If you want to apply for a bridging loan then you need to be prepared. It might sound obvious but lenders will want to know more about you before offering the funds.
Like all personal credit, each lender may need different documentation before considering your application, however, there are common documents and forms that need completing before you apply.
Bridging loans are a useful way of borrowing money for property and land purchases or for property renovations over a short period of time. They ‘bridge the gap’ until your main loan – such as a mortgage – can be arranged.
With lower interest rates, the bridging loan market has seen steady demand throughout 2025. If you think a bridging loan is right for you, you need to be prepared to avoid unnecessary delays.
Here’s what you need to know about the documents you’ll need if you want to apply for a bridging loan.
What documents do I need to apply for a bridging loan?
Before applying for a bridging loan, it’s wise to get experienced advice first. You don’t want to apply only to find out that it’s not right for you. We’re always on hand to help you, so contact our experienced and friendly team today.
When first applying for a bridging loan, many lenders won’t ask for anything at first. Just like a mortgage, they’ll just ask you to fill in a ‘Decision in Principle’ (DIP) application.
The DIP form gives the lender basic information to help them decide whether they want to loan you the money. This helps them assess your risk. That means, if they think you’re going to struggle to meet repayments or have a poor credit history, they may turn you down.
Once the application has been assessed, the lender will let you know if you have been successful. This usually means the lender will check your credit history. Some may make a ‘soft search’ while others prefer a ‘hard search’. We’ll look at that later on.
If you are approved for the loan, you will then need to get your documents together before the application goes further. Getting the most common documents ready should help your application process go more smoothly.
Photo ID
When you apply for a bridging loan, lenders will want to know who you are, after all, they are loaning you a lot of money and want to know who they’re dealing with. A passport or driving licence is usually required to verify your identity but if you don’t have either, the lender will let you know what other forms of photo ID they will accept.
Proof of address
Lenders also require evidence of where you live. Proof of address can be found on bills or bank statements. Most lenders will require that paperwork to be from the past three months.
Bank statements
As well as bank statements being one useful proof of address, the lender will also require them to check that you can afford the loan. Banking statements will show your monthly income and outgoings. Again, these will be statements from the past three months to give the lender a true picture. They might also request recent payslips and tax returns and other income-related documents.
Credit history
Many people struggle to understand how credit works, according a recent survey. So if you’re not really sure about your credit history, you’re not alone. The research also shows that 1 in 10 Brits have invisible credit. That means their credit history isn’t available to lenders, so they will struggle to secure any kind of credit.
It’s worth finding out if you have a credit history. Checking this is usually a ‘soft search’. That means the search won’t affect your credit score. A ‘hard search’ will affect it.
The three main credit reference agencies are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Checking your score will let you know in advance of any issues with your credit score.
Just because you have a low score or a bad credit score doesn’t mean you won’t be offered a bridging loan. It might mean you pay more interest than someone with a better score, for example. Or you may be more successful if you apply to a lender that specialises in offering credit to those with a low or poor score.
Exit strategy
One of the main differences between a mortgage and a bridging loan is that you must have a clear exit strategy. This shows the lender how you plan to pay back the loan and interest in the agreed time. We’ve looked at this in more detail here.
Lacking an exit strategy can be the difference between you being offered a bridging loan or being rejected. Be ready to present this to your lender or broker to show that it is viable.
Property information
Many lenders require details about the property you’re intending to buy and your current home. This can include purchase and sale agreements as well as valuation reports. The more information lenders have, the better they can make their decision.
Other documents
Some lenders may also ask for proof of assets as well as your liabilities. This shows them what you owe and whether you have the funds to repay the loan.
What do I need to know about bridging loans?
If you are considering a bridging loan, it’s always best to speak to an expert before making financial decisions. At Steel River Bridging Loans, we have years of experience in finance. Just get in touch for a chat with us today.
