1. Tell us the requirement
Start with the amount, purpose and timing. You do not need to choose the correct product first.
Funding decision guide
Commercial Bridging vs Commercial Mortgage
A commercial bridge addresses a short-term transition and needs a credible repayment exit. A commercial mortgage addresses a longer-term property borrowing need supported by sustainable repayments. The transaction and repayment plan determine the starting route.
Usually takes around 5–8 minutes. An enquiry does not commit you to taking finance.
Access to 250+ funding routes through our lender & specialist partner network.
Bridge and mortgage comparison
| Decision | Commercial bridge | Commercial mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Temporary commercial transaction or transition. | Longer-term commercial purchase or refinance. |
| Expected term | Short term with a defined repayment event. | Longer-term borrowing on agreed repayment terms. |
| Transaction circumstances | May be reviewed for urgency or a property not yet ready for a conventional facility. | Requires the property and borrower to support the longer-term case. |
| Repayment | Full exit balance must be repaid under the agreed terms. | Ongoing repayments and any end balance must be sustainable. |
| Exit strategy | Central: sale, refinance or another evidenced event. | Review repayment profile, maturity and any future refinancing need. |
| Property position | Works, leases or transition may be part of the assessment. | Condition, use, valuation and occupancy must fit provider criteria. |
| Information | Security, amount, deadline and exit evidence. | Financials, contribution, property and affordability evidence. |
| Costs and risk | Delayed exit can increase cost and jeopardise repayment. | Rate changes, trading or rental setbacks can affect affordability. |
A refinance exit needs a real case
If a bridge is intended to move to a commercial mortgage, explain how the property and borrower will satisfy the proposed longer-term assessment. Finishing works does not guarantee a valuation or offer. Trading figures, rental income, leases, remaining equity and existing borrowing still matter.
Consider what happens if the refinance is declined or available at a lower amount. A contingency must be practical rather than simply “extend the bridge”.
Timing and costs
A time-sensitive purchase may prompt a bridge review, but valuation, legal work and provider conditions still apply. Do not assume completion by a particular date. Compare the total repayment amount, interest treatment, arrangement and legal costs, exit or early-repayment charges and any extension provisions.
Commercial scope and useful decisions
These routes concern commercial and business funding introductions. Personal residential mortgages and consumer homeowner borrowing are outside this page’s scope. Mixed-use properties and ambiguous occupancy or borrower arrangements require individual review; they should not be assumed suitable.
For a stable longer-term premises requirement, start with commercial mortgages. For a defined transition, review commercial bridging with the exit clearly documented. A substantial build or conversion programme may require development finance.
Useful information to prepare
You do not need every item to start. Tell us the amount, purpose and timing; NBS can explain what would help the next review.
- Property use, condition, ownership and value
- Amount, purpose, deadline and existing borrowing
- Contribution and financial information
- Leases or trading evidence for repayment
- Sale or refinance evidence and a contingency plan
Important considerations
- A bridge is not a cure for an unaffordable longer-term case.
- Future sale values and refinancing cannot be guaranteed.
- Secured property is at risk if obligations are not met.
NBS Finance is a commercial finance broker and introducer, not a lender. Providers make funding and credit decisions and set the amount, charges, security and terms. An enquiry or introduction does not guarantee finance.
The NBS enquiry process
2. Review the starting route
NBS reviews the information and identifies an appropriate starting route through its lender and specialist partner network.
3. Provider assessment
A suitable provider may request further information and decide whether to offer terms. Review any offer before committing.
Related funding routes
Frequently asked questions
Is a bridge always faster?
No completion time is promised. Valuation, legal work, provider assessment and conditions determine progress.
Can a mortgage repay a bridge?
It may be an exit, but the proposed mortgage case needs evidence. Future refinancing is not guaranteed.
What if I am unsure which route fits?
Explain the property, purpose, timing and repayment plan. NBS can review the starting route.
Tell us what the business needs
Tell us the amount, purpose and timing. We can review which starting route appears most relevant.
One enquiry. No commitment to take finance. Subject to provider assessment and terms.