Sometimes you need to close before traditional financing can.
Bridge loans give you short-term capital — typically 6 to 24 months — to close on a property, fund a renovation, or cover a gap until permanent financing or a sale closes.
Bridge Loans at a glance
- Loan amounts
- $250,000 – $50,000,000
- Term length
- 6 – 24 months, extension options common
- Typical pricing
- Higher than permanent debt; priced to speed and risk
- Funding speed
- 7 – 21 days to close
- Credit guidance
- Asset-first underwriting; credit is secondary
Key Benefits
- Close in as little as 7–14 days
- Asset-based underwriting
- Interest-only payment options
- Flexible exit strategies
Best Fit For
- Investors competing on speed
- Value-add and reposition projects
- Owners awaiting a refinance or sale
- Time-sensitive acquisitions
Why use a broker instead of going to your bank?
Bridge pricing varies dramatically by lender. We compare 20+ bridge sources to get you the right rate, leverage, and exit terms for your specific situation.
Learn more about working with a brokerHow bridge loans compare
We broker every product on this list, so this comparison is about fit — not about steering you toward one option.
Compared with
Permanent CRE loan
Bridge debt is interest-only, short-term, and closes fast on assets that are not yet stabilized. Permanent debt is cheaper but requires stabilized income and a longer process.
Compared with
Hard money loan
The terms overlap, but institutional bridge lenders generally offer larger amounts, better pricing, and more structure than a local hard money lender.
Bridge Loans: frequently asked questions
How fast can a bridge loan close?
Seven to twenty-one days is typical. When title and appraisal are already in motion, some bridge lenders in our network close inside a week.
What is a bridge loan exit strategy?
It is how the loan gets repaid — usually a refinance into permanent financing, a sale of the property, or completion and lease-up of a value-add project. Lenders underwrite the exit as closely as the asset.
Are bridge loans interest-only?
Most are. Interest-only payments keep monthly carrying costs low while you renovate, lease up, or wait for a sale to close.
What leverage can I get on a bridge loan?
Commonly 65% to 80% of purchase price, and sometimes up to 100% of renovation costs on a value-add project with a strong sponsor.
Do bridge lenders check credit?
They review it, but underwriting leads with the asset, the business plan, and the exit. Credit issues that would stop a bank loan often do not stop a bridge loan.
More answers on the business financing FAQ and in the commercial lending glossary.
Other financing solutions
Working Capital Loans
Cover payroll, inventory, and day-to-day expenses with flexible short-term capital.
Commercial Real Estate Loans
Purchase, refinance, or build commercial properties with structures matched to your project.
Business Acquisition Financing
Finance the acquisition of an established business, partner buyout, or franchise.
Ready to explore bridge loans?
A 15-minute conversation is all it takes to know if this is the right fit. No obligation.