Bridging loan activity, traditionally seen as a niche area of the mortgage market, peaked to £150m during the second quarter of 2017.
This is a 26 per cent increase on first quarter gross lending and the highest level since the quarterly Bridging Trends survey was launched in 2015 by lender MTF and several specialist finance brokers.
Reasons given by clients and brokers for the rise in bridging activity included significant delays in getting a traditional mortgage from high-street lenders.
The survey revealed refurbishments were the most popular reason for obtaining a bridging loan in the second quarter of 2017, contributing to 27 per cent of all lending. This was the first quarter that mortgage delays were not the top reason for getting a bridging loan, moving into second place at 25 per cent.
According to the data, despite the higher bridging activity, the average loan-to-value (LTV) levels dropped to a new low of 45.4 per cent during the second quarter of 2017, the lowest level since the first quarter 2015 as borrowers and lenders both took a more conservative approach, perhaps as a result of ongoing Brexit negotiations and the weak sterling.
The bridging market is going from strength to strength, with an increasing number of lenders coming to the fore with innovative products. Chris Borwick
Average monthly interest rates for bridging loans rose for the second consecutive month to 0.84 per cent, from 0.83 per cent in the previous quarter, but were lower than 0.88 per cent during Q2 2016.
Joshua Elash, director of MTF, commented: "Demand for specialist finance remains strong, notwithstanding a slight increase in the average monthly cost of credit to the consumer.
"What is interesting however, for the first time since reporting began, mortgage delays are not the most
popular use of a bridging finance loan, having been replaced by refurbishment.
"While it is too early to form any conclusions, this may be indicative of a shift in the market, coming off the back of recent increases in stamp duties, and the changes to tax relief on buy to let property, more investors in this,quarter focused on adding value to their existing investment properties."
Paul McGonigle, chief executive of Positive Lending, said he was not surprised the Bridging Trends report showed increased lending figures.
He said: "Brexit concerns appear to restrict some lenders where higher lending refurbishments on larger value stock are required.
"This has certainly been the growth area for Positive Lending, and while this reflects in the bridging
sector too, with some lenders, there are others that have the experience and appetite to assist."
