Desktop valuation

A guide to desktop valuation bridging loans

What is a desktop valuation bridging loan?

No Valuation Bridging Loans, AVM Bridging Loans (Automated Valuation Model), and Desktop Valuation Bridging Loans are types of bridging finance that do not require a full property valuation during the loan application process.

A Desktop Valuation Bridging Loan is a short-term finance solution where the property valuation is carried out remotely by a qualified surveyor—without a physical inspection. Unlike an AVM (Automated Valuation Model), which is fully algorithm-driven, a desktop valuation involves a human valuer using digital tools, market comparables, and expert judgment to assess the property’s value

This method is ideal for:

  • Low-risk properties

  • Time-sensitive transactions

  • Urban or well-documented locations

In a typical bridging loan application, lenders usually require an independent (RICS Redbook) property valuation to confirm the market value. This process can be both time-consuming and expensive, with average RICS Redbook valuations taking 5-7 working days and costs ranging from £600 to £5,000+, depending on the type of property and your plans.

Features

Speed & Flexibility

  • Approvals same day, funds in 2-10 days.

  • Terms from 1 to 24 months.

  • Loans from £50k to £5m

Market-Leading Terms

  • Rates from 0.69% pm, with no exit fees

  • Up to 95% net LTV / 100% LTP on BMW purchases

  • No adverse credit considered

Broad Security Options

  • First & second charges accepted

  • Residential, semi-commercial, commercial, and mixed-use properties.

  • Freehold & long leasehold eligible

Why choose desktop valuation bridging loans?

  • Speed – Valuations completed in 1–2 days—ideal for auction purchases or chain breaks

  • Cost-Effective – No surveyor travel or site visit means lower fees, saving you thousands of pounds.

  • Expert-Led Accuracy - Combines digital data with professional judgment—more reliable than AVMs alone.

  • Simplified application process – Reduce the administrative burden and paperwork.

  • Perfect for - Property investors, developers, homeowners needing fast capital, buy-to-let landlords.

How it works

  • Step 1 – Contact Us & Submit Your Application
    Speak to our team to understand whether a desktop valuation bridging loan suits your circumstances by providing basic property and borrower details, we will then provide you with an initial quote.

  • Step 2 – Desktop Valuation Initiated
    Our RICS-accredited partners assesses the property using digital tools and comparables.

  • Step 3 – Loan Offer Issues
    If the valuation supports the loan and once underwriting is complete, we issue final terms, often within 24 hours.

  • Step 4 – Funds Released
    Once legal checks are complete, funds are transferred.

Frequently asked questions

  • Secure no valuation bridging finance with up to 85% loan-to-value (LTV) and competitive interest rates starting from just 0.55% on larger transactions.

    Our fast and flexible bridging loan solutions provide a hassle-free way to access the funds you need—without the delays of property valuations.

  • To qualify for a desktop valuation bridging loan, you typically need:

    • A residential or BTL property

    • The asset has good comparable sales data

    • A clear exit strategy (e.g. sale or refinance)

  • Our Desktop Valuation bridging loans can be completed in as little as 48 hours, with most transactions completing within 10 working days.

    By eliminating the need for a physical property valuation, the credit and underwriting processes are significantly accelerated. This makes desktop valuation bridging finance an ideal solution for those who need fast access to funds, whether it's for securing a property purchase, refinancing, or meeting your urgent financial needs!

  • To secure the best desktop valuation bridging loan, it’s essential to compare lenders based on several key factors. Start by looking at interest rates, loan terms, valuation fees, and lender reputation. These elements can significantly impact the overall cost and speed of your bridging finance.

    Equally important is understanding each lender’s appetite for your specific deal. Not all lenders accept desktop valuations for every property type or location. For example, standard residential or buy-to-let properties in urban areas are typically eligible, while rural, listed, or heavily modified properties may require a full RICS valuation. Applying to the wrong lender can lead to delays, down valuations, or even declined applications—costing you time and money

  • A desktop valuation is a remote property assessment conducted by a qualified surveyor using market data, comparables, and digital tools—without a physical inspection. It’s faster and more cost-effective than a full RICS valuation

  • Yes, you can obtain a desktop valuation bridging loan quote. To get an accurate quote, it's best to speak with a specialist broker who can assess your specific financial needs, the property details, and the type of deal you are looking to complete.

    Since no physical site visit is required, the process is quicker, but the loan terms will still depend on factors like loan amount, loan-to-value (LTV), your credit history and the lender’s criteria for your situation.

    • Speed – Valuations completed in 1–2 days

    • Cost-Effective – No surveyor travel or site visit means lower fees.

    • Expert-Led Accuracy - Combines digital data with professional judgment

    • Simplified application process

    • No Physical Inspection - Hidden issues like structural damage or poor condition may be missed.

    • Risk of Down Valuation - If the valuer lacks sufficient data or comparables, the property may be undervalued.

    • Not Suitable for All Properties - Unique, rural, or heavily modified properties often require a full RICS valuation.

    • Limited Lender Acceptance - Not all bridging lenders accept desktop valuations, especially for higher-risk deals.

  • No. AVMs are fully automated, while desktop valuations are conducted by human valuers using AVM data and other sources

  • Yes. The speed and accuracy make it ideal for auction purchases.

    • Speed

      • Desktop Valuation: Typically completed in 24–48 hours

      • Full RICS Valuation: Takes 3–7 working days

    • Cost

      • Desktop Valuation: Lower cost, no site visit required

      • Full RICS Valuation: Higher cost due to physical inspection

    • Accuracy

      • Desktop Valuation: High accuracy for standard residential or BTL properties

      • Full RICS Valuation: Very high accuracy, suitable for all property types

    • Suitable For

      • Desktop Valuation: Standard residential, buy-to-let, urban properties

      • Full RICS Valuation: Complex, rural, listed, or heavily modified properties

    • Physical Inspection

      • Desktop Valuation: No physical inspection

      • Full RICS Valuation: Yes – full on-site inspection

  • When applying for a bridging loan, it’s important to understand the difference between an AVM (Automated Valuation Model) and a desktop valuation, as they serve different purposes and are accepted by lenders under different conditions.

    • Who Performs the Valuation?

      • AVM: Fully automated software using algorithms and market data

      • Desktop Valuation: Conducted by a qualified human valuer (often RICS-accredited)

    • Physical Inspection

      • AVM: No inspection or human input

      • Desktop Valuation: No inspection, but includes expert analysis

    • Speed

      • AVM: Instant results

      • Desktop Valuation: Typically completed in 24–48 hours

    • Accuracy

      • AVM: Moderate accuracy—best for standard, low-value properties

      • Desktop Valuation: Higher accuracy—suitable for most standard residential and BTL properties

    • Lender Acceptance

      • AVM: Limited use—mainly for internal checks or low-risk lending

      • Desktop Valuation: Widely accepted by bridging lenders for qualifying properties

Have a question?

Fill out our quick form to receive a quote or get in touch with us via Whatsapp

Previous
Previous

AVM bridging loans