Buy before you sell bridging loan
A buy-before-you-sell bridge can fund the next home before the current one has sold. It covers a timing gap; it does not replace a long-term residential mortgage. The sale or refinance still has to be credible, and a sale that falls through is the main risk to plan for.
This structure uses equity in the existing home, the new property, or both, so you can exchange or complete before your sale completes. The usual exit is the net proceeds of selling the current home. A valuation is not a guarantee of that sale price.
Deposit timing
The bridge may cover an exchange deposit, completion funds, or both. Your solicitor should set out what is due at each stage. Do not assume the loan replaces a deposit pound-for-pound: existing mortgages, purchase price, stamp duty and fees all sit in the same picture.
Open or closed
A closed bridge is tied to a contracted completion date. An open bridge is used when the sale is not yet exchanged. An open facility still has a long-stop date. Read open versus closed and the overlap with chain-breaking finance.
If the sale falls through
Interest continues. An extension is not automatic. Fallback options might include remarketing, refinancing, selling another asset, or injecting cash. Tell the lender early. If the sale price is lower than modelled, you may need extra funds to redeem.
Regulation
A loan secured on a home you occupy or will occupy can be a regulated mortgage contract. Ask which protections apply. See regulated bridging.
FAQs
Can I buy a house before selling mine?
Possibly, if there is enough security and a credible repayment plan. Ownership alone is not enough.
Can bridging fund an exchange deposit?
Sometimes, depending on lender, security and legal structure. Your solicitor must confirm the deposit mechanics.
Is it always regulated?
No. Classification depends on security, occupancy, borrower and purpose.
Can I keep my existing mortgage?
Sometimes. The new lender will assess all charges and may need consent or a first-charge refinance.
Next step
Use the calculator for an indicative starting point, then enquire if you want an introduction.