As we step into 2025, the UK bridging market is gearing up for another exciting year. After the progress made in 2024, the sector has shown just how adaptable and essential it can be, with demand continuing to grow across all corners of the property investment world.
At London Credit, we’re ready to take on these opportunities, broaden our offerings, and keep our focus firmly on supporting brokers and their clients.
Recent data from the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) paints a positive picture for 2025. With bridging completions hitting a record £1.79 billion in Q3 2024—a 25.5% jump compared to the same time last year—the market shows no signs of slowing down. And pipeline business looks strong as applications increased by 6.7% in the third quarter to reach £10.9 billion.
Bridging finance remains a vital resource for property investors and developers, offering the speed and flexibility they need to take action.
This momentum fits perfectly with London Credit’s goal to grow our lending. Whether it’s helping with auction purchases, refurbishments, or restructuring portfolios, we’re dedicated to providing fast, reliable funding to help our clients make the most of their opportunities.
Refurbishment projects remain at the heart of bridging finance, allowing investors to breathe new life into properties and boost their value – both through simple renovation projects through to larger property extensions and conversions. General consensus is that the government will shake up the planning process to make it easier for property conversion, such as commercial to residential, for example, and this would provide further fuel for the market.
One of our most exciting goals for 2025 is the full launch of our development finance product. After a successful pilot in 2024, we’ve fine-tuned this offering to meet the needs of small and medium-sized developers and will be rolling it out to the market in a controlled way throughout the year.
Development finance is key to tackling the UK’s housing challenges, helping developers complete projects that contribute to much-needed housing supply. With the provision of housing at the heart of the new government’s pledges, we can only see more opportunity for developers and growing demand for development finance.
The message for brokers is simple. If you are not already engaged with the bridging and development market, you are missing out on an opportunity to help your clients. If you are new to the market, or even if you just want to formalise your knowledge, the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP) is an optional e-learning programme covering bridging, short term finance, development finance and specialist buy to let. It provides a definitive and targeted education programme for the short term and the specialist lending sector and helps brokers demonstrate their commitment to this exciting and growing market.
