The UK bridging finance sector is expected to enter a period of marked expansion in 2025, according to the latest survey by Black & White Bridging.
The lender’s research found that nearly three-quarters of brokers anticipate market growth in the year ahead, with 10% predicting high levels of expansion, suggesting a confident outlook for the specialist finance industry despite ongoing macroeconomic pressures.
The survey, carried out among Black & White’s intermediary partners, revealed a 4.4:1 ratio of brokers expecting growth over contraction. Respondents pointed to increased client awareness of bridging finance, more flexible lending options, and robust investor demand as key factors supporting the optimistic forecast.
The upbeat sentiment among brokers stands in contrast to broader economic uncertainty but aligns with recent market indicators. The latest Bridging Trends report for Q1 2025 recorded gross lending of £202 million, a figure that remained stable despite rising transaction volumes. Completion times also improved, and investment-driven loans were on the rise, suggesting that the market is not only holding firm but gradually building momentum.
Damien Druce, chief operating officer at Black & White Bridging, said: “Our survey results reinforce and go beyond the positive indicators we’ve seen in the wider market data. While Q1 figures show a resilient and active market, brokers are clearly seeing strong forward pipelines and greater client appetite for short-term lending solutions. That one in ten are predicting high growth speaks volumes about the sector’s strength as we move further into 2025.”
The lender said that increased flexibility in how bridging products are being deployed is helping drive demand across a broader set of use cases. These include chain-break finance, auction purchases, and light refurbishment projects — areas where bridging loans can offer a faster and more adaptable solution than traditional funding routes.
Druce added: “At Black & White, we’ve seen first-hand how brokers are using bridging creatively to meet client needs, whether that’s chain-breaking loans, auction purchases, or light refurbishment projects. We’re committed to supporting this momentum with straightforward lending and genuine service.”
