victoria and Paddington, new development releases and off-market opportunities require buyers to commit rapidly or miss out entirely. Throughout all of these scenarios, our deep lender relationships and streamlined process ensure that your Westminster bridging loan completes as quickly as the transaction demands. To understand each step of the process in detail, visit our how it works page.

Westminster Bridging Loan Calculator

Use our interactive bridging loan calculator below to estimate the costs of your Westminster bridging finance. Adjust the property value, loan amount, term, and interest rate to see indicative monthly interest payments, total interest, arrangement fees, and the overall cost of borrowing. This calculator provides a useful starting point, but every transaction is unique — for a precise, personalised quotation tailored to your specific Westminster property and circumstances, contact our specialist team or visit our dedicated bridging loan calculator page for more advanced modelling options.

Bridging Loan Calculator

Estimate your bridging finance costs with our interactive calculator. For a precise, personalised quote, speak to our team.

Loan Details

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£1,000,000

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£650,000

1 month24 months
0.45%1.50%

Cost Breakdown

Loan-to-Value (LTV)65.0%
Monthly Interest Cost£4,875.00
Total Interest (12 months)£58,500.00
Arrangement Fee (2%)£13,000.00
Total Cost of Borrowing£71,500.00
Get a Personalised Quote

This calculator provides estimates only. Actual rates and fees may vary based on individual circumstances.

Areas We Cover Across Westminster

The City of Westminster is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, spanning ultra-prime residential enclaves, vibrant commercial districts, emerging regeneration zones, and everything in between. Our specialist knowledge of bridging finance across the City of Westminster means we understand the nuances of each neighbourhood — from the valuation dynamics that affect LTV calculations to the local planning considerations that influence refurbishment timelines. Whether you are acquiring a mews house in Mayfair, a mansion flat in Marylebone, a new-build apartment overlooking Paddington Basin, a mixed-use building in Soho, or a regeneration opportunity on Church Street, we have the local expertise and lender relationships to arrange your bridging finance quickly and competitively. Explore our featured areas below, or visit our complete area guide for the full list of Westminster neighbourhoods we serve.

Mayfair

Mayfair is London's most prestigious residential neighbourhood, renowned for ultra-premium property commanding prices of £5,000+ per square foot. The...

Avg. Value:£5.8M
Georgian townhousesLuxury apartmentsMansion flatsPenthouse suites+1 more

Marylebone

Marylebone combines village charm with premium Central London living, featuring elegant period properties and sought-after mansion flats along its pic...

Avg. Value:£2.9M
Period terraced housesMansion flatsConverted apartmentsMews houses+1 more

Victoria

Victoria is undergoing significant regeneration with modern developments sitting alongside distinguished period buildings, creating a dynamic mix of o...

Avg. Value:£1.9M
New-build apartmentsPeriod conversionsMixed-use buildingsModern commercial units+1 more

Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia is a vibrant mixed-use quarter where creative industries thrive alongside residential living, making it one of Central London's most dynamic...

Avg. Value:£1.8M
Converted loft apartmentsMixed-use buildingsPeriod terracesCommercial conversions+1 more

Soho

Soho is the beating heart of London's entertainment district, offering unique commercial-to-residential conversion opportunities in one of the capital...

Avg. Value:£2.1M
Commercial-to-residential conversionsMixed-use buildingsAbove-shop apartmentsLoft conversions+1 more

Paddington

Paddington has been transformed by the landmark Basin regeneration, delivering modern new-build developments and excellent transport connectivity incl...

Avg. Value:£1.4M
New-build apartmentsBasin-side developmentsPeriod conversionsMixed-use commercial+1 more
View All Westminster Areas

Westminster Bridging Finance Case Studies

Our track record across Westminster speaks for itself. We have arranged over £300 million in bridging finance, with a significant proportion deployed across the City of Westminster's diverse property market. Below are three recent examples illustrating the range of Westminster bridging loans we arrange for our clients.

£2.8M

Mayfair Townhouse Acquisition

A private investor required a fast bridging loan to secure a Grade II listed Georgian townhouse in Mayfair that came to market off-plan through a private estate agent. The vendor required completion within 10 working days. We arranged a £2.8 million first charge bridging loan at 0.55% per month with a 12-month term, completing in 8 working days. The client subsequently refinanced onto a bespoke private bank mortgage.

