Bridging loan volume transacted by contributors hit £766.9 million in 2018, an increase of £232.8 million on the previous year, according to the latest Bridging Trends data.
This is the highest annual gross lending figure to date and comes as four new contributors joined Bridging Trends in 2018: Clever Lending, Complete FS, Pure Commercial Finance, and Y3S.
The split between first and second legal charge bridging loans remained consistent throughout 2018, with first charge loans accounting for 83% of the market in all four quarters.
Second charges accounted for an average of 17% of total market volume in 2018 – the same average volume as in 2017. In 2016, 18% of bridging loans transacted by contributors were second charges.
A significant portion of bridging loan activity was unregulated in 2018, at an average of 64% of all transactions. Whilst regulated bridging loans decreased market share on previous years to an average of 36% in 2018, compared to 46% in 2017, 44% in 2016, and 37% in 2015.
Average loan-to-value levels increased in 2018 to an average of 55%, from 47% in 2017, and 49% in 2016. This could be attributed to higher LTVs being made available by new entrants in the space, the report said.
Average monthly interest rates continue to fall year on year, demonstrating how bridging finance has become cheaper. The average monthly interest rate in 2018 was 0.81%, lower than in 2017 (0.83%) and 2016 (0.85%).
Funding property refurbishments was the most popular reason for obtaining bridging finance in 2018, with the average proportion of loans advanced for property refurbishments increasing from 23% in 2017, to 28% in 2018.
Demand for bridging loans taken out for business purposes also increased in 2018, increasing on average from 12% in 2017, to 14% in 2018.
2018 was evidently a year where borrowers decided to opt for fast and flexible bridging loans to make improvements to properties and bolster yields, against the backdrop of Brexit uncertainty and legislation that has made it tougher to purchase new properties. Consequently, bridging loans for mortgage delays fell in every quarter in 2018.
The average loan term in 2018 was 11 months. down from 12 months in 2017. The average completion time of a bridging finance application averaged 45 days in 2018, up from 43 days in 2017. Average loan completion times were also 45 days for the year in 2016.
Phil Jay, director of Complete FS, said: “Good to see strong results that reinforce the sector’s essential resilience. Although the bridging market will not be immune to the shockwaves surrounding Brexit, the industry is fortunate to have a broad base of lenders that can currently more than compensate for any likely loss of liquidity, if funding tightens.
“Our lending was up 12% over the year and as we go into 2019, we will be looking to ensure that our lending panel reflects the experience and longevity needed to see out any further blips that might come our way.”
Chris Whitney, head of specialist lending at Ennes Global Mortgages, said: “I think the most thought-provoking aspect of this data is the increase in loan volume. Clearly a direct link to the additional contributors but it is still a big number and begs the question exactly how big is the bridging loans market in its entirety and how big could it get?
“Sadly, I am not sure an accurate figure will be forthcoming any time soon as it’s not an easy question to answer. Some lenders will see their data as commercially sensitive and there will always be ‘off radar’ lenders (i.e. family offices etc) that wouldn’t report any lending at all despite lending significant sums. As the index shows the bulk of the market is unregulated loans so many not required report the numbers.
“This is why I think the bridging ‘trends’ index is a useful barometer of sentiment in the market place and how macroeconomics might be impacting on it.
“I think we will see demand increase this year for second charge loans with some first charge holders having Brexit worries coupled with the fact that as we have seen in this quarters data pricing continues to see downward pressure making it a fast, simple cost-effective solution for many borrowers. It can be particularly attractive for borrowers who have very attractive historic mortgage deals that would not be available now and can’t borrow anymore on that product. Adding on a good second charge loan can give a surprisingly low overall blended rate.
“Whilst the average term came down, I think many ‘bridging’ lenders are offering much longer terms now with a demand for it as cost of funds becomes more and more cost effective so I don’t see that as a trend that will continue. Coupled with the still low average LTV hopefully reflecting continuing responsible lending.”
