Commercial Bridging Loans from $200k to $50m+

We arrange commercial bridging loans with 48-72 hour approvals and settlements in days, not weeks. Bridge the gap between property transactions with flexible short-term finance from specialist lenders. We’ll handle the complexity while you seize the opportunity.

commercial bridging loans

Proud Members of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia

Commercial Bridging Loans Summary

Commercial Bridging Loans - Quick Overview

Rates & Speed

  • Interest Rates: 7.50% - 12.00%
  • Approval Time: 48-72 hours
  • Settlement Speed: 3-7 days
  • Arrangement Fees: 1.5% - 2.5%

Loan Structure

  • Maximum LVR: 80%
  • Minimum Deposit: 20%
  • Loan Terms: 6 - 12 months
  • Loan Amount: $200,000 to $50 million+

Track Record

  • Experience: 15+ years business finance
  • Repayments: Interest capitalised or monthly
  • Exit Options: Sale or refinance
  • Security: 1st or 2nd mortgage

Get a Commercial Bridging Loan, Fast

Commercial bridging loans bridge the gap between immediate property opportunities and longer-term finance, unlocking deals that require speed and certainty. With settlements in 3-7 days, bridging finance lets businesses and investors act decisively when traditional lenders can’t move fast enough – whether that’s securing auction properties, land banking strategic sites, or capitalising on time-sensitive acquisitions.

Successful bridging finance deployment requires three critical elements:

  • Clear exit strategy planning from day one
  • Realistic property valuations and conservative LVRs
  • Strong broker relationships with specialist bridging lenders

Our direct relationships with bridging lenders can mean access to institutional funding, private capital, and specialist short-term financiers – typically reserved for tier-one developers. Book a free 30 min consultation to explore how bridging finance can unlock your next opportunity.

Bridging Finance Key Indicators

Who Uses Commercial Bridging Loans?

Property Developers Securing development sites at auction or via time-critical private sales - bridging to development finance once DA approved
Commercial Investors Acting fast on off-market opportunities while arranging long-term finance - typical 6-8 month bridge to commercial mortgage
Business Owner-Occupiers Purchasing ideal premises before selling existing property - avoiding double moves and business disruption with strategic bridging
commercial bridging loans

We help structure and secure commercial bridging loans from $200,000 to $50 million+, supporting everything from boutique developments to landmark commercial acquisitions.

  • Auction finance – Secure 10% deposit and settlement within 28 days
  • Land banking – Hold strategic sites while securing DA approval
  • Settlement gaps – Bridge between sale and purchase dates
  • Refinance delays – Continue operating while arranging permanent finance
  • Distressed sales – Act quickly on receivership or mortgagee opportunities
Contact Smart Business Plans
Commercial Bridging Loans $200K-$50M+ | Fast Property Finance

When Bridging Finance Makes Sense

Quick Capital Solutions for Time-Critical Property Opportunities

Auction Purchases

$500K - $20M typical

  • 10% deposit on auction day
  • 28-day settlement deadline
  • No time for bank approval
  • 48-hour approval, 7-day settlement

Buy Before You Sell

$1M - $30M facilities

  • Secure ideal property first
  • Avoid rushed sales
  • No double moves needed
  • Bridge for 6-12 months typical

Development Site Acquisition

$2M - $50M+ deals

  • Secure site immediately
  • Arrange DA while bridging
  • Convert to construction finance
  • Land bank strategic locations

Settlement Date Mismatch

$500K - $25M gaps

  • Sale delayed by 2-3 months
  • Purchase can't be extended
  • Avoid losing deposit
  • Bridge the timing gap

Business Expansion

$200K - $15M typical

  • New premises opportunity
  • Competitor property available
  • Strategic location opens up
  • Act fast before others do

Refinance Delays

$1M - $40M bridges

  • Bank taking too long
  • Existing loan expiring
  • Avoid default rates
  • Bridge while refinancing

Bridging rates typically 7.50% - 12.00% p.a. Terms and approval speed vary based on security and exit strategy. Not financial advice.