£1.2M

Paddington New-Build Purchase

An overseas buyer needed bridging finance to complete on a two-bedroom new-build apartment in Paddington Basin while their international mortgage application was being processed. We arranged a £1.2 million bridging loan at 0.65% per month, completing within 12 working days. The exit strategy was the confirmed overseas mortgage offer, which completed four months later. The speed of the bridge ensured the buyer did not lose their reservation.

£3.5M

Soho Commercial Conversion

A developer acquired a mixed-use building in Soho with planning consent for conversion of the upper floors from commercial office space to four luxury residential apartments. We arranged a £3.5 million refurbishment bridging loan with staged drawdown at 0.75% per month over an 18-month term. The development completed on schedule and the units were sold individually, fully repaying the bridge and generating a substantial profit for the developer.

View All Case Studies

Who Uses Bridging Finance in Westminster?

Westminster bridging finance serves a remarkably broad range of property market participants, reflecting the borough's unique position as home to both ultra-prime residential property and dynamic regeneration opportunities. Our clients include ultra-high-net-worth individuals acquiring trophy assets in Mayfair and St John's Wood, where the speed and discretion of bridging finance is valued as highly as the competitive pricing. International investors form a significant portion of our client base, using bridging loans to secure Westminster property while their onshore or offshore mortgage arrangements are finalised — a process that can take several months for cross-border transactions.

We work closely with Mayfair estate agents and property consultants who recommend our bridging services to their clients when a fast, reliable funding solution is needed to secure competitive situations. Commercial-to-residential converters use our refurbishment bridging loans to fund the transformation of Soho office buildings, Fitzrovia workspaces, and West End retail premises into high-value residential accommodation. Victoria regeneration investors rely on our expertise to finance acquisitions in one of London's fastest-changing districts, where timing is critical and opportunities are short-lived. Portfolio landlords across Westminster use bridging finance to expand their holdings quickly, acquiring properties at auction or through private treaty before refinancing onto longer-term buy-to-let mortgages. And families needing chain-break finance — perhaps moving from a Pimlico flat to a Marylebone townhouse — use regulated bridging loans to secure their next home without the stress and uncertainty of chain-dependent transactions. Whatever your situation, our team has the experience and lender relationships to help. Learn more about our approach and how we work with clients across Westminster.

