Bridging Loan Lenders in Australia

There are three types of bridging loan lender operating in Australia — banks, non-bank lenders, and private funders. Each has a different sweet spot. Picking the right one is half the work of getting a good deal.

Who provides bridging loans in Australia?

Three lender types: (1) Major banks — limited products, slow but cheapest when they fit; (2) Non-bank specialist lenders — fast, flexible, the most common choice for homeowners; (3) Private lenders — fastest of all, used for complex, commercial or short-deadline deals.

The big four banks plus a handful of regional banks offer bridging products. They're cheapest on rate but have tight credit criteria, slow turnaround (3–6 weeks), and usually require a signed contract of sale on your existing property.

Best for: existing customers, low-LVR closed bridging, no urgency.

Non-bank lenders are NCCP-regulated specialists who focus on bridging and short-term finance. They settle in 3–10 business days, accept open bridging without a sale contract, and have more flexible credit criteria. This is the segment most Brisbane homeowners end up using.

Best for: buy-before-sell, auction buyers, self-employed, settlement gaps.

Private lenders (also called private funders or private mortgage lenders) are typically used for commercial, development, or deals that don't fit a bank or non-bank box. Highest rate but fastest settlement — sometimes 48 hours.

Best for: developers, complex security, immediate-funding scenarios.

We work with 40+ Australian bridging lenders across all three categories. For every enquiry we shortlist 3–5 lenders likely to approve your specific scenario, then negotiate terms. You see a single, comparable quote rather than wading through individual bank applications.