Do You Need a Salary to Get a Bridging Loan?
Bridging loans differ from traditional mortgages in that they are not assessed on personal income or affordability. Instead, eligibility is determined by the strength of the underlying asset, the borrower’s experience, and the credibility of the exit strategy.
Maslow Capital’s bridging facilities are designed for professional property investors and developers who may not draw a regular salary but possess significant experience, equity, or capital tied up in existing assets.
Our underwriting focuses on the viability of the transaction, not the borrower’s employment status.
What Do Bridging Lenders Consider During An Application?
Institutional bridging lenders such as Maslow Capital focus on several key factors when assessing a proposal:
1. Exit Strategy
The most important consideration is how the loan will be repaid — typically through refinance, asset sale, or conversion to development finance. A clear, well-supported exit plan backed by credible assumptions and evidence is essential.
2. Borrower Experience
A proven track record in property investment, asset management, or development carries significant weight. Experienced borrowers demonstrate the ability to manage risk, timelines, and execution — all critical to a lender’s confidence.
3. Asset Quality
The property’s location, condition, and marketability are central to underwriting. Maslow’s team assesses the underlying value and liquidity of the security to ensure sufficient coverage for the facility.
4. Equity Contribution
Borrowers are generally expected to provide 25–35% equity in the transaction. This alignment of interests strengthens the overall credit profile. See minimum deposits for bridging loans.
5. Credit and Conduct
While a strong credit history is beneficial, bridging finance is primarily asset- and performance-based. Institutional lenders conduct appropriate background and credit checks to confirm overall reliability and compliance.
How Bridging Loans Differs from Traditional Mortgages
Bridging loans and mortgages serve very different purposes:
| Feature | Bridging Loan | Mortgage |
| Purpose | Short-term funding for acquisition, refinance, or repositioning | Long-term finance for owner-occupation |
| Assessment Focus | Asset value and exit strategy | Personal income and affordability |
| Regulation | Unregulated (commercial borrowers only) | FCA regulated |
| Typical Term | 6–18 months | 10–30 years |
Because bridging is unregulated commercial finance, borrowers are typically experienced professionals using the facility as part of a wider investment or development strategy.
Can You Get a Bridging Loan Without a Regular Income?
Yes — provided the borrower demonstrates:
- A clear and credible exit strategy
- Adequate equity contribution
- Strong asset quality and security
- A history of successful projects or investments
Institutional lenders such as Maslow Capital are comfortable lending to borrowers with non-salaried income — such as property profits, investment returns, or company dividends — as long as the transaction is underpinned by robust fundamentals.
Maslow Capital’s Approach
Maslow Capital is a leading provider of bridging finance and development finance to professional real estate borrowers across the UK. Our underwriting process focuses on the asset, structure, and strategy, allowing experienced investors and developers to act with speed and certainty — regardless of their personal income structure.
To discuss a bridging finance enquiry, contact our team on 0203 828 6879 or email bridging@maslowcapital.com.
See Also
What are bridging loans used for?
What are the fees involved with a bridging loan?