Westminster Bridging Finance FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a bridging loan work in Westminster?
A bridging loan in Westminster is a short-term secured finance facility typically lasting 1 to 24 months, designed to bridge the gap between an immediate property funding need and a longer-term financial solution. The loan is secured against property within the City of Westminster, whether that is the property being purchased or an existing asset, and is repaid either through refinancing onto a conventional mortgage, selling the property, or other agreed exit strategies. Interest can be structured as monthly payments, rolled up into the loan, or retained from the advance, and Westminster's high property values mean bridging loans in the borough frequently range from £500,000 to well over £10 million. Our specialist brokers arrange bridging finance across all Westminster areas including Mayfair, Marylebone, Victoria, and Paddington, with completion possible in as little as 5 working days.
How much can I borrow with a bridging loan in Westminster?
Bridging loan amounts in Westminster typically range from £150,000 to £25 million or more, with the maximum determined primarily by the value of the security property and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio offered by the lender. Most Westminster bridging lenders offer up to 75% LTV on first charge loans, meaning a property valued at £2 million could support a bridging loan of up to £1.5 million. In prime areas such as Mayfair and St John's Wood, where property values regularly exceed £5 million, bridging facilities of £3 million to £15 million are common. Some lenders will consider higher LTVs of up to 80% where additional security is provided or the borrower's overall financial position is particularly strong, and our panel of over 200 lenders ensures we can source the right facility for any Westminster property transaction.
What are bridging loan rates in Westminster?
Bridging loan rates for Westminster properties currently start from approximately 0.44% per month for first charge loans at lower LTVs, rising to around 1.2% per month for more complex transactions such as second charge, higher LTV, or commercial bridging facilities. The rate you receive depends on several factors including the LTV, the type of property, your credit profile, the loan term, and the strength of your exit strategy. Westminster properties often attract competitive rates due to their strong values and excellent liquidity, particularly in established areas like Marylebone, Pimlico, and Bayswater where lenders have high confidence in the security. We typically achieve rates between 0.50% and 0.75% per month for straightforward residential bridging transactions in Westminster, and our whole-of-market access means we negotiate the most competitive terms available.
How fast can I get a bridging loan in Westminster?
Bridging loans on Westminster properties can complete in as little as 5 to 10 working days from application, with straightforward transactions on residential properties in well-known areas such as Victoria, Soho, and Fitzrovia often moving fastest due to the availability of comparable evidence and familiar building types. The key factors affecting speed are the valuation turnaround, legal due diligence, and the complexity of the transaction, with auction purchases requiring completion within 28 days being a common driver for fast bridging in Westminster. Our established relationships with Westminster-specialist valuers and a dedicated legal panel mean we can expedite the process significantly compared to approaching lenders directly. In urgent situations involving chain breaks or time-limited opportunities, we have completed bridging loans in as few as 3 working days where a desktop valuation is acceptable to the lender.
Can I get a regulated bridging loan on my Westminster home?
Yes, regulated bridging loans are available for Westminster properties that are or will be your primary residence, and they provide full FCA consumer protection throughout the loan term. Regulated bridging is commonly used for chain break situations where you need to purchase your next Westminster home before your current property has sold, or where you are acquiring a new home and need short-term finance while longer-term mortgage arrangements are finalised. These loans include a mandatory 14-day reflection period and are subject to affordability assessments, though the primary consideration remains the viability of your exit strategy. Regulated bridging rates in Westminster typically start from 0.50% per month, and many of our lender panel including West One Loans, Shawbrook, and MT Finance offer regulated products suitable for owner-occupied Westminster properties.
Can I use a bridging loan for auction property in Westminster?
Absolutely, bridging finance is the most common funding method for auction property purchases in Westminster, as the standard 28-day completion deadline makes conventional mortgage finance impractical. We recommend obtaining a bridging loan agreement in principle before auction day so you can bid with confidence, knowing your finance is ready to deploy. Westminster auction properties range from ex-council flats in areas like Church Street to prime residential apartments in Mayfair, and our lenders can accommodate the full spectrum of property types and values. Auction bridging rates in Westminster typically range from 0.49% to 0.90% per month at up to 75% LTV, and our legal panel is experienced in meeting tight auction deadlines with completion regularly achieved within 14 to 21 working days.
What deposit do I need for a bridging loan in Westminster?
The deposit required for a bridging loan in Westminster depends on the lender's maximum LTV ratio, which typically ranges from 65% to 75% for most transactions. At 75% LTV, you would need a deposit equivalent to 25% of the property value, so for a £1.5 million property in Paddington or Bayswater, the minimum deposit would be approximately £375,000. Some lenders offer higher LTVs of up to 80% where additional security or a particularly strong exit strategy is provided, reducing the cash deposit needed. It is also possible to use equity in existing Westminster properties as additional security in lieu of a cash deposit, which is a strategy frequently used by investors and homeowners across Marylebone, Little Venice, and the wider borough.
Can I get a bridging loan with adverse credit in Westminster?
