Finance

Bridge Calculator

Model the true cost of a bridging facility, including rolled-up interest, fees and the net advance received.

Intermediate

Introduction

Who this is for: Investors and developers using short-term finance for acquisitions, refurbishments or auction purchases.

Why it matters: Bridging is quoted monthly, so a "1% rate" is around 12.7% a year once compounded. With arrangement and exit fees on top, the real cost of a 12-month bridge is routinely 15-18% — and if interest is rolled up and deducted at drawdown, the cash you actually receive is well below the headline loan.

Typical scenario: An investor buys at auction for £400,000 with a 12-month bridge at 0.95% per month, planning to refurbish and refinance onto a term mortgage.

Common mistakes:
  • Reading a monthly rate as an annual one — a factor-of-twelve error.
  • Budgeting against the gross loan when rolled-up interest and fees are deducted upfront.
  • Ignoring the exit fee, which is often charged on the gross loan rather than the balance.
  • Assuming the exit route will complete on time — most bridging distress comes from an overrun, not the rate.

Inputs

Facility

£
£

months

Rate & Fees

%
%
%
£

Exit

£

Analysis

A £280,000 facility at 0.95% per month over 12 months costs £46,542 in total — an effective annualised rate of 16.6%.

Because interest is rolled up, £33,642 is retained at drawdown alongside fees, so the net advance is £236,258.

At exit, £316,442 is repayable against an expected value of £520,000, releasing £203,558.

This analysis provides context, not financial advice. Consult a qualified adviser before making investment decisions.

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Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity

Adjust the variables below to stress-test this scenario. Results update instantly.

£280,000
£0£560,000
12
136
0.95%
0.13
£520,000
£0£1,040,000

Export

Live Results

Total Cost of Finance

£46,542

Net Advance Received

£236,258

Amount to Repay at Exit

£316,442

Effective Annualised Rate

16.62%

With rolled-up interest and fees deducted, you receive £236,258 — 15.6% less than the gross loan. Budget against the net advance, not the headline figure.
Total Interest£33,642
Loan to Value70.00%
Monthly Payment£0
Equity Released at Exit£203,558