Brickflow Thinks

Borrower Tips

Using Multiple Properties as Security for a Bridging Loan: Cross-Collateralisation Explained

Cross-security (or cross-collateralisation) means securing one bridging loan against two or more properties, rather than just one. Or more simply, using equity in one property to secure finance for another. Borrowers typically use it to reduce the cash deposit needed, or to increase the total amount they can borrow.

Borrower Tips

How to Avoid Bad or Unreliable Bridging Lenders in the UK

If you want to avoid bad bridging lenders, start with three things: know the warning signs, carry out proper due diligence, and compare multiple lenders from the breadth of the market before committing to one.

Borrower Tips

Five Development Finance Pitfalls to Avoid

Find out how to avoid 5 common development finance pitfalls. Covers: shopping around, due diligence, skill gaps, partners & planning for change.

Borrower Tips

The UK's Most Expensive Mistake

Property professionals spend months stress-testing GDVs, interrogating build costs, scrutinising rental yields and haggling over rates. Then pick a lender based on a broker relationship, a previous deal, or whoever offers the first loan. And that can be a costly mistake.

Borrower Tips

What Type of Borrower Are You?

How you approach funding can transform the outcome of every property project. From chasing headline rates to relying on familiar lenders, this blog explores the small habits that have a significant impact on your capital, your deal flow and your long-term returns. 

Borrower Tips

Death by Spreadsheet: The 9 Appraisal Errors Killing Your Profits

In property development, your appraisal is your roadmap. But if your roadmap is based on ‘Spreadsheet Bravery’ (using best-case assumptions for every input) rather than market reality, you’re not heading toward a profit, you’re heading toward a cliff.

Borrower Tips

Commercial Mortgage Terms

Commercial mortgage terms play a central role in long-term deal performance, so we're looking at how lender fit and flexibility can shape outcomes.

Borrower Tips

How to Find The Best Commercial Mortgages

Finding the best commercial mortgages is not as simple as looking for the lowest advertised rate. The ‘best’ lender is the one that gives you the strongest outcome for your specific project, based on leverage, cost, speed, appetite and certainty.

Borrower Tips

Top development finance lenders

Finding the top development finance lenders UK-wide is not about choosing the most recognisable name or the lowest headline rate. The strongest lender is the one delivering the best structure for your specific scheme, based on leverage, cashflow, speed, drawdown terms, appetite and exit flexibility.

Borrower Tips

Finding the Best Deal from a List of Top Lenders

With a continually growing list of bridging lenders UK-wide, relying on high-street banks, headline rates, promises of ultra fast loans or manual loan sourcing won't get you the best deal. This guide explains how to compare lenders by pricing, speed and deal fit to identify the options best suited to your scenario.

Borrower Tips

How to identify and shortlist fast bridging lenders

When you’re working against a deadline, The fastest way to secure bridging finance for a property acquisition is to search the whole market at once rather than approaching lenders individually. Brickflow lets you compare bridging loans from 160+ UK lenders in under 60 seconds, receive same-day Decisions in Principle, and apply to multiple lenders simultaneously through Smart Appraisal.

Borrower Tips

How Comparison Platforms Work in Property Finance

Comparison platforms help borrowers explore specialist property finance with greater speed, clarity and confidence. In this guide, we explain how comparison platforms work in property finance and why they are becoming an important part of the borrowing process.

Borrower Tips

How to Find Bridging Lenders Using Investor Sourcing Tools

The bridging market is fragmented, opaque and difficult to access in full, which leaves many investors wondering how to find bridging lenders that are competitive and can fit their deal.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Finance Marketplaces

Is there such a thing as a bridging finance marketplace? Many investors start by assuming there must be a central place to compare bridging lenders and loans, only to realise the traditional market doesn’t quite work like that.

Borrower Tips

How to shortlist bridging lenders

Shortlisting bridging lenders is the starting point for every deal. Here, we explore what to look for when filtering lenders specific scenarios, where shortlisting becomes difficult, and how experienced investors quickly narrow the market to focus on lenders that are actually relevant.

