Broker search behaviour on Knowledge Bank suggests bridging finance is playing an increasingly central role in meeting complex and time-sensitive client needs.
Data from the criteria sourcing platform indicates that brokers are increasingly turning to bridging solutions as cases become more specialised, underlining the importance of technology-led sourcing tools in navigating an evolving market with confidence.
Search activity during November provides an early indication of how broker priorities may shape the market as it moves into 2026. Interest in directors loan criteria has increased, pointing to rising demand from limited company landlords seeking short-term funding solutions.
Within the top 10 bridging searches, some of the largest movements suggest a shift towards more specialist use cases.
SPECIALIST SEARCHES
Splitting title deeds entered the top 10 searches after rising from 32nd to 10th place, while re-bridging allowed climbed from 22nd to second.
Searches linked to expatriate borrowers also recorded strong growth, moving from 24th to eighth, signalling increasing demand for flexible finance options for internationally based clients.
According to Knowledge Bank, these trends highlight both the versatility of bridging finance and its growing relevance as brokers look to address specialist ownership structures, refinancing requirements and complex borrower circumstances.
In response to rising activity levels, Knowledge Bank has continued to expand its lender panel to ensure broad market coverage. New bridging and or development lenders including Abigail Finance, C&M Wealth, Inhale Capital and Magnet Capital have recently joined the platform, with a further eight bridging lenders scheduled to be added during the first quarter of 2026.
Shane Chawatama, sales director at Knowledge Bank, said: “We’ve now optimised over 50 individual questions within the bridging lending type, working closely with our lenders and taking direct feedback from specialist brokers.
“Our focus has been on making sure bridging criteria answers the right questions, at the right time.
“Most bridging deals don’t start life as bridging. They often begin as a residential or buy-to-let enquiry, but either through a declined application or a deeper fact find, bridging quickly becomes the most appropriate route.
“Brokers are leaning into the criteria we display on Knowledge Bank, alongside our educational webinars, to understand how best to structure these scenarios and ultimately achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.”
The data also suggests a broader shift in broker behaviour, with advisers using Knowledge Bank to expand their sourcing activity across multiple lending types. Bridging finance is frequently a key part of that progression, supporting brokers as they work with investors, developers and specialist borrowers.
Education has remained a central theme throughout 2025, with bridging lenders including MFS, MT Finance, MS Lending, Together, Glenhawk and others increasing their involvement in broker training initiatives. This has focused on improving understanding of when bridging finance is appropriate, as well as addressing misconceptions around speed, flexibility and risk.
