Best Lenders to Secure a 40k Bridging Loan
For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank, prices accurate as of 2026-02-12.
Funding Agent focuses on helping UK SMEs quickly compare business finance options through a streamlined application and eligibility process. It is suitable for franchise buyers and SMEs seeking unsecured or working capital loans. The provider offers speed and ease without requiring collateral, supporting a range of loan types and repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 4%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3–60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Unsecured business loans, MCA Loans, Working capital
- Industries: UK SME's
Pros
- fastest and easiest application process
- No collateral required
Cons
- lower track record, only trading 1 year
Funding Circle specialises in business loans for UK SMEs, focusing on flexibility and competitive APRs. It suits borrowers seeking longer terms and a range of loan sizes, often requiring a solid business history. The lender balances competitive rates with adaptable terms, typically supporting term loans for working capital or expansion.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £5,000
- Max Amount: £500,000
- Min APR: 4.3%
- Max APR: 19.9%
- Loan Duration: 6-60 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Business Loans, SME Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Flexible terms
Cons
- Requires business history
Shawbrook Bank provides a variety of bridging and mortgage products to UK SMEs, focusing on tailored loan solutions. It is suitable for franchise buyers and property investors needing flexibility with collateral-backed loans. The bank supports multiple repayment types and loan durations with competitive rates.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £1,500,000
- Min APR: 3.5%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 3-36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Commercial Mortgages
- Industries: Real Estate, Healthcare, Retail
Pros
- Tailored loan solutions
- Wide range of products
Cons
- Higher APR for some products
LendInvest targets property-focused borrowers with bridging and buy-to-let mortgage products. It fits those seeking short-term finance with competitive rates and a focus on property collateral. The lender offers a streamlined process for property purchases and refinances.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £75,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 4.4%
- Max APR: 12.5%
- Loan Duration: 1-24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Buy-to-Let Mortgages
- Industries: Real Estate
Pros
- Specialized in property
- Competitive rates
Cons
- Higher loan amounts required
Together Money offers bridging and commercial loans with a focus on fast application and approval. It is appropriate for borrowers needing quick access to short-term finance secured on property or business assets. The lender offers flexible loan structures with varying repayment options.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 5.9%
- Max APR: 16.9%
- Loan Duration: 1-18 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Commercial Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Fast processing
- Versatile finance options
Octopus Property specialises in property-backed lending with a focus on bridging and development finance. It suits property developers and investors requiring large loan amounts with flexible terms secured on real estate. The provider offers tailored solutions subject to strict lending criteria.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £25,000,000
- Min APR: 6.5%
- Max APR: 15%
- Loan Duration: 1-36 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Development Finance
- Industries: Real Estate
Pros
- Specialized lending
- Large loan amounts
Masthaven Bank offers personal and commercial bridging loans with bespoke terms suited to various property and business loan needs. It is suitable for borrowers needing competitive rates with flexible repayment options secured against property. The lender emphasises personalised service combined with online accessibility.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £1,000,000
- Min APR: 3.49%
- Max APR: 13%
- Loan Duration: 1-24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Secured Loans
- Industries: Various
Pros
- Personalized service
- Flexible terms
Castle Trust Bank provides bridging and buy-to-let loans with an emphasis on competitive rates and a broad product range. It is suited to property investors and developers seeking short-term finance secured against real estate. The lender supports various loan durations and repayment methods tailored to client needs.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £2,500,000
- Min APR: 4.9%
- Max APR: 14.5%
- Loan Duration: 1-18 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Buy-to-Let Loans
- Industries: Real Estate, Property Development
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Wide range of products
MT Finance offers quick access to short-term property loans with flexible bridging finance options. It is suitable for property investors seeking fast decisions and adaptable repayment terms. The lender specialises in auction finance and bridging loans backed by property.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £25,000
- Max Amount: £5,000,000
- Min APR: 5%
- Max APR: 18%
- Loan Duration: 1-12 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Auction Finance
- Industries: Real Estate
Pros
- Speedy service
- Flexible terms
Ultimate Finance provides a wide array of financial products including asset-based and bridging loans, suited for business borrowers. It fits franchise buyers and property investors looking for flexible funding options with tailored repayment schedules. The provider focuses on businesses requiring diverse loan structures.
Loan Details
- Min Amount: £10,000
- Max Amount: £2,000,000
- Min APR: 4.5%
- Max APR: 20%
- Loan Duration: 3-24 months ⌛
Services & Industries
- Finance Types: Bridging Loans, Asset Finance
- Industries: SME, Property
Pros
- Diverse product range
- Flexible funding options
Cons
- Complex application process
How to choose
When securing a 40k bridging loan, align your choice with your property or business needs. Consider loan size, APR, and term length that fit your financial position and cash flow. Check whether the lender requires security or collateral and if flexible repayment options are available. Evaluate the speed of approval against the complexity of terms. Also, review eligibility criteria and any fees associated with early repayment. Finally, consider whether you prefer to work directly with lenders or via brokers to access specialist products.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lender for a 40,000 pounds loan depends on your specific use case and priorities. Banks often provide traditional securities and a broad product range, while brokers can offer access to multiple lenders for comparison. Specialist providers may suit niche needs such as property bridging or asset-backed finance. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs wanting quick comparisons across multiple options. Always verify current costs and terms with the chosen lender before proceeding.
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