The use of bridging finance to complete purchases and secure auctioned properties has increased by 10% in Q1 2025 according to Octane Capital.

In 23% of cases bridging was used to complete investment purchases in Q1 2025, a rise from just 13% in Q4 2024, albeit a minor increase from 21% in Q1 2024. 

Jonathan Samuels, CEO of Octane Capital, said: “More investors are waking up to the modern uses of bridging finance, which can be an effective tool in snapping up an investment property. 

“Maybe you need the finance to secure a quick purchase before a competitor swoops in, or perhaps it’s about using the funds to refurbish the property before refinancing with a buy-to-let loan. 

“Either way, the industry is increasingly set up to meet investors’ needs, which is demonstrated by the shorter processing times when it comes to taking applications to completion.”

Although bridging lending has increased, total lending has fallen 0.7% in Q1 2025, from £203.5m in Q4 2024 to £202.0m in Q1 2025. Activity is still 3% up year-on-year however, as lending stood at £196.2m in Q1 2024.