Auction Bridging Finance: funding agreed before you bid
28 days from hammer to completion. We arrange finance that moves at auction speed, ideally agreed in principle before you raise your hand.
Talk to Ashley about your deal
How auction bridging works
Win at auction and you exchange immediately. 10% deposit down, 28 days to complete, and the deposit is lost if you miss it. Mortgage lenders rarely move that fast; bridging lenders exist for exactly this.
"The best time to call me is before the auction, not after the hammer. Funding agreed in principle makes you a stronger bidder because you know your ceiling."
Before you bid: the checklist
- Read the legal pack. We'll flag anything that scares lenders, like title restrictions and short leases
- Get a decision in principle so your maximum bid is real
- Line up the right valuation type. A desktop valuation instead of a full one can save four days
- Use a solicitor who does bridging weekly, not yearly
Understanding Auction Finance Costs at Bridging Finance Broker
| Loan to value | Typical range (per month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 60% | 0.45% to 0.75% | Standard auction purchases |
| 60–75% | 0.65% to 1.10% | Typical range |
| 75%+ | case by case | With additional security |
We're writing this one up: an auction purchase beaten to the 28-day deadline.
See the case studies we have published →Your questions
Can I get finance agreed before the auction?
Yes. A decision in principle costs nothing and it makes your bidding ceiling real rather than hopeful. It's the single best thing you can do before auction day.
Can you get a mortgage on an auction property?
Sometimes, but 28 days rarely fits a mortgage timeline, and plenty of auction stock wouldn't pass a mortgage survey anyway. That's why most auction purchases complete on bridging, then refinance to a mortgage later once the property qualifies.
How much deposit do I need to buy at auction?
10% goes down on hammer day just to exchange. For the bridging loan itself expect to put in 25 to 30% of the price overall, since most lenders cap at 70 to 75% of value.
What are auction finance rates like?
Much the same as standard bridging. Monthly rates from around 0.45% depending on loan to value, plus the usual fees. Speed doesn't automatically cost more. Our rates tracker has the current numbers.
Do I need a special solicitor for an auction property?
You need a fast one who knows auctions and bridging. Slow solicitors kill more auction deadlines than lenders do. We can point you to ones who do this every week.
What if the property is unmortgageable?
Often fine for bridging. No kitchen, no bathroom and structural issues are all common auction stock. See our unmortgageable properties page.
What happens if I miss the 28 days?
You risk losing your deposit. That's why lender choice matters more than rate at auction, so we pick for certainty first.
Got a deal like this on your desk?
Tell us the numbers and we'll tell you honestly what's achievable.
Prefer to put it in writing? Email support@bridgingfinancebroker.co.uk