With the bridging market continuing to grow in 2026 and more lenders entering the space, there's more choice than ever, but also more variation in criteria, pricing and turnaround times. A rushed or random approach to shortlisting can cost you weeks on a deal, so knowing how to narrow the field quickly and correctly matters more now than ever.

 

Borrower Tips

Renters’ Rights Act: What’s Changing & What It Means for Investors

The Renters’ Rights Act, introduced on 1 May 2026, brings significant changes to the private rented sector in England, in what's considered the biggest shake up of the sector for decades.

Borrower Tips

How to Compare Bridging Loan Lenders in the UK

For so many property investors and developers, trying to comprehensively compare bridging loan lenders in the UK can feel like an uphill struggle.

Borrower Tips

Researching Commercial Mortgages in the UK Market

Researching commercial mortgages in the UK used to be slow and narrow. Most borrowers started with a broker, a bank relationship, or a handful of lender websites. That could work, but it rarely gave a clear view of the wider market.

Borrower Tips

From Bridging to Commercial Mortgage: The Refinance Process

Short-term bridging finance is often the starting point for commercial property investment. It allows investors to acquire assets quickly, fund refurbishment, or stabilise rental income before moving onto longer-term debt. 

Borrower Tips

The 6 Fatal Mistakes Property Developers and Investors Make (And How to Avoid Them)

In property investment, the margin between success and a failure is often far thinner than most people realise.

When deals go wrong, investors and funders may blame build costs, planning delays, or sudden market shifts. In reality, the biggest losses usually happen long before the first brick is laid.

Borrower Tips

Refurbishment Finance vs Bridging Loans

When comparing refurbishment finance vs bridging loan, it’s important to understand that although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. Read on to know more.

Borrower Tips

Can You Use a Bridging Loan for Office Property in the UK?

A bridging loan for office property in the UK is commonly used when a buyer needs to move quickly on a commercial acquisition or when the asset does not yet meet criteria for long-term commercial finance. Read on to find out more about bridging loans for office property in the UK.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loans for Mixed-Use Property

Mixed-use property offers strong investment opportunities, but it can also make financing more complicated. Buildings or sites that combine residential and commercial units often fall outside the criteria of standard mortgage lenders, particularly if the asset is vacant, undergoing refurbishment, or being repositioned.

Borrower Tips

How to Finance Your First Commercial Property | Brickflow

You can finance your first commercial property through a variety of methods, including commercial mortgages, bridging loans, development finance, and even peer-to-peer lending. With Brickflow, comparing lenders and securing funding is faster, easier and more transparent than going through a traditional broker.

Market Watch

What Does the Autumn Budget Mean for the UK Property Market?

After endless build-up and feverish speculation, fuelled by drip-fed leaks, the Chancellor finally delivered her Autumn Budget. With it comes some changes relating to the UK property market.

Borrower Tips

How Does Property Development Finance Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re building from the ground up or taking on a major refurbishment project, chances are you’ll need development finance to fund it. This type of specialist property loan is designed for developers looking to purchase land or sites and construct residential, commercial or mixed-use buildings.

Borrower Tips

What is Mezzanine Finance? Filling the Gap in Property Development

Funding a property project typically involves a three-layer capital stack: senior debt, equity, and mezzanine finance.

Borrower Tips

Commercial to Residential Property Conversion in the UK

With rising housing demand and an increasing number of vacant commercial spaces, commercial-to-residential conversion is becoming an attractive investment opportunity. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or business owner, repurposing commercial properties into residential units can be a cost-effective and lucrative venture.

Borrower Tips

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bridging Loan? Fast Approvals & Expert Tips

Timing is everything when it comes to bridging loans. Whether you're buying at auction, renovating a property, or covering a short-term cash gap, fast access to funding is key.

Borrower Tips

What Is A Commercial Construction Loan? Types, Tips & More

A commercial development loan, also known as a commercial construction loan, is a short-term financing solution designed to fund the construction, expansion, or major renovation of commercial properties.

