Bridging Finance Solutions, usually shortened to BFS, is a UK principal lender providing short-term bridging loans, refurbishment and conversion finance and residential development finance. At the time of writing (October 2026), its product guide shows bridging loans from £50,000 to £3m at up to 70% of open market value, and development loans from £100,000 to £5m at up to 65% of gross development value (GDV). Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of Bridging Finance Solutions, so we can compare its terms with other bridging and development lenders. You can read more on the BFS website.
About Bridging Finance Solutions
Bridging Finance Solutions Group Ltd is based in Wallasey on the Wirral in the North West of England. It describes itself as a principal lender and says its business has grown since 2006. Its product guide says it is privately funded, which it presents as giving it freedom to make its own lending decisions.
BFS Home Loans is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for regulated mortgage contracts, which allows it to offer regulated bridging and regulated self-build loans. BFS says it is a member of the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) and describes itself as a founder member of that body.
BFS is one of the lenders we compare for bridging loans, regulated bridging and smaller development finance cases.
What Bridging Finance Solutions funds
BFS lends on residential, semi-commercial and development projects, and offers both regulated and unregulated loans. Its July 2026 product guide sets out the main products below.
| Product | Loan size | Maximum leverage | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulated bridging (owner-occupier purchase, release of equity, refurbishment) | £50,000 to £3m | Up to 70% LTV | Up to 12 months |
| Investment bridging (purchase, refinance, equity release) | £50,000 to £3m | Up to 70% LTV | Up to 12 months |
| Light refurbishment | £50,000 to £3m | Up to 70% LTV | Up to 24 months |
| Semi-commercial bridging | £100,000 to £1m | Up to 65% LTV | Up to 12 months |
| HMO purchase | £100,000 to £1m | Up to 70% of bricks-and-mortar value | Up to 12 months |
| Developments and conversions | £100,000 to £5m | Up to 65% of GDV | Up to 24 months |
| Regulated self-build for owner occupation | £100,000 to £2m | Up to 65% of GDV | Up to 12 months |
A few points stand out. BFS says its maximum loan-to-value is based on open market value, not a 180-day value. On development, it says it can fund up to 100% of build costs, fees and interest within the 65% of GDV limit. Light refurbishment covers non-structural works between £25,000 and £100,000. Second charge security is accepted only as additional security alongside a main loan.
The guide also lists auction purchases, broken chains, probate and executor cases, permitted development, change of use, barn conversions and part-finished schemes among the situations it considers.
Who Bridging Finance Solutions suits (and who it may not)
BFS tends to suit:
- Homeowners needing a regulated bridging loan on the home they live in, for example to buy before they sell.
- People building their own home, as BFS is one of relatively few lenders offering regulated self-build finance.
- Landlords and investors buying, refinancing or refurbishing residential property, including HMOs and mixed-use buildings.
- Smaller developers with schemes under £5m, including first-time developers who have an appropriate professional team.
- Borrowers with complex circumstances, such as probate, divorce or past credit problems, where the exit is a sale.
BFS may not suit larger schemes above £5m, purely commercial property, or borrowers wanting leverage above 70% LTV. Its regulated loans are limited to 12 months, so a longer project on an owner-occupied home may need a different structure. For lending in Scotland, coverage may be limited to certain areas, so check early.
What Bridging Finance Solutions looks at
BFS says it assesses each case on its own merits rather than with tick-box criteria. It lends to individuals, the self-employed, limited companies, LLPs, SPVs, trusts and offshore companies, and to borrowers aged 21 to 85. UK nationals living abroad may be considered, as may some non-UK nationals who live in the UK and can evidence their right to reside.
For bridging, its submission checklist asks for a signed application, explanations of any arrears, CCJs or insolvencies in the past five years, details of the property being bought, and evidence of where the deposit has come from. For development, it asks for:
- Purchase price, build cost and GDV.
- The build contract, professional team, warranty provider and construction type.
- A monthly costed schedule of works and a sales programme.
- Details of the borrower's experience on previous schemes.
- Planning permission and evidence of discharged conditions.
Adverse credit may be considered where the exit is a sale. Interest can be retained, part retained or serviced monthly, and BFS says it calculates interest daily.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers both regulated and unregulated bridging under one lender.
- Regulated self-build loans for owner occupiers, which few lenders provide.
- Lends against open market value rather than a forced-sale value.
- Development loans can cover all build costs within the GDV limit.
- Considers first-time developers and a wide range of borrower types.
Cons
- Maximum development loan of £5m and bridging loan of £3m.
- Semi-commercial lending capped at 65% LTV and £1m.
- Regulated loans limited to 12 months.
- Some products carry an exit fee, so compare total cost.
Going through a broker vs going direct
BFS accepts applications both directly and through brokers. Comparing first matters because bridging and development terms vary on more than headline pricing: arrangement and exit fees, valuation basis, how interest is handled and how long the facility runs all change the total cost. Regulated bridging is a regulated mortgage contract. We will tell you at the outset if that applies and how your case will be handled.
We search the market, set BFS alongside other suitable lenders and handle the application. It is free to enquire, and any broker fee is disclosed before you proceed.
Alternatives to Bridging Finance Solutions
- Hope Capital: a specialist bridging lender for residential and commercial purchases and refurbishments.
- MT Finance: offers bridging and refurbishment loans across a wide range of property types.
- West One: a bridging and refurbishment lender with regulated and unregulated products.
- Together: a long-standing specialist lender with regulated and unregulated bridging.
- Glenhawk: a bridging and refurbishment lender for property investors.
Common questions
Does Bridging Finance Solutions offer regulated bridging loans?
Yes. BFS Home Loans is authorised by the FCA for regulated mortgage contracts and offers regulated bridging for owner-occupier purchases, equity release and refurbishment, plus regulated self-build loans.
How much can I borrow from BFS?
At the time of writing (October 2026), BFS bridging loans run from £50,000 to £3m at up to 70% of open market value, and development loans from £100,000 to £5m at up to 65% of GDV.
Does BFS lend to first-time developers?
BFS says first-time developers are considered where they have an appropriate professional team in place. Expect closer scrutiny of the build contract, cost plan and contractor.
Does BFS lend in Scotland?
Its product guide lists England, Wales and Scotland. Scottish cases may be limited to certain areas, so it is worth checking the specific location early.
Can BFS help with a self-build?
Yes. BFS offers regulated self-build finance for people building their own home, from £100,000 to £2m at up to 65% of GDV, over a maximum of 12 months.
This review is our independent summary of the lender's publicly stated lending, checked in October 2026. Criteria change, so confirm the current position before relying on it. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of any lender reviewed. Finance is subject to status, valuation and lender approval.
