Can You Get a Bridging Loan in 48 Hours?

Why banks can't move this fast

Traditional banks have approval processes that take 2-4 weeks by design. They need credit checks, ability-to-repay assessments, multiple sign-offs, and compliance reviews. Even for straightforward deals, they can't accelerate past their standard timeline because of how their systems are built.

If you're buying at auction or your current property sale is closing in 48 hours, a bank simply won't work. They'll tell you to come back when you have more time. The result is you miss the opportunity or pay cash upfront and refinance later — both expensive options.

How private lenders approach speed differently

Specialist bridging lenders are built around speed. Their entire process is designed to move fast:

They decide based on security, not credit. — Instead of diving into your credit file and bank statements, they focus on how much the property is worth and how much equity you have. If the numbers stack up, they can move forward in hours instead of days.
They have valuation teams on standby. — Rather than waiting for a third-party valuer to get to your property, many bridging specialists have in-house valuers who can assess the property quickly.
They have fast-track legal teams. — Title checks, searches, and conveyancing are compressed. Some lenders can complete legal work in 24 hours on straightforward properties.

The trade-off is that speed costs money. You'll pay a higher interest rate and possibly fast-track fees. But if you need cash in 48 hours to settle on a property purchase, that cost is often worth it.

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What a typical 48-hour deal looks like

Illustrative example — not a real case

Imagine a developer who's been negotiating to buy a residential property for $1.4 million. The seller is ready to settle in 48 hours. The developer's own property sale hasn't completed yet, but they have solid equity in it — worth $1.2 million with a $400,000 mortgage remaining, leaving about $800,000 in equity.

A traditional bank would say no — the timing is too tight. A bridging lender would assess the developer's equity, value the property being purchased, and potentially approve a bridging loan within hours. The loan might be $1 million, secured against both properties. The property sale completes within 30 days, the bridging loan is repaid, and the refinance happens at a bank at normal rates. Total cost: premium interest rate and fast-track fees, but the deal happens.

Typical 48-hour deal structure

Asset type

Residential property (house, apartment, townhouse)

Loan purpose

Bridge purchase gap until current sale completes

Typical LVR range

Up to 95% of property value

Loan sizes

From $50K up to $80M

Settlement timeframe

1–5 business days

Typical term

1 to 24 months

Ranges shown are across our full panel of specialist lenders. Your deal may fall within a narrower range depending on the specifics.

What lenders want to see for fast settlement

To approve and settle a bridging loan in 48 hours, lenders need the essentials locked down:

Clear proof of the property value. A recent valuation, comparable sales, or contract of sale showing the price. The stronger the evidence, the faster they can approve.
Proof of your equity. If you're bridging against another property, the lender needs to see its value and what you owe against it. A recent council valuation or mortgage statement helps.
A clear exit strategy. How will you repay this loan in 30–90 days? Usually it's "my current property sale completes" or "I'll refinance to a bank". Be specific.
A commitment to the purchase. Proof that you've made an offer or signed a contract. This shows the deal is real and time-sensitive.

When this might not work

A 48-hour bridging loan isn't guaranteed, even with specialist lenders. The deal might not stack up if:

The property valuation is unclear or disputed. If the lender can't quickly confirm the property's value, they won't settle fast.
Your exit strategy is shaky. If there's doubt about how you'll repay the loan (e.g., your property sale might fall through), the lender will slow down or decline.
The legal work can't be completed. Title issues, searches, or defects can delay settlement even when both parties are ready. Sometimes a property takes longer to clear legally.
You don't have enough equity. If the total borrowing (new loan + existing debt) is too high relative to property values, the lender will reduce the loan amount or ask you to wait.

What our panel can offer for fast settlement

Our panel includes specialist bridging lenders who are built for speed. Across these lenders:

Settlement in as fast as 1 business day for straightforward deals
Lo doc options — no need for full financial statements or employment proof
Credit-impaired borrowers are accepted on many bridging deals
Coverage across all Australian states and territories

The exact lender and settlement timeline depend on your specific deal. Describe your situation and our AI will match you with lenders known for moving fast.

How to get bridging finance in 48 hours

The process is simple if you have the right information ready:

Step 1: Have your basics ready. Property addresses, values, how much you need to borrow, and your exit plan. If you have a contract of sale or recent valuation, have that ready too.
Step 2: Talk to a bridging specialist. Tell them your timeline upfront. They'll tell you if 48 hours is realistic for your deal. If it is, they'll send a formal application and start the valuation immediately.
Step 3: Fast-track everything. You'll likely pay a premium for speed, but the lender will prioritize your valuation and legal work. If everything clears, you can be funded and settled within the timeframe.

Common questions

What's the fastest a bridging loan can settle?

Some specialist lenders can settle a bridging loan in as little as 24 hours. Others take 3-5 business days. It depends on how quickly the valuation, legal work, and title checks are completed. If you're buying at auction or have a tight deadline, it's worth telling the lender upfront so they can prioritize your deal.

What documents are needed for urgent bridging?

For a fast bridging application, lenders typically want proof of property value (recent valuation or bank statement showing the security), proof of identity, and details of your exit strategy (how you'll repay). Many specialist lenders don't require full financial statements or proof of income, which speeds up the process.

Can I get same-day bridging finance?

Same-day settlement is rare but possible for straightforward deals with clear security and an experienced team. More realistically, you can get a 24-48 hour turnaround if the property is valuable enough and your exit strategy is rock solid. The lender still needs to do valuation and legal checks, so instant lending doesn't exist.

What fees apply for fast settlement?

Fast-track settlement may incur additional fees beyond the standard interest rate — typically 0.5% to 2% of the loan amount depending on how urgent the turnaround is. Some lenders build the speed into their interest rate instead. Always ask upfront what you'll pay for the speed.

Does urgency affect the interest rate?

Yes, generally. Lenders charge a premium for tight timelines because it puts pressure on their team and increases risk. A standard bridging loan might be 4.99% p.a., but a 48-hour turnaround could be 6-8% or higher depending on the lender and the deal complexity.