Borrower Tips

Buying Commercial Property: Tips, Process & What You Need to Know

If you're looking to establish a base for your business or expand your investment portfolio, commercial real estate can be a game-changer. With the potential for high returns, long-term stability, and valuable tax benefits, it’s a lucrative opportunity, but not without its complexities. Navigating the process requires strategic planning, in-depth research, and savvy financial decision-making.

Borrower Tips

How to Get a Commercial Mortgage: Step-by-Step Guide

A commercial mortgage is one of the most effective ways to finance a business property. Whether you're an investor looking to buy prime commercial space, or an entrepreneur looking for your own premises, securing the right mortgage can be key to success. 

Borrower Tips

What is a Commercial Mortgage? A Detailed Guide

If you’re looking to finance a property for business purposes, understanding the ins-and-outs of a commercial mortgage is a must.

Borrower Tips

How Much Of A Deposit Do You Need for a Commercial Mortgage?

Are you considering applying for a commercial mortgage? One of the main considerations for many borrowers is the deposit amount needed. Whether you're expanding your business or investing in property, understanding deposit requirements is key to understanding if you're able to afford a loan, and secure the best deal possible.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loan Interest Rates Explained

Bridging loans are fast, flexible finance that can facilitate a huge variety of property transactions – and as with everything, you pay for convenience.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loan Examples: How They Work

In the property industry, bridging loans are now a staple tool for investors and developers, facilitating more market opportunities than otherwise available.

Borrower Tips

14 Bridging Loan Alternatives Tailored To Your Funding Needs

Bridging loans are a popular financing option in the property industry due to their versatility and ability to reach places other finance can’t. However, any savvy investor must examine all plausible finance options before committing to anything.

Borrower Tips

How to Get Into Property Development

The freedom to be your own boss, no qualifications required and potential for impressive returns – it’s no wonder you’re wondering how to start property development.

Borrower Tips

Can a Bridging Loan Affect a Mortgage Application?

Could a quick, short-term financial solution jeopardise your long-term homeownership goals? We’re exploring whether or not a bridging loan can affect your mortgage application.

Borrower Tips

100% Bridging Loans: Your Comprehensive Guide

Yes, 100% LTV bridging loans do exist — so when and how can you obtain one?

Borrower Tips

Fix and Flip Loans: A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

Fix and Flip Loans: Your Ultimate Guide to Property Investing Success.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loan For Renovation | How To Fund A Renovation

Have you found a prime-location property at a bargain price, but it’s missing a kitchen or even a roof? A bridging loan for renovation could be your solution.

Borrower Tips

Unregulated Bridging Loans Vs Regulated Bridging Loans

A short guide covering the key differences between regulated and unregulated bridging loans, for more informed decision-making.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loan vs Mortgage: What's The Difference?

You’ve found a great investment property; a diamond in the rough with huge potential - but it needs some work. Do you try the traditional mortgage route, or is there a faster, more efficient way to unlock the opportunity?

Industry Insights

Why Mezzanine and Equity Finance are in High Demand

After highlighting an acute equity shortage in last month’s Industry Insights, it’s no surprise that demand for mezzanine and equity finance is on the up amongst property investors. As more borrowers look to plug the gap, now is the time to get to grips with this type of funding.

Borrower Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Bridging Loan Deposits

Bridging loans are becoming increasingly useful in property investment and development. In order to secure a bridging loan, you’ll need a deposit.

How much is required for your bridging loan deposit can be anything from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loans for Barn Conversions: Financing Your Dream Project

Changes to permitted development rights for agricultural buildings in early 2024 made barn conversions a lot more feasible, and investors continue scouring for opportunties. In this blog we look at using bridging finance to fund a barn conversion project.

Borrower Tips

How to Secure the Best Property Development Bridging Loan

The bridging loan market is continually growing and evolving, offering proven solutions for overcoming short-term funding gaps in all types of UK property transactions. 

Property developers and investors are increasingly using bridging loans because they’re fast, flexible and can significantly improve access to market opportunities.

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loan to Buy a House: Everything You Need To Know

The UK housing market can be tricky, navigating property chains or trying to secure your dream home before selling your existing home. Bridging finance has become a key solution, offering temporary liquidity that can prevent you from missing out on market opportunities .

