City Bridge Loans, the specialist lending arm of City Bay Capital Ltd established in 2016, provides short-term property finance primarily across England and Wales. The lender focuses on bridging, refurbishment, and development loans and operates as a non-bank lender funded by private and institutional capital. Its FCA registration covers limited permissions credit broking and consumer buy-to-let activity, but most bridging loans fall outside FCA regulation. This lender may suit property investors and developers needing rapid financing up to £25 million with a variety of short-term loan options. Learn more about City Bridge Loans reviews and bridging loans.
Key features of City Bridge Loans
The lender offers several practical features tailored to property finance borrowers. Fast decision-making and flexible loan structuring are supported by digital processes and dedicated service.
- Rapid credit decisions, often within 24 hours, supporting swift completions and cash competitiveness; see our quick business finance guide.
- Flexible interest options including roll-up, retention, or monthly servicing, suitable for varying cash flow situations; understand interest rates and structures.
- Loans accepted for individuals, companies, SPVs, offshore entities, and foreign nationals, offering broad borrower eligibility subject to asset and experience criteria; consult our business loan eligibility tips.
Funding eligibility
You may qualify for finance with City Bridge Loans if you can provide suitable UK property as security and, for some products, demonstrate relevant property or refurbishment experience. Minimal trading history is required for many loans, prioritising asset value over trading credentials. The lender's products mainly serve property investors and developers in England and Wales, with selective consideration for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Their exclusions include non-property businesses and certain specialist housing types. Review our eligibility criteria, business planning tools, and financing options for guidance.
Loan options
City Bridge Loans offers multiple short-term loan types to address diverse property financing needs. Terms typically range from one to 36 months depending on the product, with loan amounts from £100,000 to £25 million. The following outlines key products with representative rates and terms. For details, see each linked loan type.
- Standard Bridging Loan: £100,000 to £25,000,000 over 3 to 24 months with interest rates from 0.75% to 1.35% per month. This product requires no minimum trading history and offers up to 75% LTV. See bridging loans for more.
- Light & Heavy Refurbishment Finance: Loans from £150,000 to £5,000,000 for 6 to 18 months, interest rates 0.79% to 1.45% monthly, funding up to 75% of purchase price plus 100% of works costs released in tranches. Experience in refurbishment is essential. View alternative finance loans for refurbishment guidance.
- Ground-Up Development Finance: £500,000 to £25,000,000 over 12 to 30 months. Interest rates are 7.5% to 11.0% per annum, rolled-up. Requires prior development experience and planning consent. See debt financing for development loan context.
- Auction Finance: £100,000 to £3,000,000 for terms of 1 to 12 months at 0.80% to 1.40% monthly interest. Provides quick credit decisions and completions within auction deadlines. Suitable for auction property purchasers. More at bridge loan.
- Bridge-to-Let (Exit Bridge): £250,000 to £5,000,000 loans over 12 to 36 months, with fixed interest from 7.25% to 8.99% per annum. Designed to allow seasoning of rental income before longer-term buy-to-let refinancing. See buy-to-let mortgage explanation.
How to apply
City Bridge Loans facilitates online initial enquiries and broker submissions. The application process emphasises rapid decisions, extensive electronic document handling, and digital checks to accelerate funding. Expect required documents including ID verification, asset and liability statements, property details, and evidence of exit strategy.
- Submit an online enquiry or work through a broker using electronic forms; see our application forms.
- Provide digital proof of identity, address, and relevant financial documents for verification and underwriting; understand application service provider roles in speeding approvals.
- Await indicative terms typically within 24 hours and a formal credit offer within 3 to 5 working days after valuation; consult the funding timelines.
- Review and sign final loan documentation electronically to confirm acceptance and enable prompt funding.
Funding Agent’s view on City Bridge Loans
City Bridge Loans is a nimble, privately funded lender specialising in short-term property finance. It suits investors and developers prioritising speed and bespoke underwriting over lower borrowing costs. While offering a range of bridge, refurbishment, auction, and development finance products, borrowers should note premium interest rates, personal guarantee requirements, and short loan durations. Compare these features with your needs using our business plan tools and eligibility guides before proceeding.