Commercial Bridging Loan Rates & Terms Australia

Commercial Bridging Loans - Rates & Terms

Rate Range
7.50% - 12.00%
Max LVR
80%
Approval
48-72 hours
Settlement
3-7 days
Scenario
Typical Rate
LVR
Speed
Standard Bridging
0.65-0.95% p/m
65%
5-7 days
Auction Finance
0.75-1.0% p/m
60%
48 hours
Development Sites
0.85-1.2% p/m
55%
7-10 days
Second Mortgage
1.2-1.5% p/m
75% combined
5-7 days
Min Loan
$200,000
Max Loan
$50 million+
Term Range
6 - 12 months
Security
1st or 2nd
Bridging Type
Features
Best For
Open Bridging
No fixed end date • Higher rates • Flexible exit
Property not yet on market • Uncertain timing
Closed Bridging
Fixed end date • Lower rates • Contract required
Exchange on existing property • Known settlement
Interest Capitalised
No monthly payments • Interest added to loan
Cash flow preservation • Development projects
Interest in Advance
Prepaid interest • Lower total cost • Upfront payment
Short bridges • Known exit date

Security: Can be 1st or 2nd mortgage over one or multiple properties

Valuations: Desktop or drive-by valuations often sufficient for speed

Documentation: Simplified compared to traditional loans

Exit Strategy
Timeline
Key Requirements
Sale of Existing Property
3-6 months typical
Property on market • Agent appointed • Realistic price
Refinance to Commercial Loan
2-4 months
Income verification • Meet serviceability • LVR requirements
Development Finance
3-6 months
DA approval • Presales (if required) • Construction funding
Capital Raising
3-9 months
Investment memorandum • Partner agreements • Legal structure
Asset Sale/Business Sale
6-12 months
Sale agreement • Due diligence complete • Settlement terms

Success Rate: 15+ years business finance

Extensions: Most lenders offer 3-6 month extensions if needed

Early Repayment: No penalties - pay out anytime without fees

Rates shown monthly for easier comparison. Annual rates typically 7.50% - 12.00%. Terms vary based on security and exit strategy.

The 5 Bridging Finance Stages | Fast Property Finance Process

The Five Bridging Finance Stages

1
Urgent Need Identified
Auction deadline, settlement mismatch, opportunity arises. Quick decision needed on bridging requirements.
Same day assessment
2
Rapid Application
Simplified application, property valuation arranged, exit strategy confirmed, indicative approval issued.
48-72 hours
3
Fast Approval
Security verified, formal approval granted, loan terms confirmed, legal documentation prepared.
24-48 hours formal
4
Quick Settlement
Documents executed, security registered, funds released same day, property transaction completed.
3-7 days
5
Exit Execution
Property sold or refinanced, bridging loan repaid in full, no early repayment penalties, transaction complete.
6 - 12 months
💡 Key Success Factors:
Most bridging finance features interest capitalised or prepaid, preserving your cash flow during the bridge period. The exit strategy is critical - whether sale of existing property, refinance to permanent finance, or development funding. Speed is everything: 48-72 hours approvals and 3-7 days settlements are standard. No penalties for early repayment means you can exit as soon as your permanent solution is ready.

Bridging rates typically 7.50% - 12.00% p.a. Terms vary based on security and exit strategy. Not financial advice.

Commercial Bridging Loan Calculator

Quickly assess your costs for property bridging loans

Purchase price of new property

Value of property to sell (optional)

Balance on current property

Expected time to exit

Typical 0.65-1.5% p/m

How interest is paid

Your Bridging Finance Summary

Total Bridge Amount
$0
Monthly Interest
$0
Total Interest Cost
$0
Peak Debt
$0
New property purchase $0
Stamp duty & costs (est.) $0
Less: Deposit (10%) -$0
Existing mortgage payout $0
Total Bridging Required $0
Security Value (both properties) $0
Loan to Value Ratio (LVR) 0%
Exit Strategy Sale of existing property
Required Sale Price $0

Calculator provides estimates only. Results may not be accurate. Not financial advice.

Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for illustration purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or a loan offer. Calculated figures are estimates only, may be inaccurate, and do not reflect actual lender terms or fees. Actual loan amounts, rates, repayments, and eligibility will vary based on your specific circumstances and lender assessment. Do not base any financial decisions on this calculator. Contact our team for a tailored quote.

Bridging Finance Success Stories | Real Case Studies

Examples of outcomes that can be achieved

Fast bridging finance when timing is everything

Auction Purchase Win

$2.8M Property

"Won at auction Saturday, approval Monday, settled within 21 days. Bank would've taken 6 weeks. Secured the property $180K under valuation in a competitive auction."

Approval Time: 48 hours
Saved: $180K

Settlement Gap Rescue

$1.5M Bridge

"Buyer's finance fell through 5 days before settlement. Bridging saved $150K deposit and avoided litigation. Sold 4 months later for $120K more than contract price."

Deposit Saved: $150K
Extra Profit: $120K

Business Premises Move

$3.2M Property

"Perfect warehouse came up next door. 7-day settlement required. Bridged for 6 months while selling old premises. Avoided $40K/month in lost efficiency by consolidating operations."