Industry Insights

Property Development's Next Chapter: Navigating the Liquidity Crunch

After discussing how slow transaction cycles are restricting businesses, we’re now exploring another issue property investors face - a liquidity crunch. Higher interest rates (even with the latest base rate decrease) translate to larger equity inputs on every deal with debt attached. But despite the lack of liquidity, opportunities are out there. 

Industry Insights

The Business Killer: Are Extended Transaction Cycles Here to Stay?

Talking to industry colleagues, from lenders, brokers, agents & investors, everyone is asking the same question: Why are property transactions taking so long to complete?

And is this the new normal?

Industry Insights

As the housing crisis continues, has hope sprung in commercial property?

The UK’s housing shortage continues to drive problems throughout the market, from affordability to homelessness, spurring private ventures into action. Meanwhile, could commercial mortgage arrears signify the next opportunity?

Industry Insights

Why the HMO and BTR markets are soaring

Are we out of the woods yet? Well, not really – recession, living costs and mortgage prices continue to hold back the property market. But relaxation of PDR rules has come just at the right time to capitalise on the soaring HMO and BTR sectors.

Borrower Tips

Is property development a good career?

Between the Brickflow team, we’ve completed a fair few successful property developments. We’re speaking to Ina Bakalova, one of our product managers, to talk about her developments and answer the ultimate question – is property development a good career?

Borrower Tips

Biodiversity Net Gain - Navigating the New Legislation

We know from our recent white paper research that 96% of developers are not confident in how to achieve BNG. But with the requirements that came into play in February 2024, it’s essential to understand what is expected of developers. Read our quick guide to understand the basics.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (January 2024)

2023 ended on a high, and forecasts for the new year ahead indicate more stability, reduced borrowing costs and a handle on inflation. Will it all be plain sailing though, as markets navigate another devastating war, major global elections and the risk of recession not quite quashed?

Borrower Tips

Can You Get A Bridging Loan With Bad Credit?

Bad credit can be a hindrance for many finance options. When it comes to bridging finance, however, it's still possible to secure short-term bridging finance with a less than favourable credit score.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (December 2023)

After housing was notably absent from October’s Tory party conference, the Autumn Statement featured funding and reforms to boost development. But is it enough to reverse the impact of multiple failed policies, chronic austerity-driven underfunding of planning departments, NIMBY backbench-pressure, see-sawing housing targets and a merry-go-round of housing ministers?

Borrower Tips

Should I apply for a bridging loan? Risks and opportunities

Whatever your property, bridging finance is a fast, flexible way to fund your project. But alongside the opportunities comes risks, so we’re looking at both sides of bridging finance, as well as how to get the best deal. 

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (September 2023)

A halt to interest rate rises, a decrease in inflation and a resilience amongst mortgaged homeowners to stave off the bank’s bailiffs. Are things looking up? Read this month’s Industry Insights to find out why we believe now is the time for the savviest investors to grab opportunities.

Industry Insights

Why Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) Trumps Profit

Embracing an inner chameleon helps developers to continually adapt to market conditions, but in today’s climate should property investors and developers change how they measure a successful project? This month’s Industry Insights looks at why some property businesses are now focusing on Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) rather than profitability.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (July 2023)

Planning permission: the dreaded process that's deterring more and more property developers. With recent reports showing drastic drops in applications in England, this month’s Industry Insights looks at the stats and the consequent effect on the future housing market.

Three approaches to Revolving Credit Facilities

Revolving Credit Facilities are a continual line of credit arranged between borrower and lender, where the borrower can access funds as and when needed, rather than drawing down on the entire loan from day one. Here, we look at the three approaches to arranging a Revolving Credit Facility (RCF).

Industry Insights

Navigating a volatile market, a word of caution & some exciting industry innovation

Opinions, forecasts and predictions continue to see-saw around the UK economy with the latest figures released last month now showing that annual inflation in April was higher than expected at 8.7%. 

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (April 2023)

On April 19th the ONS published its most recent report on property market activity. Despite four consecutive months of house price falls, the data reveals a stoic resilience within the UK property market.

