66% of brokers surveyed by United Trust Bank expect the market for bridging and short term secured finance to expand over the next three years.

In comparison, only 7% of respondents believe the market will contract and the remainder expects it to stay about the same.

The survey also found that 49% of brokers expected to see more new lenders join the sector while 33% thought some lenders would fail or withdraw.

The study found that 23% of brokers operating in the bridging sector had completed over 20 bridging cases in the last year.

Alan Margolis (pictured), head of bridging at United Trust Bank, said: “I share the optimism expressed by the majority of respondents. 2014 has been a tremendous year for the bridging department and our brokers. The more business we do, the more broker and IFA businesses and lives of borrowers we touch, so that there is a natural momentum generated which will carry us forward into 2015.

“Allied to this, the sheer variety of uses and flexibility of these loans combining with the entrepreneurial approach of many of those involved in short term secured lending, makes the short term sector a dynamic market to be involved with. We are very excited about the prospects for 2015 and beyond, and will look to grow our team to meet the growing demand.”