HFBS (Holme Finance Bridging Solutions) is a small, privately funded lender that focuses on straightforward short-term bridging loans at the lower end of the market. At the time of writing (October 2026), its website shows loans from £5,000 to £300,000 secured on property in England and Wales, over terms of 3 to 18 months, on first, second or third charge. Bridge & Build Finance is an independent broker and is not part of HFBS, so we can compare its terms with other bridging lenders. You can read more on HFBS's own website.
About HFBS
HFBS trades from Scunthorpe in North Lincolnshire, under Dakuni Ltd, a company registered in England. It describes itself as a privately funded lender filling a niche in the loans market, and its product guide says it manages a portfolio of small in-house lenders with no bank or hedge fund funding behind them.
Its approach is deliberately simple. HFBS says it deals only with simpler cases, handles legal work in-house so that solicitors are not needed in most cases, and lends only to individuals so that this process can work. It describes its loans as a secured loan, only shorter.
HFBS considers only agreements that meet the definition of an exempt agreement, so it does not offer loans regulated under consumer credit or mortgage rules. It is one of the lenders we compare for small bridging loans and second charge bridging.
What HFBS funds
HFBS offers two products, split by loan size.
| Feature | Smaller loans | Larger loans |
|---|---|---|
| Loan size | £5,000 to £49,999 | £50,000 to £300,000 |
| Maximum leverage | Up to 70% of open market value, including fees and interest | Up to 65% of open market value, including fees and interest |
| Charge | First, second or third | First or second |
| Term | 3 to 18 months | 3 to 18 months |
Its homepage quotes a net advance of up to 60% of value once fees and interest are added, so the amount you receive will be below the headline figure. Where a loan is secured on the borrower's own home, the maximum term is 12 months.
HFBS lends mainly on residential property, owner-occupied or investment, and considers land, commercial and semi-commercial property case by case. Uses listed on its website include short-term business cash flow, credit repair, completing a refurbishment, auction purchases, refinancing an existing bridge and property or business investment. It will consider heavy refurbishment and top-ups to complete a build, but does not fund ground-up development.
Who HFBS suits (and who it may not)
HFBS tends to suit:
- Individuals who need a small bridging loan, from as little as £5,000, that many lenders will not consider.
- Homeowners and landlords raising short-term funds on a second or third charge behind an existing mainstream mortgage.
- Borrowers with adverse credit, since HFBS considers everything except undischarged bankruptcy.
- Borrowers who cannot easily evidence income but have a clear exit.
- Investors finishing a refurbishment or an unfinished build that needs a top-up.
It is not suitable for limited companies, SPVs, trusts or other corporate borrowers, for loans above £300,000, or for property in Scotland or Northern Ireland. It does not fund ground-up development and will not lend behind private charges. Because it offers exempt agreements only, a homeowner needing a regulated bridging loan on the home they live in should look elsewhere.
What HFBS looks at
HFBS says it does not generally require evidence of income, although it will consider income where the borrower relies on refinancing to repay. It mainly needs a reasonable exit strategy. Expect it to look at:
- The property value, which may be based on an existing recent valuation, estate agent particulars, an automated valuation or its own visual inspection rather than a full survey.
- Existing mortgages, as HFBS lends behind recognised first mortgage lenders but not behind private charges.
- Credit history, including any adverse credit.
- How the loan will be repaid within the term.
HFBS has no minimum property value but may restrict leverage on lower-value properties. It has no maximum age, though applicants over 70 may need independent legal advice. Interest is serviced or rolled up rather than retained, and part repayments are accepted without penalty.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Loans from £5,000, far below most bridging lenders' minimums.
- First, second and third charges considered.
- Broad acceptance of adverse credit.
- Solicitors not required in most cases, which reduces legal costs.
- No maximum age and no minimum property value.
Cons
- Individuals only: no limited companies or trusts.
- Maximum loan of £300,000 and modest leverage once fees and interest are included.
- England and Wales only.
- No regulated lending and no ground-up development.
- Smaller loans carry a higher percentage fee.
Going through a broker vs going direct
HFBS accepts enquiries directly and through brokers. Comparing first is sensible because small bridging loans can carry proportionately high costs, and a secured loan, a second charge mortgage or a larger bridging lender may sometimes work out cheaper. Where the loan is secured on your home, it is also important to check whether a regulated product would give you more protection.
We search the market, set HFBS alongside other suitable options and manage the application. It is free to enquire, and any broker fee is disclosed before you proceed.
Alternatives to HFBS
- Lowry Capital: a privately funded lender with small loans from £25,001 across Great Britain.
- Together: a specialist lender with first and second charge bridging, regulated and unregulated.
- Black and White Bridging: short-term lending on residential and commercial property.
- JMT Finance: a bridging lender for residential and commercial property.
Common questions
What is the smallest loan HFBS offers?
At the time of writing (October 2026), HFBS lends from £5,000, up to a maximum of £300,000.
Does HFBS lend to limited companies?
No. HFBS lends to individuals only and does not lend to limited companies, trusts or other corporate bodies.
Can HFBS lend on a second or third charge?
Yes. HFBS lends on second charges, and on third charges for smaller loans, behind any recognised first mortgage lender but not behind private charges.
Does HFBS consider bad credit?
HFBS says it considers all adverse credit except undischarged bankruptcy, and does not generally require proof of income.
Does HFBS offer regulated loans?
No. HFBS considers exempt agreements only and cannot offer loans regulated under FSMA or the Consumer Credit Act.
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.
