Guides & How-To

Bridging Loan Calculator: Work Out Your Costs

Bridging Loan Calculator: Work Out Your Costs. Fast bridging finance when you need to move quickly. Settle in 24-72 hours with private lenders.

18 January 20267 min read

Bridging Loan Calculator: Work Out Your Costs

24-hour settlement possible for urgent situations. When you need bridging finance fast, private lenders offer the speed and flexibility that banks simply cannot match.

Bridging loans fill the gap between buying your new property and selling your existing one — or any situation where you need short-term property finance quickly.

What Is Bridging Finance?

Bridging loans are short-term secured loans designed to "bridge" a financial gap, typically between:

  • Buying a new property before selling your current one
  • Settlement dates that don't align

  • Bank finance delays when settlement is approaching
  • Auction purchases requiring quick settlement

  • Any urgent property purchase where timing is critical

Unlike traditional bank loans that take weeks to approve, private bridging loans can settle in as little as 24-48 hours.

Why Speed Matters in Bridging Finance

In property transactions, timing is everything:

SituationRisk Without Fast Finance
Found dream homeSomeone else buys it while you wait
Auction winCan't settle in 28-42 days
Settlement approachingLose deposit (typically 10%)
Bank delayedVendor rescinds contract
Extension deniedForced to settle or forfeit

The cost of delay can be catastrophic. Losing a 10% deposit on an $800,000 property = $80,000 gone. Fast bridging finance is insurance against this risk.

Fast Bridging Loan Terms

Typical Terms

ComponentTypical Range
Interest Rate10% - 15% p.a.
Establishment Fee1.5% - 3%
LVRUp to 75-80%
Term1 - 12 months
InterestCapitalised (added to loan)
ExitSale of property or refinance

What Affects Your Rate


  • LVR — Lower loan-to-value ratio = lower rate
  • Property type — Standard residential gets best rates

  • Location — Metro properties preferred
  • Exit clarity — Clear sale or refinance path

  • Timeline — Shorter, urgent deals may attract premium

How Fast Bridging Works

Step 1: Quick Application (5 Minutes)


Provide basic details:
  • Properties involved (buying/selling)
  • Values and any existing mortgages

  • Settlement dates
  • Amount needed

Step 2: Indicative Terms (Hours)


Receive indicative offer including:
  • Interest rate
  • Fees

  • LVR
  • Settlement timeframe

Step 3: Valuation (24-48 Hours)


  • Desktop valuation often sufficient for metro properties
  • Full valuation if required can be fast-tracked

  • Some lenders accept recent bank valuations

Step 4: Approval & Settlement (24-72 Hours)


  • Formal approval issued
  • Loan documents prepared

  • Settlement arranged
  • Funds disbursed

Total time: As little as 2-3 business days. Urgent cases can be faster.

Common Bridging Scenarios

Scenario 1: Buy Before You Sell


You've found your next home but haven't sold yet. You need funds for the new purchase deposit and settlement.

Solution: Bridging loan secured against your current property. Repay when your property sells.

Scenario 2: Settlement Gap


You're selling and buying but settlement dates don't align — you settle on your purchase 3 weeks before receiving funds from your sale.

Solution: Short-term bridging to cover the gap. Interest only charged for actual days used.

Scenario 3: Bank Finance Delayed


Your bank approval is taking longer than expected and settlement is in 2 weeks.

Solution: Fast bridging to meet settlement. Refinance to bank once their approval comes through.

Scenario 4: Auction Purchase


You've won at auction and need to settle in 28 days. Your bank can't move that fast.

Solution: Bridging finance settles in time. Refinance to bank afterward.

Scenario 5: Extension Denied


The vendor won't extend settlement and your finance isn't ready.

Solution: Emergency bridging to settle on time and protect your deposit.

Bridging Loan Costs

Understanding Total Cost

A typical bridging loan cost breakdown:

Example: $500,000 bridging loan for 3 months

Cost ComponentAmount
Interest (12% p.a. x 3 months)$15,000
Establishment fee (2%)$10,000
Legal/valuation$2,500
Total cost$27,500

Is It Worth It?

Compare the bridging cost to:

  • Losing your deposit (often 10% = $50,000-$100,000+)
  • Missing out on your dream property

  • Rental costs if you have to move twice
  • Market movements if you have to buy later

For most people, $20,000-$30,000 in bridging costs is far less than the alternative.

Bridging vs Bank Loans

FactorBank BridgingPrivate Bridging
Approval time2-4 weeks24-48 hours
Settlement1-2 weeks after24-72 hours
Interest rate6-9%10-15%
FlexibilityLimitedHigh
DocumentationExtensiveStreamlined
Best forWhen you have timeUrgent situations

Private bridging costs more but delivers when timing is critical.

What You Need for Fast Approval

Essential Information


  • Properties involved — Addresses, values, existing loans
  • Your situation — Why you need bridging, timeline

  • Exit strategy — How you'll repay (sale, refinance)
  • Basic financials — Income overview (full docs not always needed)

What Speeds Up Approval


  • Clear property title
  • Recent valuation or sales evidence

  • Signed sale contract (if selling)
  • Signed purchase contract

  • Your solicitor's details ready

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I get a bridging loan?


With private lenders, approval can come within 24 hours and settlement within 48-72 hours for straightforward deals. Urgent cases may be faster.

Do I need to have sold my property first?


No. Many bridging loans are specifically for buying before you sell. You can get finance secured against your current property before it's sold.

What if my property doesn't sell?


This is why exit strategy matters. Options include:
  • Price reduction to achieve sale
  • Refinance to longer-term loan

  • Sell other assets
  • Extend bridging term (fees apply)

Good lenders will discuss exit scenarios before approving.

Can I get bridging with an existing mortgage?


Yes. The bridging lender can either:
  • Take second mortgage behind your existing loan
  • Pay out your existing loan and take first mortgage

  • Most prefer first mortgage position for better rates

What LVR is available?


Typically up to 75-80% of property value. Some lenders go higher with strong exit strategies.

Get Fast Bridging Finance Today

When timing is critical, you need bridging finance that moves as fast as you do.

Introducr connects you with verified private bridging lenders who specialise in fast settlements. Post your deal and receive offers within hours.

  • Approval in 24-48 hours
  • Settlement in 48-72 hours

  • Rates from 10% p.a.
  • LVR up to 80%

Don't risk losing your property or deposit. Get fast bridging finance now.


Important: Metro Locations Only

Our lenders fund properties in major Australian metro areas only:

  • Sydney metro (within 25km of CBD)
  • Melbourne metro (within 25km of CBD)

  • Brisbane metro (within 20km of CBD)
  • Perth metro (within 20km of CBD)

  • Adelaide metro (within 15km of CBD)
  • Gold Coast and Canberra

Regional and rural properties are not funded.

Best Rates for Low LVR

Your LVRTypical Rate
50% or less8-12% p.a.
50-65%10-14% p.a.
65-75%12-16% p.a.

Metro location + 50% LVR = best rates from 8% p.a.

Topics covered:

bridging loan calculator work out costsbridging loans australiafast bridging financequick bridging loansbuy before you sellsettlement finance

Need Private Lending?

Post your funding request on Introducr and receive competitive offers from verified private lenders.

Post Your Deal