Bridging finance for stopping repossession

Keep your home while you get back on track

When arrears build and a lender starts the repossession process, time becomes your most precious asset. Bridging finance exists for exactly these moments. It is short-term funding secured against your property that can immediately clear mortgage arrears and stop court action progressing. By resetting the clock, it gives you breathing space to organise a longer-term solution such as refinancing or a sale at a fair price.

In 2025, bridging has become faster and more accessible for UK homeowners, not just investors. Industry data shows average completion times of around 32 days in early 2025, down from 39 days late last year. That acceleration matters when a possession hearing is looming. Many cases complete even sooner with prepared documentation, a clear exit plan, and responsive legal work.

Approval hinges on one factor above all others: a viable exit strategy. Lenders expect to be repaid within 3 to 12 months. Common exits include a refinance to a standard mortgage once arrears are cleared or affordability improves, selling the property at full market value, or releasing capital from another asset. Without a credible exit, a bridging application is likely to fail.

If you own your home outright or have significant equity, a first-charge bridge is typically the cheapest route. If there is already a mortgage in place, a second-charge bridge can work, though pricing is higher due to added risk. In both cases, your home is at risk if payments are missed, so careful budgeting and realistic timelines are essential.

Importantly, UK lenders assess each case on its merits within a regulated framework. Many are open to arrears and repossession-prevention scenarios, provided the numbers stack up and the exit is sound. That balance of caution and flexibility is precisely what homeowners need when the priority is to protect equity and avoid a forced sale.

The right bridge can stop the repossession clock and protect your equity.

Is this you?

You are a UK homeowner facing escalating mortgage arrears, a suspended possession order, or a looming court date. You have equity in your property but not enough time for a traditional remortgage. You may be dealing with a chain break that threatens your onward move, an auction purchase deadline, or essential works that would unlock a mainstream mortgage later. Your goal is to halt the immediate risk and create a clear path to stability within months, not years.

Practical routes you can take

1. Use a bridging loan to clear arrears and stop repossession.

2. Refinance to a mainstream mortgage once arrears are settled.

3. List and sell the property at full market value, then repay the bridge.

4. Take a second-charge bridge if a first-charge mortgage exists.

5. Stabilise a chain break with a bridge, then exit on sale.

6. Fund an auction completion within 28 days and refinance later.

What it means for your wallet and risk profile

Who typically qualifies and what lenders look for

Eligibility centres on equity, a credible exit, and a property that is acceptable security. Lenders will assess the current value, outstanding mortgages, and total borrowing requested to confirm a safe loan-to-value. They also want to see how the bridge will be repaid within 3 to 12 months. That could be a refinance once arrears are cleared and credit stabilises, a confirmed sale, or funds from another asset. Imperfect credit is not a deal-breaker if the exit is strong and the numbers work.

Income and affordability are considered, but interest is often rolled up into the loan, reducing monthly stress. Residential owner-occupied cases fall under regulated oversight, with robust checks designed to ensure suitability. If speed is critical, having your documentation ready - ID, proof of address, mortgage statements, arrears letters, and evidence for the exit - can cut days off completion. As a UK retail finance broker, Kandoo can help position your case clearly, approach receptive lenders, and coordinate legal and valuation steps to keep things moving.

From enquiry to funds - the simple pathway

1. Share your situation and goals with a specialist broker.

2. Confirm equity, loan amount, and proposed exit strategy.

3. Provide documents - ID, statements, arrears and property details.

4. Get a decision in principle and indicative terms.

5. Valuation and legal checks progress in parallel.

6. Final offer issued - review fees, conditions, exit timing.

7. Complete, clear arrears, and halt repossession action.

8. Execute exit - refinance or sale - within agreed term.

Advantages and trade-offs at a glance

Read this before you commit

Speed helps, but precision matters more. Build a realistic timeline with room for legal checks, valuation booking, and any remedial works. Cost your exit carefully, including estate agency fees, early repayment charges on existing mortgages, and potential refinance costs. If you choose a second-charge bridge, ensure total monthly commitments are sustainable until exit. Communicate early with your current lender - proof that arrears will be cleared can pause action while the bridge completes. Independent legal advice is standard and helpful. If a proposed exit feels optimistic, expect a lender to push back and consider whether an alternative path - such as a managed sale - better protects your position.

Alternatives if a bridge is not right today

1. Negotiate forbearance or a payment plan with your mortgage lender.

2. Seek free, impartial debt advice from recognised UK charities.

3. Explore product transfers or specialist remortgages with your lender.

4. Consider a controlled sale before court deadlines escalate.

5. Assess government or local support schemes relevant to arrears.

6. Evaluate downsizing to release equity and reduce future costs.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Will bridging finance actually stop repossession? A: Yes, when used to clear arrears and bring the mortgage up to date, it can halt proceedings. Timing is crucial, so start early and coordinate your solicitor and broker.

Q: How quickly can funds be released? A: Many regulated cases complete within a few weeks, with recent averages around 32 days. Being ready with documents and a clear exit can compress timelines further.

Q: What counts as a strong exit strategy? A: Common exits are a refinance after arrears are cleared and credit stabilises, a sale at market value, or proceeds from another asset. Lenders want clear, evidenced plans.

Q: Should I choose first or second charge? A: If you own outright or can refinance the first charge, a first-charge bridge is usually cheaper. A second-charge bridge can work alongside your existing mortgage but costs more.

Q: Can I get a bridge with poor credit or existing arrears? A: Often, yes. Lenders are open to arrears cases if equity and exit are sound. Expect closer scrutiny of affordability, valuation, and legal position.

Q: Are auction purchases realistic with a bridge? A: Yes. Bridging aligns with 28-day auction deadlines. Buyers typically pay a 10% deposit on the day and complete with the bridge, then refinance or sell later.

How Kandoo helps you take control

As a UK-based retail finance broker, Kandoo connects you with trusted lenders experienced in repossession-prevention cases. We assess your equity, sharpen your exit strategy, and manage documents, valuation, and legal steps to keep completion on track. Our aim is simple - fast, fair funding that protects your home and your long-term options. Speak to us for tailored guidance today.

Important information

Bridging is a short-term, secured loan. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments or fail to execute the exit. Fees, interest, and terms vary by lender and circumstances. Seek independent legal and financial advice. Regulated cases follow UK rules designed to protect consumers.

Next steps: gather documents, outline your exit, and speak to a specialist broker.