Settlement: 7 days
Monthly Saving: $40K
Bridging Finance Application Process | 3 Simple Steps

Ready to move fast? Our 3-Step Bridging Process.

From urgent need to settlement in days, not weeks.

1

Urgent Assessment

Same Day Response

We quickly assess your situation - auction deadline, settlement gap, or opportunity. We'll calculate your bridging needs and confirm your exit strategy is viable.

  • Calculate total bridge amount
  • Verify exit strategy timing
  • Check security LVR limits
2

Fast Approval

48-72 Hour Decision

We submit to the right lender immediately. With our relationships, we bypass queues and get priority assessment. Valuation ordered same day, approval within 48 hours.

  • Priority lender submission
  • Desktop or drive-by valuation
  • Formal approval issued
3

Quick Settlement

3-7 Days to Funds

Simple documentation, fast legal review, and immediate fund release. We coordinate everything to meet your deadline - auction, settlement, or opportunity.

  • Streamlined documentation
  • Same-day fund release
  • Exit strategy monitoring

Benefits of working with us

Fast Approval

We'll prepare your application for rapid assessment, often achieving approval within 48-73 hours. We know which lenders can move quickly and what documentation they need upfront. Your urgent timeline is our priority - we'll cut through delays and get you to settlement fast.

Help Avoid Pitfalls

We help you avoid costly bridging mistakes like underestimating exit costs, choosing the wrong payment structure, or missing critical settlement dates. We ensure your exit strategy is solid and your LVR stays within lending limits to prevent last-minute rejections.

Best Bridging Terms

We compare multiple bridging lenders to find the most suitable option from our panel of specialist short-term financiers. We negotiate on rates, fees, and payment structures - ensuring you get terms that match your exit timeline and minimize your total costs.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, commercial bridging loans are ideal for auction purchases in Australia. We can often arrange pre-approval before auction day, with formal approval typically within 48-72 hours of winning the bid. Most bridging lenders can settle within 7-21 days, meeting standard auction settlement terms. Talk to our team to see if you qualify and to get more information.

If this happens, you’ll need to either find another buyer quickly, refinance to a standard commercial property loan, or sell a different asset. Most bridging lenders offer 3-6 month extensions if needed, though you might find your rates increase. It’s always important to have a backup exit strategy in place before you take on bridging finance. Our team can assist you work out the best way forward, and ensure you have the right plans in place from the outset. 

Yes you can, so long as you have sufficient equity in other properties or assets. Our lenders will assess your total security position and exit strategy. You’ll typically need an LVR below 65% across all securities, and a clear refinance or capital raising plan, things that our team can help you prepare.

Not normally because bridging finance is for property-secured short-term lending only. If you’re having cash flow headaches you’re best options is likely going to be invoice financing. That said, if you have property equity you’re willing to tap into, you could use bridging as emergency working capital solution. It’s really about understanding the pros and cons of different options. 

Yes, developers often use bridging loans from our lenders to secure sites quickly, before then arranging for construction finance. You’ll need clear development plans, and ideally DA approval in process. Be prepared to pay slightly higher rates (1.0-1.5% monthly) due to the increased risk.

While exact costs will vary, you can use this as a guide:

  • monthly interest (0.65-1.5%)
  • establishment fee (1.5-2.5% of loan)
  • valuation fees ($1,500-5,000)
  • legal fees ($2,000-5,000)
  • exit fees (usually none). 

So for example, on a $1M bridge for 6 months at 0.95% monthly, expect total costs around $80,000-90,000. You can use our handy calculator on this page to work our your specific costs. 

Yes, your exact rates will vary based on LVR, loan size, the clarity of your exit strategy, and your experience.

With strong applications and clear exits with lower LVRs (under 60%), we can often negotiate 0.1-0.3% monthly reductions from lenders on your behalf as your commercial finance broker.

You have the option to choose either a monthly payment, to capitalise the interest (added to loan), or prepay the interest. We find most borrowers choose to capitalise to preserve their cash flow, though this increases total cost. You should also consider the tax implications of these options. 

Yes. If your finance has fallen through or you need more time to sell existing property, bridging finance might be the right option for you. The completed value provides security. You’ll need to have the contract, and evidence of imminent completion. Most lenders require settlement within 3 months.

The primary risks of commercial bridging loans include:

  • property not selling quickly enough
  • selling for less than expected,
  • refinance falling through
  • interest accumulation eating into profits

Our team can help you prepare a cash flow forecast and exit strategies to help avoid these potential outcomes. 

Most of our bridging loans have no early repayment penalties after the first month. Some require 3 months minimum term. You can exit as soon as your property sells or refinance is ready (see our commercial property refinancing loans). The flexibility is a key advantage.

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