Borrower Tips

How to Finance Your Property Development?

Have you spotted the perfect site for a project, or come across a quirky old warehouse that’s ripe for conversion? Then you’re probably wondering how to finance your property development? There’s plenty of options out there, and our simple guides are a great place to start gathering information.

Borrower Tips

Are Bridging Loans A Good Idea?

We’ve been discussing bridging loans a lot recently at Brickflow, from why and how people use bridging finance, to the benefits and how to apply.  Here, we are drilling a bit deeper and asking are bridging loans a good idea?

Borrower Tips

How to Get Finance for Property Development?

At Brickflow, getting finance for property development couldn’t be easier and we’re on a mission to make the market more accessible to all. Here we’re discussing development finance options, eligibility criteria and how to secure the best finance for property development.

Borrower Tips

How long does it take to get a bridge loan?

One of the key aspects of bridging loans is the speed with which they can be arranged, but there are a few factors which can delay your application. So we’re taking a look so you can avoid some common pitfalls.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (March 2023)

March means Spring Budget, so this month we’re looking at any opportunities arising from the Chancellor’s announcement, and of course, the tremors in the global banking sector.

Borrower Tips

What is the difference between bridging and development finance?

Knowing the different types of finance available for property development is key when it comes to choosing the right funding for your project. We're looking at the differences between development and bridging finance and how they are both used.

Borrower Tips

What is an open-ended bridging loan?

Bridging finance can be used for a whole range of property investments so it’s helpful to know the types of bridging loans available.  In this article, we’re looking at open-ended bridging loans.

Borrower Tips

How to Get a Bridging Loan? Eligibility & Criteria

Property developers are increasingly realising the benefits that bridging finance can offer when funding property development projects. They can offer a fast, flexible solution largely used when buying, selling, or refinancing property.

Borrower Tips

How much money do you need for property development?

Property development often seems like a business venture for people with wads of disposable cash. But realistically, how much money do you need? We’re discussing deposit requirements and if getting into property development is worthwhile.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (February 2023)

Welcome to February’s Industry Insights, the inside track on property development. Read our views on the current economic climate, house price correction, adapting to the new market and why 2023 will hold plenty of opportunities.

Borrower Tips

Who is eligible for development finance?

Property development finance: who is eligible, what is the qualifying criteria and what costs are involved? How Brickflow can help you apply and secure the best development finance loan for your project. 

Borrower Tips

Brickflow Guide to Design and Access Statements

A Design and Access Statement (DAS) is an integral part of a planning application and required by planning rules.  Every property developer or architect working on anything other than a very small project must submit one. This guide explains what a DAS should contain, when they're required and how to create one. We also share some finance tips and answer FAQs.

Borrower Tips

What are the pros and cons of property development?

We’ve all been captivated by the transformation journey of property, whether on the countless TV programmes or the extensive renovations of a neighbour’s home.  So what are the pros and cons of property development?

Borrower Tips

How does property development finance work?

Whether it’s a low-key investment or large-scale site, property development projects wouldn’t get off the ground without funding. We’re looking at the key features and main uses of property funding, beginning with how does property development finance work?

Borrower Tips

Reasons why you should use a bridging loan

After 2022’s soaring housing market, things are cooling throughout 2023, meaning less competition and good opportunities for savvy investors. There are various funding options for property purchases, so we’re discussing the reasons why you should use a bridging loan.

That pattern has continued into 2026: buyer choice is at its highest for this time of year since 2015, and around a third of homes on the market have seen a price reduction, leaving room for well-prepared investors to negotiate. Use our bridging loan calculator to see how quickly you could move once you've found the right opportunity.

 

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (January 2023)

A new year ahead and an altered property market emerging. Read January's Industry Insights for our views on the back drop to the economic downturn, why interest rates are rising, why we’re facing a liquidity crunch and the outlook for 2023.

Borrower Tips

Why is development finance important?

How a property development project is financed can affect everything from how quickly the project progresses to how profitable it will be. It also impacts how quickly you scale your business. So, why is development finance important?

Borrower Tips

What are the different types of development finance?

