Bridge loans for real estate investors
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A bridge loan is a short-term loan on an investment property that needs little or no renovation, used to buy quickly, refinance out of another loan, or pull cash out until you sell or move into long-term financing. Lenders size it as a percentage of the property’s value (LTV), usually for 12 months.
Compare bridge lenders for your deal
Enter your deal once and compare every lender whose rules fit it, side by side: loan amount, rate, points, fees and total cost.
- Free for borrowers
- No credit pull
- Takes about 2 minutes
How bridge loans are sized
Bridge lenders lend a percentage of the purchase price or as-is value (LTV), typically lower for refinances and lowest for cash-out refinances.
Purchase, refinance or cash out
A rate-and-term refinance pays off an existing loan. If the new loan exceeds the payoff, it’s a cash-out refinance, which many lenders price separately and at lower leverage.
The exit
Lenders want a clear exit: a sale, or a long-term rental loan such as a DSCR loan. See DSCR refinance after a flip.
Costs
Rates, points and lender fees, sometimes with a minimum-interest period. Check your cash to close.
Bridge loans by state
Related tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a bridge loan in real estate investing?
A short-term loan, usually 12 months and interest-only, secured by an investment property that doesn’t need a major renovation.
How much can I borrow on a bridge loan?
Typically 65–80% of the purchase price or as-is value, often less for cash-out refinances and for borrowers with lower credit.
Can I use a bridge loan to cash out equity?
Yes. Many bridge lenders offer cash-out refinances on investment property, usually at lower leverage than a purchase.
How is a bridge loan different from a fix and flip loan?
A bridge loan has no rehab budget or draws; it’s sized on current value. See fix and flip vs bridge vs construction.
Can I get a bridge loan for my own home?
No. Hard Money Lender Match only covers business-purpose loans on investment property.