THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING DEBTS AGAINST YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OR HOME. YOUR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.
What is a retail bridging loan?
A retail bridging loan is a short-term, fast-access finance solution secured against a retail property such as a shop, high street unit, shopping centre unit or mixed-use premises with commercial space. It is commonly used by investors and developers to purchase, refinance or refurbish retail property quickly, especially when facing auction deadlines, chain breaks, or other time-sensitive opportunities.
Retail bridging loans are typically arranged for 1–24 months and can be repaid through selling the property, refinancing onto a commercial mortgage, or transitioning to longer-term investment finance once your exit plan is in place.
Compare 50+ lenders
Instantly compare over 50 commercial bridging loan lenders, including rates, fees and maximum LTVs.
Borrow from £25,000
Access short-term bridging loans ranging from £25,000 up to £60 million for your commercial needs.
1 to 24 months terms
Bridging loans are typically available over short terms ranging from 1 to 24 months.
Same-day decision in principle
The streamlined application process allows you to receive a Decision in Principle (DIP) the same day, sometimes within minutes.
Quick access to funds
Bridging loans can be arranged quickly, typically within 14 days, making them a great option for urgent financial needs.
Flexible funding
Can be used to buy, refurbish, or refinance a property, as well as cover urgent costs.
Quick Decision with No Obligation
How do retail bridging loans work?
Retail bridging finance allows you to access short-term funding secured against a retail property quickly, giving you the flexibility to act fast while arranging a longer-term exit strategy.
Complete application
Submit details of your retail property, the loan amount required, and your intended exit plan, whether a sale or refinance.
Receive formal loan offer
The lender carries out a valuation on the retail property and issues a bridging loan offer with clear terms.
Receive funds
Once legal checks are complete, the loan is secured against your property and funds are released, often within days or weeks.
Repayment
Repay the loan through selling the property or refinancing onto a long-term commercial mortgage, giving you a smooth transition to your next investment step.
Compare over 50 lenders and get a decision in principle today
Apply NowQuick Decision with No Obligation
How we can help with your retail property investment
At SME Bridging Finance, we connect you with a wide range of specialist lenders offering retail bridging loans for shops, high street units, shopping centre units, and mixed-use premises. Whether you need funding to purchase, refinance, or refurbish a property, our platform allows you to compare short-term loan options quickly and find the right solution for your project.
We feature loans from £25,000 up to £60 million, so you can access funding for projects of all sizes. Our platform makes it easy to see different lenders, compare rates and terms, and identify the options that suit your retail property needs.
Get a decision in principle today and explore your retail bridging finance options in minutes.
Apply NowQuick Decision with No Obligation
Supporting British Businesses
We’ve helped support many businesses across the UK by providing quick and easy access to tailored bridging loans.
Compare retail bridging loans in 3 easy steps
Finding the right retail bridging loan is easy with SME Bridging Finance. Submit your property details, compare offers from multiple specialist lenders and get a decision in principle fast. It’s a straightforward way to explore short-term funding for shops, high street units, and commercial premises.
Compare over 50 lenders in seconds
Complete our quick online form with your funding details, and we’ll instantly match you with lenders to compare rates, fees, and LTVs.
Get a same day decision in principle
Secure a same-day decision in principle (DIP) and move one step closer to your funding.
Apply online in minutes and get funded
Apply online and once approved, funds are usually available within days, enabling you to proceed with confidence.
Quick Decision with No Obligation
Retail Bridging Loans FAQs
Have questions about retail bridging loans? Below are the most common FAQs to help you understand how short-term commercial finance works for retail properties.
Retail bridging loans are typically arranged from 1 month up to 24 months, depending on your exit strategy. Shorter terms are ideal for quick purchases or auction deadlines, while longer terms can help with refurbishment projects or temporary refinancing.
These loans can be secured against a variety of retail properties, including:
- Shops
- High street units
- Shopping centre units
- Mixed-use commercial premises
- Retail warehouses
- Supermarkets
- Convenience stores
- Outlet stores
- Showrooms
Both vacant and partially let properties are usually considered by lenders.
Funding can often be released in days or weeks once the property valuation and legal checks are complete. This makes bridging loans a fast solution for time-sensitive opportunities, chain breaks, or auction purchases.
Retail bridging loans typically range from £25,000 up to £60 million, depending on the property value, lender criteria, and your planned exit. Lenders base the loan amount on a Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which is a percentage of the property’s market value. For example, a 75% LTV means you could borrow £75,000 on a property worth £100,000.
Repayment is usually made through the sale of the property, refinancing onto a commercial mortgage, or transitioning to longer-term investment finance once the project or exit strategy is complete. Interest is often charged monthly and can sometimes be rolled up until repayment.
Getting a retail bridging loan is simple with SME Bridging Finance. Submit your property details via our online application form, compare offers from multiple lenders, and receive a same day decision in principle (DIP). Funds can then be released quickly once the lender completes valuations and legal checks.