Every property development scheme has vast differences in scale, build type and budget, which means developers need different types of finance for each project.  So, what are the different types of development finance?

Borrower Tips

Bridging Loan Pros and Cons Explained: Benefits and Risks

There are numerous ways to finance property investments, from buy-to-let and commercial mortgages, to development finance. Another financing solution that has become a critical component in the UK investor or developer's financial toolkit is bridging finance.

Borrower Tips

Bridging loan eligibility criteria: What do you need to apply?

Bridging loans are a quick, convenient way to fund fast-moving property transactions or plug temporary funding gaps, but what are the bridging loan eligibility criteria and what do you need to apply?

Borrower Tips

What are the differences between commercial and residential bridging loans?

Using a bridging loan for property development has become a key financial tool for most developers, both in commercial and residential builds.  So what are the differences between commercial and residential bridging loans?   

Borrower Tips

5 tips for property developers to manage risk in a volatile environment

Ian Humphreys, CEO & Co-Founder of Brickflow gives his top 5 tips for property developers to manage risk in a volatile environment. Ian discusses using cash efficiently, phasing, forward sales, interest rates and renegotiating transactions.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (October 2022)

Welcome to October's Industry Insights, our monthly round up of the conversations we’re having with commercial finance brokers, property entrepreneurs, agents and lenders. This month we look at interest rates, bridging finance and the commercial mortgage market.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (September 2022)

Brickflow’s Industry Insights is a monthly round up of the common trends and conversations we’re having with property developers, brokers and lenders. With 42 lenders now on our platform, we’re speaking to them daily, which gives us exclusive insight into current market sentiment.

Market Watch

How do changing interest rates affect my development finance?

Interest rates have recently increased again and are forecast to rise further.

Rising rates means increased costs for borrowers, but what do rising interest rates mean for development finance and the cost of property loans?

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (August 2022)

This month we’re trying to make sense of the headlines on the economy for property developers as well as answer the questions that all developers are asking (no prizes for guessing that ‘fixed rates’ is the number 1 topic!).

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (July 2022) - the inside track of what we're seeing in property development

As summer gets into full swing, the property market is sizzling too. Read about how interest rate rises might impact you, lender reactions, build costs and land price predictions.

Market Watch

Have build costs peaked?

Property developers and contractors have been faced with rising build costs for the best part of two years. Find out why they increased, whether or not they’ve peaked and what this means for you.

Market Watch

What is nutrient neutrality?

Do you know about nutrient neutrality? It’s stalling the building of 120,000 new UK homes. Find out more about this growing issue and how it might affect you.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (Q2 2022) - the inside track of what we're seeing in property development

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (Q1 2022) - the inside track of what we're seeing in property development

The inside track on property development. Read our views on borrowing costs, overages, land payments, whether it’s a good time to buy and looking beyond 2022.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (Q4 2021): The news & trends you need to know about in property development

The inside track on property development. Read our views on valuation delays, borrowing with outline planning, cash v funding, self-build procurement & hotels.

Borrower Tips

How Phasing a Property Development Can Help You Achieve Success Sooner

Phasing a property development is financial engineering at its best. We’ve crunched the numbers to show how you can maximise equity and scale-up more quickly.

Industry Insights

Industry Insights (Q3 2021): the inside track of what we’re seeing in property development

The inside track on property development. Read our views on material costs, contingency plans, site bidding, delays, commercial loans, & new developer tips.

Borrower Tips

How to Get Your Development Finance Application Approved

Development finance tips including: preparation, timing, financial transparency, risk mitigation, finding the right deal/partner/lender, guarantees & equity.

Borrower Tips

The Development Finance Paradox: Why cheap development finance is a false economy

The cheapest development finance loan may not be the best. Read the facts & figures, and see how we can find a loan that maximises your investment return.

Borrower Tips

How to become a (really good) property developer

Insights into the essential skills needed to be a property developer and how to convince a lender you’ve the right experience to make your project a success.

Borrower Tips

Cracking The Capital Stack

All you need to know about The Capital Stack. Includes: what it is, how it works in practice and the differences between mezzanine and equity finance.