Bridging finance for offshore companies

Fast-track capital for cross-border buyers

Bridging finance gives offshore companies and foreign nationals a quick, short-term way to complete UK property purchases when time and complexity rule out a standard mortgage. If you are facing a competitive bidding process, a tight completion date or enhanced due diligence that slows high street banks, bridging can secure the asset now and allow you to refinance later on longer-term terms.

In practical terms, lenders advance funds against property value rather than waiting for exhaustive underwriting. Decisions can land in days, with completions typically in 2-3 weeks for non-residents. That compares to 8-12 weeks for many standard mortgages. For an offshore buyer, that speed can be the difference between winning a deal and losing it.

Funding is available for residential, buy-to-let, HMOs, semi-commercial and commercial assets across England and Wales, with Scotland available from select providers. Ticket sizes range from £25k to £50m. Loan-to-value can reach 70% with some providers and up to 75% in specialist cases. Where extra security is offered, 100% of purchase price is achievable with cross-collateral.

Rates vary by profile and structure. Options include monthly fixed from around 0.75% and variable from circa 0.40% plus base rate, with other lenders pricing from around 0.94% per month for foreign nationals. Terms typically run 3-12 months, and can extend to 36 months with certain products. Heavy refurbishment and semi-commercial projects are supported by lenders that understand international ownership, board resolutions and remote signing.

The strategic advantage is simple: secure the property now, stabilise or add value, then refinance with a mainstream lender once the clock is not against you. For offshore firms and expats, that bridge can unlock UK opportunities that would otherwise stall.

Speed wins in competitive markets - bridging ensures you can commit with confidence while longer-term finance catches up.

Who benefits most

Offshore companies and foreign nationals seeking UK assets gain the most when timing is critical or structures are complex. If you are buying at auction, negotiating below market value, or refinancing a time-limited facility, bridging helps you act decisively. It also suits expats and internationally based directors who need a lender comfortable with overseas IDs, corporate documents and multi-jurisdiction wealth.

Landlords scaling portfolios, investors converting properties to HMOs, and trading businesses acquiring premises all use bridging to lock in opportunities. High net worth clients can blend UK bridging with international finance, using guarantees or additional security in different jurisdictions to optimise terms.

Your funding paths

1. Standard acquisition bridge - 3-12 months, up to 70-75% LTV, residential or commercial security.

2. Refurbishment bridge - funds purchase plus works, suitable for heavy or light refurbs, staged drawdowns.

3. Portfolio cross-collateral - raise against multiple titles to reach higher leverage or 100% of purchase price.

4. Auction bridge - fast decision in days, completion in 2-3 weeks, ideal for 28-day deadlines.

5. Development exit bridge - refinance from a development loan to reduce costs while marketing units.

6. Capital raise on existing assets - release equity for acquisitions or business cash flow across England, Wales and Scotland where available.

7. Hybrid cross-border structures - UK bridging alongside overseas SPVs with parent guarantees.

What it costs - and what it can deliver

Can you qualify

Eligibility is broader than many expect. Offshore companies, foreign nationals and expats can borrow against properties in England and Wales, with some lenders also covering Scotland. Lenders will review your structure, beneficial ownership, source of funds and source of wealth, and will expect standard anti-money laundering documents. Be ready with certified passports, proof of address and company documents such as certificates of incumbency, registers of members and board minutes authorising the facility. Where directors are overseas, remote signing and dual legal representation can keep momentum.

Security quality matters. Residential, buy-to-let, HMOs, semi-commercial and commercial assets are acceptable, provided valuations support the required loan-to-value. Typical LTV caps sit at 70%, with specialist products reaching 75%. Smaller loans from £25k are available, while large tickets up to £50m are possible for prime assets and experienced borrowers. If the purchase price is fully funded, lenders often require additional security or a strong portfolio to cross-collateralise.

Kandoo works with a whole-of-market panel, including lenders who treat offshore and UK borrowers equally on rate, and those with in-house legal teams tuned to international deals. That breadth helps match complex profiles to the right underwriter, improving both speed and certainty.

From enquiry to completion

1. Tell us the asset, structure and timeline.

2. Receive indicative terms within 24-48 hours.

3. Submit KYC, company docs and valuation payment.

4. Valuation and legal due diligence begin.

5. Final offer issued after underwriting sign-off.

6. Sign remotely with dual representation if needed.

7. Funds drawdown to meet completion date.

8. Plan refinance or sale before month nine.

Advantages and trade-offs

Points to clear before you commit

Clarity on exit is non-negotiable. If you plan to refinance, begin conversations with long-term lenders early and check their criteria for your jurisdiction. Where a sale is the exit, stress test timeframes and marketing assumptions. Build contingency for valuation variances and legal complexity, especially when using multiple securities or offshore trusts. Ensure decision-makers can sign documents promptly, as delays can erode the speed advantage. If you opt for variable pricing, model base rate scenarios. For refurbishment bridges, confirm costings, contractor readiness and drawdown milestones. Finally, understand all fees, from arrangement to legal, to present a full project IRR rather than just a headline rate.

Alternatives worth weighing

1. Specialist buy-to-let or commercial mortgage - slower but cheaper if timing allows.

2. Development finance - for heavy construction with staged drawdowns.

3. Mezzanine funding - increases leverage behind senior debt at higher cost.

4. Private credit or family office loans - bespoke terms for complex cases.

5. Joint venture equity - share profit in return for reduced gearing.

FAQs

Q: How fast can an offshore company complete a UK purchase with bridging? A: Many non-resident deals complete in 2-3 weeks, provided KYC, valuations and legal work progress promptly. Auctions and deadline-driven purchases particularly benefit from that speed.

Q: What loan sizes and LTVs are realistic? A: Facilities range from £25k to around £50m. LTVs typically reach 70%, with specialist lenders underwriting up to 75%. Higher effective leverage is possible with additional security.

Q: Are rates fixed or variable? A: Both are available. Some products offer fixed pricing from roughly 0.75% per month, while others track base rate from about 0.40% plus BBR. Pricing depends on risk, LTV and asset.

Q: Can offshore entities access the same rates as UK firms? A: Yes, several lenders price equally regardless of nationality or corporate domicile, provided due diligence and security quality meet their standards.

Q: What documents will lenders require? A: Certified ID and address, corporate documents, source of funds and wealth evidence, a valuation, and details of the exit. Complex structures may need legal opinions or board resolutions.

Q: Is 100% funding possible? A: It can be, where you provide additional property as security. Cross-collateral permits full purchase coverage while maintaining lender risk controls.

How Kandoo helps you move first

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker with access to whole-of-market bridging lenders. We match offshore companies and foreign nationals to providers comfortable with international structures, keeping the process fast and compliant. Tell us your timeline and target asset - we will source terms, manage valuations and legals, and help you plan a clean exit.

Important information

Bridging finance is a short-term, interest-bearing facility secured on property. It may not be suitable for all borrowers. Costs can be higher than standard mortgages. Your property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments. Seek independent legal and tax advice for cross-border transactions.