Nearly half of brokers want lenders to publish bridging loan criteria in a consistent and transparent format, according to new research from specialist lender Black & White Bridging.

The findings point to mounting frustration among intermediaries over ambiguous or misleading product terms that often fail to hold up under scrutiny.

The lender’s latest broker insights report shows that 48% of brokers would prefer a clear rate structure, such as ‘from xx% to xx%’, while almost 30% favour more detailed, case-by-case lending criteria.

The report highlights growing calls within the intermediary community for lenders to adopt a more open and standardised approach to pricing and decision-making.

“In a fast-paced market where speed and certainty are everything, ambiguity is a serious obstacle,” said Damien Druce, chief operating officer at Black & White Bridging.

“Brokers need to know exactly what’s on the table from the outset – not flattering headline rates or theoretical LTVs that fall apart when a real case lands on the desk.”

OVER-PROMISING & UNDER-DELIVERING

The report reveals widespread dissatisfaction with what brokers describe as an industry tendency to over-promise and under-deliver. Many point to situations where a deal appears to meet a lender’s published criteria, only to be rejected or revised when formally submitted.

Such inconsistency, brokers say, creates confusion for clients and adds unnecessary delay to transactions where timing is often critical.

“At Black & White Bridging, we’ve always believed in removing the grey areas,” Druce added. “Our name reflects our approach. We’re open about what we can and can’t do – and that’s what brokers want. It enables them to make better decisions more quickly.

“That’s better for them, better for their clients, and better for lenders too.”

The lender believes that greater transparency across the bridging market could also support its reputation among borrowers, many of whom are turning to short-term finance in the wake of more restrictive high street lending policies.

“As bridging finance continues its journey to the mainstream, professionalism and openness need to be the norm,” said Druce.

“Being upfront doesn’t mean being restrictive – it means being honest. And as our brokers have told us, they want the facts in black and white. It’s time more lenders delivered that.”