Do I Need a Salary for a Bridging Loan in the UK? [2025 Guide]

In today’s fast-paced property market, bridging loans are increasingly used to unlock property deals, resolve chain breaks, or access fast capital. But a common concern is:

“Do I need a salary for a bridging loan?” The short answer? Not necessarily. However, lenders will assess other criteria before approving your application.

In this guide, we’ll explore loan eligibility, lender expectations, alternative proof of income, and what it really takes to secure bridging finance — even without a regular salary.

The article is updated as of April 14, 2025

Bridging loans may not be suitable for everyone. Ensure you fully understand the costs, risks, and repayment strategy before applying. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. 

Bridging loans are available by referral only

What Is a Bridging Loan?

A bridging loan is a type of short-term financing used when quick access to funds is needed — for example, buying a property at auction, avoiding a collapsed chain, or funding a property flipping project.

Typically secured against a residential property, commercial property, or another physical asset, these loans are interest-only, and paid back within 12 months via a strong exit strategy, like the sale of a current property or refinancing into long-term finances.

Read: Complete guide to bridging loans

Do I Need a Salary for a Bridging Loan?

Bridging Loans vs Traditional Mortgages

While traditional mortgages depend heavily on employment status, monthly income, and credit score, bridging lenders focus primarily on:

• The security property
• Your exit plan (aka “how will you repay the loan?”)
• Loan size and loan terms
• Deposit size or available equityThe difference between the value of the property and the amo...
• Credit reports (but bad credit is often acceptable)

Common Exit Strategies

• Sale of the current property
• Remortgaging onto a long-term deal
• Inheritance payout
• Business asset disposal
• Buy-to-let mortgage refinancing

A regular salary or household income can strengthen your application, but is not mandatory.

How Do Lenders Assess Income Without a Salary?

Instead of payslips, lenders may request alternative options such as:

• Rental income from an investment property
• Business shares and dividends
• Lump sum payment from a legal settlement
• Cash flow from business activity
• Pension income
• Cash redemption or money from inheritances

This is often referred to as proof of income for bridging purposes.

✅ Explore: Self-employed mortgage options

What Are Bridging Loan Eligibility Criteria?

Core Bridging Loan Criteria

Bridging loan eligibility criteria vary lender to lender, but most will assess:

• Value of the security property
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) — typically 70–80%
• Type of property (residential, commercial, mixed-use)
• Deposit size — a minimum deposit of 20–25% is common
• Exit strategy (must be realistic and clearly defined)
• Credit score and past late payments
• Any County Court Judgments (CCJs) or adverse credit

Related: Bad credit bridging finance

How Does the Bridging Loan Application Process Work?

Applying for a bridging loan is faster than a standard mortgage but still requires documentation.

Typical Application Steps

1. Initial call with a specialist broker
2. Soft credit check (no impact on your file)
3. Submit a Decision in PrincipleA preliminary decision by a lender to offer a mortgage, base... (DIP) or Agreement in Principle
4. Valuation report or Automated Valuation Model (AVM)
5. Lender reviews your exit route
6. Receive official loan agreement
7. Legal process, completionThe point at which a property purchase is finalized and owne... & drawdown

Understanding Bridging Loan Terms & Costs

Bridging loan deals are customised, so it’s crucial to understand key terms:

Costs to Watch

• Monthly interest payments (interest-only)
• Valuation fee
• Arrangement fees / up-front fees
• Exit fees
• Legal fees
• Potential repayment charges

Types of Bridging Loans

• Open bridging loans – no fixed repayment date
• Closed bridging loans – repayment date agreed upfront
• Regulated loans – for residential use
• Unregulated bridging loans – for commercial or investment use
• Secured loan – backed by property/assets
• Unsecured loan – very rare and usually limited in scope

What If I Have a Poor Credit History?

Credit Score Still Matters — But It’s Not a Dealbreaker

Many specialist lenders offer bad credit bridging finance with flexible lending criteria. Clean credit histories help, but credit scores aren’t the only factor.

You can still access funding with:

• Adverse credit
• CCJs
• Missed payments
• No recent regular income

An experienced broker can approach the right bridging loan providers for your situation.

When Is a Bridging Loan a Suitable Option?

Bridging finance is ideal for time-sensitive situations, including:

• Auction purchases
• Chain breaks
• Urgent cash flow issues
• Property renovation or development
• Property bridging purposes like buy-to-let purchases or flipping
• Short-term funding before longer-term finance is available

Conclusion: Can You Get a Bridging Loan Without a Salary?

Yes — as long as you have:

• A strong exit strategy
• Enough equity or deposit
• A clear repayment plan
• A property or physical asset for security

Salary helps — but it’s not essential. Every bridging loan arrangement is bespoke. That’s why speaking with a bridging loan expert is so important to assess your current situation and connect you to a dedicated team with access to the bridging loan market.

Speak to a Specialist Broker Today

If you’re considering a bridge loan, need help understanding your loan eligibility, or want to compare loan types and loan interest rates, we can help.