Four common myths homeowners believe about bridging finance.

At Together, we see Bridging as a bit of a superhero. Fast, flexible and capable of achieving things that often seem impossible.

But our recent survey of 1367 UK homeowners* found another similarity between supes and short term finance – they’re really good at being mysterious and misunderstood.

In this blog, we’ll explore four statements we put to our panel about bridging loans and uncover the most common misconceptions as we bridge the gap between myth and reality.

1. “There are monthly repayments on most bridging loans so you may end up paying for two mortgages at the same time.”

Over half (55%) of the homeowners we surveyed believed that this statement was true, and that they could have two concurrent monthly payments if they got a bridging loan.

But it’s actually false. Most bridging loans allow you to roll up the interest and pay it off in one lump sum along with the loan and any other fees. So, if you’re waiting on your old home to sell, you only need to keep up with mortgage repayments on one property.

2. “You can only borrow up to half of the property's value with a bridging loan.”

Less than a quarter (22%) of the homeowners we asked knew that this statement was false.

In fact, the most common max loan-to-value (LTV) on bridging finance is around 70 - 75%, and some lenders may go higher with additional security.

That means you may be able to borrow up to three-quarters of the property’s value as long as you can prove a clear and achievable exit strategy, such as selling a property or refinancing.

Bridging finance does come with risks though, especially as you’ll need to repay the full loan amount in a relatively short space of time. Missing your repayment could lead to your property being repossessed so it’s a good idea to have a ‘Plan B’ exit strategy in mind if your initial plans don’t work out or you need extra time.

3. “You can't apply for a bridging loan if you're self-employed, retired or have a poor credit history.”

This myth was believed by 33% of respondents (with another 37% saying they either didn’t know or weren’t sure), and it’s a misconception we hear often.

In reality, bridging finance is designed to be more flexible than traditional mortgages. Lenders will look at the strength of your exit strategy (how you plan to repay the loan) rather than just your income or credit score. Whether you’re self-employed, retired, or have had credit issues in the past, you may still be eligible if the deal makes sense and the repayment plan is solid.

4. “Bridging loans are overly expensive.”

Nearly half (49%) of our homeowners answered that they believed that bridging loans were too pricey, with another 26% unsure.

It’s true that bridging rates and fees can look steep compared to longer-term mortgages from high street lenders, but it’s not a fair comparison. Here’s why:

• Speed – Bridging loans are designed to move quickly, often completing in days. That speed can be crucial if you’re buying at auction, securing a time-sensitive deal, or need funds urgently.


• Flexibility – Bridging finance can be used for a wide range of purposes, including buying properties deemed unmortgageable by high street lenders, funding renovations, or unlocking equity. It’s tailored to short-term needs, not long-term affordability.


• Overall cost of borrowing – Because bridging loans are short-term (often 6–12 months), the total interest paid may be lower than you’d expect, especially if the loan is repaid early. And with rolled-up interest, you won’t have monthly payments eating into your cash flow.
  
  However, there may be additional costs if you’re unable to repay your loan within the agreed term which may could make the overall cost more expensive if triggered.

Bridging finance might still be a mystery to many homeowners, but it doesn’t have to be.

By busting these common myths, you’re already one step closer to understanding how short-term finance can unlock opportunities, whether you're buying, renovating, or releasing equity.

If you're curious to learn more, explore our Bridging Loans Explained guide for a deeper dive into how it works, who it’s for, and how it could help you move forward. Ready to get started? Speak to us to see if we can help you achieve your short term finance ambitions.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,367 UK homeowners aged 18+ who bought rather than inherited their home who have previously heard of bridging finance. The data was collected between 15.09.2025 and 22.09.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.