Bridging loans and personal loans: How do they compare?

In finance, various loan options cater to different needs. Among these, bridging loans and personal loans are two popular choices. Understanding their differences can help you decide which type of loan best suits your financial situation.

What is a bridging loan?

A bridging loan is a short-term loan designed to bridge the gap between selling an existing property and purchasing a new one. These loans are typically used in real estate transactions to provide temporary financing until long-term financing is secured.

Key Features of Bridging Loans

1. Short-Term Nature: Bridging loans are generally available from one month to two years.
2. High Interest Rates: Due to their short-term nature and higher risk, bridging loans often have higher interest rates than traditional loans.
3. Secured Loan: Bridging loans are usually secured against property, providing lenders with collateral to mitigate risk.
4. Fast Approval: These loans can be approved quickly, sometimes within 24 hours, making them ideal for urgent financial needs.

When to Use a Bridging Loan

• Purchasing a new property before selling an existing one
• Funding renovations or repairs on a property before the sale
• Managing cash flow in business transactions requiring immediate funding

What is a personal loan?

A personal loan, on the other hand, is an unsecured loan that can be used for various personal expenses. Unlike bridging loans, personal loans are not tied to specific assets or transactions.

Features of personal loans

1. Fixed Repayment Terms: Personal loans often come with fixed repayment terms for months or years.
2. Unsecured Loan: Personal loans do not require collateral, making them potentially accessible to a broader range of borrowers.
3. Versatile Use: These loans can be used for various purposes, including debt consolidation, medical expenses, travel, or home improvements.

When to Use a Personal Loan

• Consolidating high-interest debt into a single, lower-interest payment
• Financing major personal expenses, such as weddings or vacations
• Covering unexpected costs, like medical bills or emergency repairs
• Making large purchases without depleting savings

Choosing between bridging and a personal loans

1. Financial Needs: Determine the purpose of the loan. A bridging loan may be suitable if you need short-term financing for a property transaction. For general personal expenses, a personal loan could be the better option.
2. Repayment Ability: Assess your ability to repay the loan. A bridging loan may require a lump sum repayment, which might be challenging if you do not have a clear repayment strategy. Personal loans offer fixed monthly payments, making budgeting planning simpler.
3. Interest Rates: Consider the cost of borrowing. Bridging loans have higher interest rates, so ensure that the need for quick, short-term financing justifies the cost. Personal loans usually offer more affordable rates over a longer term.
4. Collateral: Evaluate the necessity of providing collateral. Bridging loans require property as security, while personal loans do not. A personal loan might be preferable if you prefer not to tie a loan to your property.

Get started

Imagine you are in the process of selling your current home and buying a new one. The closing date for your new home is approaching, but your existing house has not yet sold. You need immediate funds to complete the purchase. A bridging loan from Funding would be an ideal solution, providing you with the necessary funds until your current home sells; at this point, you can repay the loan in full.

Conversely, if you are planning a significant renovation for your home and do not want to use your property as collateral, a personal loan could provide the funds needed for the project with manageable monthly repayments over several years.

Learn more about personal loans

For more detailed information on bridging and personal loans, you can visit MoneySmart, an Australian government initiative providing financial guidance.