Published 22 September 2022 · Last reviewed 12 August 2026
Bridging Fees – Lets talk about gross and net bridging loans costs
Many bridging enquiries involve applicants trying to understand how much cash they will receive after fees and retained interest. The amount available depends on the lender, property, transaction and charging structure. This difference between the overall facility and the usable amount is why gross and net figures must be compared carefully.
Development finance may include an initial advance and staged funding for works. Each release is subject to the lender’s assessment, valuation and agreed facility terms. The same distinction between the gross facility and the net day-one advance still matters. Our guide explains how a schedule of works is used on a refurbishment bridge.
See net-of-fees figures for your deal shape on the no-email bridging calculator.
Using more than one property as security can affect the amount available, subject to valuation, lender criteria and underwriting. Auction buyers should also allow for the contractual completion timetable; our guide explains bridging finance for an auction purchase.
Frequently asked questions about the difference between gross and net bridging loans
A) It is the overall amount a Bridging Lender lends. This total is subject to interest charges i.e. it is the amount borrowed.
To see how these gross-versus-net figures translate into real-world cost, read our breakdown of UK bridging rates and fees.
A) The amount you receive in your pocket to use. This figure is after (net) the deductions of set up fees. It may also include interest deductions for the borrowing.
A) Typical deductions may include a lender arrangement or facility fee, administration charges, legal costs and a transfer fee. The exact deductions depend on the lender and transaction.
A) Examples are Title insurance and Broker Fees, depending on the transaction there could be others.
A) Yes, some Bridging Lenders configure the bridging loan on a “retained interest” basis. This means they take the interest either in part or fully upfront and add this to the fees This sum is then deducted from the gross bridge to arrive at the net advance.
A) Paying a broker fee from the loan may reduce the administration involved, but it can also increase the amount on which interest is calculated. The effect should be considered as part of the total cost.
A) Fees vary by lender and transaction. Consider them alongside interest, legal, valuation and any other charges when comparing the total cost and the net amount available.
A) Legal work can include identity and source-of-funds checks, title review, lease and planning checks, and confirmation of any licences or building-regulation matters relevant to the property. The work required and its cost depend on the transaction.
A) The maximum depends on the property, valuation, proposed works, exit strategy, lender criteria and underwriting. Compare both the gross facility and the net amount available for your case.
Some lenders may assess the property using a restricted-sale valuation rather than the open-market value. This can affect the loan-to-value calculation and the amount available.
- Free Quote
- Broker fees, where applicable, are confirmed before you proceed
- Light refurbishment options are subject to lender criteria and underwriting
- Fees and payment timing are explained before you proceed
- Auction, Bridging and Development Finance in one place.
- Experienced Brokers watch our Youtube channel to learn more
- Access to specialist bridging finance lenders
- Loan size is subject to lender criteria and the individual case
- Residential, Buy to Let and Commercial Finance Exit routes
- First Time Buyers Auction Finance
- First Time Landlords Auction Finance
- Light Refurbishment products offered for “flipping”
- Bridge-to-let options are subject to lender criteria and underwriting
- Complex Income structure
- Lending on the end value
- Regulated and Unregulated Loans
Bridging loans are short-term finance and are typically more expensive than standard mortgages. You must have a clear and credible exit strategy — usually the sale of the property or a refinance onto longer-term lending — to be considered for a bridging loan. Interest is normally charged monthly and can be rolled or retained from the loan; this means the amount you repay may be higher than the amount originally borrowed.
Bridging loans secured against your home are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Bridging loans secured against investment or commercial property are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Niche Advice Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FCA No: 750263) and is a Credit Broker that does not lend directly.
This article is information, not regulated advice. Your individual circumstances — including your exit strategy, the security property type, and your wider financial position — determine whether a bridging loan is suitable for you. Always discuss your case with a qualified mortgage adviser before applying.