Yes, bridging loans are available for borrowers with adverse credit histories looking to transact on Westminster properties, as bridging lenders place greater emphasis on the property security and exit strategy than on credit scores alone. Many specialist lenders on our panel will consider applications from borrowers with CCJs, defaults, missed payments, and even previous bankruptcy, provided the LTV is conservative and the exit route is clearly viable. Westminster's strong property values and high liquidity work in your favour, as lenders have greater confidence in the underlying security compared to less established markets. Rates for adverse credit bridging in Westminster are typically higher, ranging from 0.75% to 1.2% per month, and maximum LTVs may be restricted to 60-65%, but the finance remains accessible for worthwhile transactions.
What fees do bridging loans charge in Westminster?
Bridging loans in Westminster typically involve several fee components beyond the monthly interest rate, including an arrangement fee of 1-2% of the loan amount, a valuation fee ranging from £500 to £3,000+ depending on the property value and complexity, legal fees for both the borrower's and lender's solicitors, and an exit fee of 0-1% charged by some lenders upon redemption. For a typical £1 million bridging loan on a Westminster property, total fees excluding interest might amount to £15,000 to £30,000 depending on the lender and complexity. Some lenders offer fee-free exit or reduced arrangement fees in exchange for slightly higher monthly rates, and our brokers will model the total cost of each option to identify the most cost-effective solution. We charge no upfront broker fees, and our procurement fee is only payable upon successful completion of the loan.
What exit strategies are accepted for bridging loans in Westminster?
The most common exit strategies for bridging loans in Westminster include refinancing onto a conventional residential or buy-to-let mortgage, sale of the bridging security property, sale of another asset or property, and receipt of confirmed funds such as an inheritance or business sale proceeds. Westminster properties benefit from excellent liquidity and strong buyer demand across all areas from Mayfair to Church Street, which gives lenders confidence in sale-based exit strategies. For refurbishment bridging loans, the exit is typically a refinance based on the improved property value, and for commercial bridging, the exit may involve securing longer-term commercial finance or selling the completed development. Lenders assess the viability and timeline of your exit strategy as the primary factor in their decision, so having a clear, evidenced exit plan significantly improves your chances of approval and the terms you are offered.
What types of property can I use a bridging loan for in Westminster?
Bridging loans in Westminster are available for virtually all property types found across the borough, including residential houses and flats, mixed-use buildings, commercial premises, land with or without planning permission, and new-build developments. Specific property types commonly financed include Mayfair townhouses, Marylebone mansion flats, Bayswater period conversions, Paddington Basin new-builds, Soho mixed-use buildings, and Church Street regeneration properties. Unusual or non-standard properties that mainstream lenders reject are often well-suited to bridging finance, including short-lease properties, properties requiring significant refurbishment, properties above commercial premises, and those with complex title issues. Our lender panel includes specialists in every Westminster property type, ensuring we can source appropriate finance regardless of the asset's condition, tenure, or intended use.
How is the Westminster property market performing for bridging loan investors?
The Westminster property market continues to offer compelling opportunities for bridging loan investors, with average values remaining robust across the borough's diverse neighbourhoods and significant regeneration programmes driving new investment in areas such as Church Street, Paddington Basin, and Victoria. Prime Central London areas including Mayfair and St John's Wood have shown renewed strength as international buyers return, while emerging areas offer value-add opportunities through refurbishment and conversion projects. The borough's exceptional transport connectivity, world-class amenities, and enduring global appeal provide a strong foundation for bridging loan exit strategies, whether through sale or refinance. Westminster's position as one of London's most liquid property markets means lenders are typically confident in the security, which translates into more competitive rates and higher LTVs compared to many other London boroughs.

Get Westminster Bridging Finance Today

Ready to move forward with your Westminster property transaction? Complete the form below for a free, no-obligation bridging finance quotation. Our specialist team will respond within 30 minutes during business hours with indicative terms tailored to your specific requirements. Alternatively, call us directly to speak with a Westminster bridging finance expert.

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About the Author

Matt is the founder of Construction Capital and the driving force behind Westminster Bridging Finance. With a career spanning institutional banking and specialist property finance, Matt has personally arranged in excess of £300 million in bridging loans, development finance, and commercial mortgages across Central London and the wider UK market. His background includes senior roles at HBOS (now part of Lloyds Banking Group), where he gained deep expertise in property credit, structured lending, and portfolio management.

Matt's hands-on knowledge of Westminster's property market — from the ultra-prime dynamics of Mayfair and St John's Wood to the regeneration opportunities in Victoria, Paddington, and Church Street — enables him to structure bridging finance solutions that are precisely calibrated to each client's needs. His extensive network of lender relationships, built over two decades in the industry, ensures that Westminster Bridging Finance clients benefit from access to the most competitive rates and terms available in the market. Matt is committed to transparency, speed, and delivering genuine expertise at every stage of the bridging finance process.