66% of brokers expect bridging market to expand

Just 7% of respondents believe the market will contract and the remainder expects it to stay about the same.

The survey, carried out by United Trust Bank, also found that nearly half (49%) of brokers expected to see more new lenders join the sector whilst a third (33%) thought some lenders would fail or withdraw.

The study found that nearly a quarter (23%) of brokers operating in the bridging sector had completed over 20 bridging cases in the last year.

Alan Margolis, Head of Bridging at United Trust Bank, commented:

“I share the optimism expressed by the majority of respondents. 2014 has been a tremendous year for the Bridging Department and our brokers. The more business we do, the more broker & IFA businesses and lives of borrowers we touch, so that there is a natural momentum generated which will carry us forward into 2015.

"Allied to this; the sheer variety of uses and flexibility of these loans combining with the entrepreneurial approach of many of those involved in short term secured lending, makes the short term sector a dynamic market to be involved with. We are very excited about the prospects for 2015 and beyond, and will look to grow our team to meet the growing demand.”