Desktop valuation
Fast, Flexible Funding
What is a Desktop Valuation Bridging Loan?
When speed matters, waiting for a surveyor can slow down your property deal. A desktop valuation bridging loan solves this by relying on data-driven valuations instead of full physical inspections.
At Aura Capital, we secure market-leading desktop valuation bridging loans, completing in days rather than weeks — perfect for auctions, refinancing, or fast completions.
A desktop valuation bridging loan is a short-term finance facility where the lender values the property using data sources such as:
Land Registry sold price data
Comparable local sales
Property indices and online databases
This avoids the need for a surveyor to visit the property, saving time and cost.
Why Use Desktop Valuation Bridging Finance?
Speed – loans approved and funded in 5–10 days
Lower costs – no full valuation fees
Certainty – valuation completed instantly online
Market-leading rates – secured via Aura Capital’s lender network
When Desktop Valuations Work Best
Auction purchases – meet the 28-day deadline with fast completions
Refinances – repay or switch an existing bridging loan quickly
Equity release – raise funds against a property without delays
Straightforward properties – standard residential stock in good condition
Time-critical deals – where waiting for surveyors isn’t an option
When Desktop Valuations Aren’t Suitable
Heavy refurbishment projects – properties needing major works usually require full valuations
Unusual or non-standard properties – mixed-use, commercial, or non-standard construction often need manual inspections
High-value loans – many lenders cap desktop valuations at £1m or 75% LTV
Typical Loan Terms
Loan sizes: £50,000 – £1m (limits vary by lender)
Rates from: 0.49% per month
LTVs: up to 75%
Terms: 3–18 months
Funding speed: as little as 5–10 days
Aura Capital uses whole-of-market access to secure exclusive desktop valuation bridging rates, often below standard published terms.
Example Scenarios
Auction Purchase
An investor wins a property at auction for £175,000. Aura Capital secures a desktop valuation bridging loan in just 7 days, allowing the buyer to complete within the 28-day auction deadline.
Fast Refinance
A landlord’s existing bridging loan is due to expire. Aura Capital arranges a desktop valuation refinance bridge within 9 days, preventing default penalties and giving the landlord 6 extra months to refinance onto a buy-to-let mortgage.
Benefits of Desktop Valuation Bridging
Speed – ideal for auctions and urgent purchases
Cost savings – avoid expensive valuation fees
Market-leading rates – Aura Capital’s broker-only access secures the best pricing
Smoother process – reduced delays from surveyors and scheduling
Certainty – valuation available instantly to support quick decisions
Risks & Considerations
Accuracy limits – desktop valuations rely on data; unusual properties may be mispriced
Not for heavy works – lenders restrict AVM/desktop to mortgageable properties in good condition
Loan caps – typically limited to sub-£1m loans and <75% LTV
Exit plan required – as with all bridging, lenders require a clear repayment strategy
Frequently asked questions
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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.
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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)
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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No. AVMs are fully automated, while desktop valuations are conducted by human valuers using AVM data and other sources
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Yes. The speed and accuracy make it ideal for auction purchases.
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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
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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
Secure Your Desktop Valuation Bridging Loan
Need fast, flexible finance without valuation delays? Aura Capital can secure you a desktop valuation bridging loan at market-leading rates, tailored to your property and exit plan.
