Bridging finance for LLPs

Why LLPs are turning to bridging now

Bridging finance has matured into a mainstream tool for UK property businesses, including limited liability partnerships. Specialist lenders increasingly welcome corporate borrowers, assessing assets, director experience and exit plans rather than relying solely on personal income. For LLPs managing acquisitions, refurbishments or conversions, that shift is significant: the market now recognises corporate structures and underwrites them at pace.

Several trends underpin this momentum. The UK bridging loan book has expanded into the tens of billions, with forecasts suggesting it could surpass £12 billion in the near term. A larger market creates more choice, sharper pricing and lenders confident in complex cases. Completion times are also improving. Reports of faster average timelines and well-prepared cases completing in days mean bridging can win time-sensitive scenarios such as auctions or chain breaks.

Pricing has been moving favourably. As swap rates eased and competition intensified, headline bridging rates trended lower for many borrowers, with tighter loan-to-values keeping risk in check. Alongside residential stock, lenders are broadening into commercial, mixed-use and refurbishment-led facilities, and niche offers like no-valuation or green bridging are becoming more visible.

The essentials remain constant. Lenders prioritise a credible exit strategy - typically sale or refinance - underpinned by robust documentation, valuation and evidential planning. LLPs must also select the right wrapper: regulated bridges suit specific consumer scenarios and are time-limited, while non-regulated facilities better fit corporate use and can run longer. With solid advice and clean legals, bridging can be a practical, speed-focused solution for LLPs.

Speed creates options, but documentation secures approval.

Who benefits from this funding approach

This guide is for UK LLPs investing in property - from experienced landlords scaling a portfolio to developers bridging a conversion or refurb. It suits teams that value quick decisions, need to secure an asset against competitors or must unlock capital tied in a sale. If your business model relies on speed and defined exits, bridging can complement your strategy.

Speed plus certainty beats price when the clock is ticking.

What you can use it for

1. Auction purchases - exchange fast, complete with confidence.

2. Chain breaks - secure the buy while a sale completes.

3. Light or heavy refurbishments - fund works before a refinance.

4. Commercial-to-residential conversions - bridge planning and build phases.

5. Portfolio re-gear - release equity across multiple securities.

Cost, impact, returns and risks at a glance

Are you likely to qualify?

Eligibility for LLPs hinges on the asset, the experience of partners or directors, and, importantly, the credibility of the exit strategy. Lenders will focus on security value, planning status, works schedule and how you will repay - usually via sale or refinance to a term product. Where applicable, they will expect UK-compliant valuation reports, planning documentation and evidence of building control or EPC considerations, especially if you plan green upgrades.

Credit history matters, but it is often secondary to the asset and exit. LLPs with previous projects, clear project budgets and sensible gearing are well placed. Non-regulated bridging typically suits corporate borrowers, offering longer terms than regulated consumer products. If you are unsure which route applies, Kandoo can outline the distinctions and match you to lenders that accept LLP borrowers across England, Scotland and Wales. Expect standard director or member checks, company searches and solicitors experienced in UK commercial property.

From enquiry to funds - the practical steps

1. Outline the asset, works and exit in a concise pack.

2. Share company structure, member details and experience summary.

3. Obtain valuation and planning documents early where possible.

4. Compare lender terms - rate, fees, LTV, conditions, timelines.

5. Appoint UK-qualified solicitors with bridging experience.

6. Satisfy conditions, sign legals and draw down in staged tranches.

The trade-offs to weigh up

Before you commit

Bridging rewards preparation. A well-articulated exit, firm refurbishment budget and evidence-backed valuation will shorten timelines and sharpen pricing. Keep the legal path clean by using UK-qualified solicitors familiar with charges, corporate guarantees and any intercreditor points if multiple lenders are involved. Where assets involve leases, covenants or change of use, ensure your legal due diligence confirms feasibility within the term. Cashflow buffers are essential for interest, works and unexpected costs. If sustainability upgrades drive your refinance case, plan EPC improvements and timetable contractor availability early. The right broker can streamline lender selection, set realistic completion dates and keep the process moving.

Alternatives if bridging is not right

1. Development finance - staged funding for build-heavy schemes.

2. Term buy-to-let or commercial mortgages - lower cost, slower pace.

3. Mezzanine finance - top-up capital alongside senior debt.

4. Joint-venture equity - share risk and reduce leverage.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can an LLP get a bridging loan in the UK? A: Yes. Many specialist lenders actively underwrite corporate borrowers, including LLPs. They assess security, experience and exit plans, not just personal income, and can lend across Great Britain.

Q: How fast can we complete? A: Standard cases often complete in around 28-30 days, faster if valuation, legal work and documentation are ready. Well-prepared auction cases may fund in days with the right lender.

Q: What rates should we budget for? A: Bridging is priced monthly. Headline rates have eased in line with market competition and swap moves, with actual pricing driven by LTV, asset type, complexity and your track record.

Q: Regulated or non-regulated - which applies to an LLP? A: Most LLP use-cases are non-regulated business loans, typically allowing longer terms. Regulated products are usually consumer-focused and time-limited, so they are often unsuitable for business purposes.

Q: What makes or breaks approval? A: Exit strategy and documentation. Provide valuation, planning evidence, works scope, costs and timelines. Strong legals and an achievable exit timetable drive faster decisions and better terms.

What Kandoo brings to your deal

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker with access to specialist bridging lenders that understand LLP structures. We help you frame the exit, select lenders, benchmark pricing and manage the valuation and legal workflow. Expect clear timelines, deal-ready documentation checklists and a realistic view on costs and conditions so you can proceed with confidence.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not advice. Bridging loans are secured against property and may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments. Always seek independent legal, tax and financial advice appropriate to your circumstances.