The UK’s bridging finance sector regained momentum in the third quarter, with lending, applications and total loan books all rising, according to new figures from the Bridging & Development Lenders Association.
The industry recorded a marked rebound between July and September, reversing the slight easing seen in the spring. Completions reached £2.5 billion, a 9.6% increase on the previous quarter and 42% higher than the same period in 2024.
Application volumes also strengthened, rising to £11.4 billion — an 11.8% quarterly uplift that continues the sector’s year-on-year expansion.
Total loan books across lender members climbed for a third consecutive quarter and hit a new high of £13.7 billion.
The figure represents a 4.3% rise on June and a 51.6% increase on September last year, underscoring the scale of the market’s growth over the past 12 months.
The quarterly data shows mixed movements across individual product types. Total development lending stood at £376.8 million, down from £416.7 million in Q2 2025.
However, second charge activity strengthened, with completed loans reaching £155.2 million compared with £135.4 million in the previous quarter.
Vic Jannels, chief executive of the BDLA, said: “This quarter’s figures underline the continued strength the bridging sector. With completions climbing to £2.5 billion and loan books hitting another record high, it’s clear that demand for short-term finance remains strong and consistent.”
He added: “The macro-economic outlook may be uncertain, but there is plenty of reason to look forward with optimism at the BDLA.
“We’ll soon tip over more than 100 members and we have just announced the appointment of Adam Tyler as our next CEO — a move that signals continued momentum and ambition for the Association and for the sector we represent.”
Jannels said the Association’s work on standards, education and wider industry engagement would continue to support both members and the market as a whole.
The figures are compiled by independent auditors from data submitted by lender members, offering one of the most detailed snapshots of the UK’s bridging and development finance landscape.
