SSAS Bridging
Finance
Reviewed by Matt Lenzie, Founder — SSAS Property Finance
Fast, short-term commercial property finance through your SSAS pension scheme. Ideal for auction purchases, chain breaks, and bridge-to-term strategies with completion in as little as 4-6 weeks.
Fast Completion
Complete in as little as 4-6 weeks — ideal for auction purchases and time-sensitive acquisitions.
Up to 50% LTV
Borrow up to 50% of your SSAS net asset value under HMRC rules for short-term property finance.
6-18 Month Terms
Flexible short-term finance designed to bridge the gap until long-term funding or sale completes.
Specialist Lenders
Access our panel of lenders experienced in SSAS bridging transactions and pension-backed lending.
What Is SSAS Bridging Finance?
SSAS bridging finance is a short-term loan secured against commercial property, funded through your Small Self-Administered Scheme. Unlike a traditional SSAS mortgage which runs for up to 25 years, bridging finance typically lasts between 6 and 18 months and is designed for situations where speed of completion is critical.
Under HMRC rules, your SSAS can borrow up to 50% of its net asset value for property acquisition. Bridging finance uses this same borrowing capacity but with a shorter term and a defined exit strategy — typically refinancing onto a longer-term SSAS mortgage or selling the property.
Interest rates on SSAS bridging loans are higher than term lending, reflecting the shorter duration and speed of arrangement. However, the ability to move quickly on commercial property opportunities — particularly at auction or when a vendor requires fast completion — makes bridging finance an essential tool for SSAS trustees looking to build a property portfolio.
When to Use SSAS Bridging Finance
Auction Purchases
Meet the 28-day completion deadline on commercial property bought at auction through your SSAS.
Chain Breaks
Secure a property quickly when a chain break threatens to collapse the transaction.
Refurbishment Projects
Fund the purchase of commercial property requiring refurbishment before refinancing — or consider SSAS development finance for larger projects.
Bridge to Term
Purchase immediately with bridging finance while arranging a longer-term SSAS term loan.
SSAS Bridging Finance Eligibility
- Registered SSAS with sufficient net assets to support borrowing
- Property must be commercial (offices, industrial, retail, warehouses)
- Clear exit strategy required (sale, refinance to term loan, or other)
- Independent RICS valuation of the property
- All SSAS trustees must approve the transaction
- Structure must be HMRC-compliant under pension borrowing rules
The SSAS Bridging Process
Initial Consultation
We assess your SSAS position, borrowing capacity, property details, and exit strategy to determine feasibility.
Lender Sourcing
We approach our specialist lender panel to secure the best bridging terms for your SSAS transaction.
Valuation & Legal
An independent RICS valuation is instructed and specialist pension solicitors handle the legal work.
Trustee Approval
All SSAS trustees review and approve the borrowing, property acquisition, and exit strategy.
Completion
Funds are drawn down and the property is purchased into the SSAS. We then manage your exit route.
Related SSAS Finance Products
SSAS Term Loan
Refinance your bridging loan onto a long-term SSAS mortgage with fixed or variable rates from 5.49%.
SSAS Development Finance
For larger refurbishment or conversion projects, staged development finance may be more suitable.
SSAS Commercial Mortgage
Standard SSAS commercial property mortgages with up to 50% LTV and terms up to 25 years.
Bridging Finance Also Available via SIPP
Short-term bridging finance is also available for Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs). If you hold a SIPP rather than an SSAS, visit our sister site SIPP Property Finance for specialist SIPP bridging finance options.
Need Fast SSAS Property Finance?
Tell us about your commercial property opportunity and we will source competitive bridging terms from our specialist SSAS lender panel. No obligation, no fees for initial consultation.
Get Bridging Terms