The latest research from West One Loans has found that 75% of UK property investors intend to continue using bridging or development finance as a strategic tool to seize opportunities in the year ahead.
The survey of 320 high-net-worth property investors*, commissioned by West One Loans, found that despite the challenges facing property investors in recent years, three in five investors (59%) said their level of investment activity has remained consistent, while 10% reported increasing their activity.
Bridging and development finance have played a key role in supporting this resilience, with 67% of investors having used one or both of these specialist finance options over the past two years.
Investor sentiment has been cautious, with only 4% describing market conditions as very positive and 9% feeling optimistic. Meanwhile, 29% described the outlook as cautious, 20% uncertain, and 15% negative.
The main challenges cited include economic instability (26%), political uncertainty (20%), and rising costs of materials and labour (13%), alongside regulatory changes and increased interest rates.
Among investors using bridging finance, the ability to access funds quickly was the most valued benefit (33%), followed by flexibility to act on time-sensitive opportunities (26%). For development finance users, speed of funding and potential for stronger returns from larger projects were both highlighted by 21% of respondents.
Looking ahead, 27% of investors are actively considering new property investments this year, with a further 22% open to investing depending on market conditions. Buy-to-let and refurbishment projects remain the most popular strategies.
Thomas Cantor, Co-Head of Short-Term Finance at West One Loans, commented:
“The past two years have tested even the most experienced property investors, but the response has not been to retreat. Instead, many have used specialist finance to adapt quickly, unlock capital, and act decisively in a changing market.
With strong ongoing interest in new investments and a majority planning to use bridging or development finance again this year, demand for flexible, short-term funding is set to remain a core part of the property investment landscape.”
