Bridging loan books surpass £10bn

Bridging lending has continued its record-breaking growth, with data from the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) showing increases in applications, completions and loan book values, which have broken through £10bn for the first time.

The figures, compiled by auditors from data provided by members of the BDLA, show that bridging completions grew to a new record of £2.30bn in Q4 2024, representing a 28.6% increase on the previous quarter. 

This helped to drive a 14.4% increase in the size of overall loan books, which have now exceeded £10bn for the first time, reaching £10.30bn.

The data also shows strong growth in pipeline business, with applications increasing by 3.9% in the fourth quarter to reach £11.30 billion.

Vic Jannels, CEO of the BDLA, said: “The latest BDLA lending data confirms that bridging and development finance is reaching new heights, with record-breaking figures across completions and loan book sizes. Bridging completions surged to £2.30bn, a remarkable 28.6% increase from the previous quarter, while total loan book values have now exceeded £10bn for the first time, reaching £10.30bn – a 14.4% rise.

“This continued growth reflects the increasing recognition among brokers and borrowers of the many advantages that flexible, short-term property finance can offer. Whether it’s facilitating time-sensitive transactions, supporting development projects, or unlocking opportunities that traditional funding cannot, it’s that bridging finance has become an essential tool in the property market and is growing in importance.

“As demand rises, so too does the BDLA’s membership and influence. We are committed to supporting sustainable growth by working with lenders to uphold responsible underwriting, combat fraud, and promote professional development through initiatives such as the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP) accreditation. Our engagement with regulators and policymakers continues to help shape a strong and stable future for the sector."