Second Charge Bridging Rates 2026 — Updated October 2026
- second charge bridge
- From 0.85%/mosecond charge bridge
- vs first charge
- +0.15%–0.30%vs first charge
- share of bridging, highest since 2021
- 22%share of bridging, highest since 2021
- Last updated
- October 2026Last updated
A second charge bridge sits behind your existing mortgage, so you keep a low fixed rate while raising short-term funds. Rates start from about 0.85% a month, typically 0.15%–0.30% above a first-charge bridge. Second charge loans are now 22% of bridging, the highest share since 2021.
Second Charge Bridging Rates by Combined LTV — October 2026
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Combined LTV | Rate per month |
|---|---|
| Up to 60% | 0.85%–1.00% |
| 60%–70% | 0.95%–1.15% |
| 70%–75% | 1.05%–1.30% |
What a second charge bridging loan costs: worked example
- Interest
- £11,674
- Arrangement fee
- £4,000
£200,000 for 6 months at 0.95% a month.
Compare this with the cost of breaking a cheap fixed mortgage.
Terms the same working day — no upfront fees on loans over £1m
The figures above are indicative and describe the best case. Send your own scenario and we will come back the same working day with terms from the lenders that actually fit it.
- Enquiry type
- Bridging Loan
- About
- Second Charge Bridging Rates
No upfront fees on loans over £1m.
Enough detail to price it is the amount, the security, the purpose and how you plan to repay. The rest we can fill in on a call.
Whole of market · 130+ lenders · FCA 814533 · Same working day response
Rate context and outlook
Bank Rate is 3.75% after the 17 September hold, with three MPC votes for a rise and the next decision on 5 November. Bridging pricing follows lender funding costs and swap rates rather than Bank Rate directly.
The latest Bridging Trends average was 0.81% per month, with average LTV of 55% and completion in 46 days. We expect standard-band pricing to hold in the 0.65%–0.95% range through Q4 2026, with upward pressure on the most competitive prime products if swap rates stay high.
Reviewed by David Doulton, Director, Doulton Bridging Finance — over 20 years in property finance. Last reviewed 1 October 2026. Doulton Money Ltd t/a Doulton Bridging Finance, FCA No. 814533.
Frequently asked questions
Does my first lender need to agree?
Most require consent; your broker arranges it.
Is combined LTV what matters?
Yes — first mortgage plus the bridge, against value.
Why use a second charge bridge instead of remortgaging?
To keep a cheap first mortgage and avoid early repayment charges while raising short-term funds.
How fast can it complete?
Usually 2–3 weeks once first-lender consent is received.
Is a second charge bridge regulated?
Yes, if it is secured on your home.
How quickly can a bridging loan complete?
Typically 2–4 weeks; the latest market average is 46 days. Urgent cases with clean title and a quick valuation can complete in 7–10 working days.
What fees come on top of the interest rate?
An arrangement fee of 1%–2%, valuation of about £500–£1,500, legal fees of £1,500–£3,000 for both sides, and on some products an exit fee of up to 1%.
Can the interest be rolled up?
Yes. Most bridges roll interest into the loan and repay it at the end, so there are no monthly payments; serviced and retained interest are also available.
What exit strategies do lenders accept?
A sale, a refinance to a mortgage, or other funds such as an inheritance or business sale. The stronger the evidence, the better the rate.
Can I get a bridging loan with bad credit?
Often, yes. Lenders focus on the property and exit; recent defaults or CCJs usually move you up a pricing band rather than rule you out.
Is a bridging loan regulated?
Only when it is secured on a home you or your family live in or will live in. Investment and business bridges are unregulated.
Where this applies
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Think carefully before securing other debts against your home.
Get a personalised rate comparison for your case
Independent whole-of-market advice · FCA No. 814533