Found the right property
before selling yours?
Echidna Equity structures bridging finance so you can move on the right property without being held hostage to your settlement timeline. No fees. Ever.
Bridging Finance in Sydney
The right property doesn't wait for your settlement date.
The Sydney property market moves fast. When you find something worth buying, waiting six months to sell your current home first is often not a realistic option. A bridging loan lets you buy the new property now and sell the old one in your own time, without being forced into a rushed sale or a simultaneous settlement.
Bridging finance is more complex than a standard home loan and the cost of getting it wrong is high. Peak debt, interest capitalisation, and the risk of an extended bridging period all need to be planned for upfront. We structure the finance correctly from the start so there are no surprises.
We compare bridging products across 75+ lenders and advise on whether a closed or open bridge suits your situation, what your peak debt looks like, and how to exit the bridge cleanly once your existing property sells.
Types of Bridging Loans
Closed bridge or open bridge. The right one depends on where you are in the process.
Not all bridging loans work the same way. Understanding the difference upfront saves a lot of stress later.
Closed Bridging Loan
You have already exchanged contracts on the sale of your existing property and have a confirmed settlement date. A closed bridge is lower risk for the lender, typically attracts a better rate, and has a defined end date. This is the cleaner option if you are already under contract.
Open Bridging Loan
You have not yet sold your existing property or do not have a confirmed settlement date. An open bridge gives you flexibility but typically carries a higher rate and a shorter maximum term. Lenders will want to see that the existing property is actively listed or has a clear exit strategy.
Capitalised Interest
During the bridging period, most lenders allow interest on the bridge to capitalise rather than requiring repayments. This reduces your cash flow pressure while you are carrying two properties, with the accrued interest repaid when the existing property settles.
Peak Debt Calculation
Your peak debt is the total borrowing you carry during the bridging period, covering both the new purchase and the existing mortgage. We model this figure upfront so you know exactly what you are committing to before you make an offer.
What We Work Through With You
Bridging finance done badly is expensive. Done well, it's straightforward.
Before we recommend any product, we work through every variable that affects whether bridging is the right move and how to structure it.
Your Peak Debt and Serviceability
We calculate your maximum debt exposure during the bridging period and confirm you can service it comfortably, even if the sale of your existing property takes longer than expected.
Realistic Sale Price and Timeline
We stress test the numbers against a conservative sale price rather than a best-case scenario. If the bridge only works if you sell at the top of the range, that's a risk worth understanding before you proceed.
Interest Capitalisation vs Repayments
Some borrowers prefer to make repayments during the bridging period to keep the balance down. Others need to capitalise to manage cash flow. We structure whichever approach suits your situation.
End Loan Structure
The end loan is the mortgage that remains after the bridge is repaid and your existing property has sold. We structure this upfront as part of the same transaction so you're not refinancing again six months later.
Lender Policy on Extended Timelines
Most lenders allow up to twelve months for the bridge to be repaid. Some allow longer. If your sale timeline is uncertain, we factor this into lender selection from the start.
Exit Strategy
Every bridging loan needs a clear exit. We make sure yours is documented, realistic, and acceptable to the lender before the application is submitted.
How a Bridging Loan Works
From offer to cleared bridge in five stages.
Here is what the bridging loan process typically looks like from start to finish.
You find a property you want to buy
Your existing property is not yet sold. Rather than wait or make your offer subject to sale, you contact us to explore bridging finance.
We assess and structure the bridge
We model your peak debt, calculate interest capitalisation, and identify the right lender and product for your situation. You get a clear picture of the numbers before committing to anything.
Bridging loan approved and new property settles
Your bridging loan funds the purchase of the new property. You now own both properties simultaneously. Interest on the bridge begins capitalising or you make repayments, depending on the structure agreed.
You sell your existing property
With no pressure on timing and no forced sale, you list and sell your existing property when the market is right. Settlement proceeds are used to repay the bridging loan in full.
End loan remains on the new property
Once the bridge is cleared, you are left with a single standard mortgage on your new property at the rate and structure we set up at the beginning.
Working With Us
We move quickly because timing matters.
Bridging situations are often time-sensitive. We prioritise fast turnaround and clear communication throughout.
Free bridging assessment
We review your position, model the numbers, and confirm whether bridging is the right structure for your situation.
Lender selection
We compare bridging products across our panel and identify the lender whose policy and pricing best fits your timeline and exit strategy.
Application submitted
We prepare and submit the full application, managing the lender on your behalf to keep the process moving as quickly as possible.
Settlement and beyond
We coordinate settlement on the new property and stay with you through the sale of the existing one and the repayment of the bridge.
Client Story
The one that almost got away.
In a fast market, the ability to move without waiting on a sale is often the difference between securing the property and watching it go to someone else.
Two Properties, One Smooth Transition
David and Claire had found their ideal home in the Inner West but their existing property in Marrickville was not yet on the market. Making an offer subject to sale would almost certainly have been rejected by the vendor. We structured a twelve-month open bridging loan, modelled their peak debt at just under $1.9 million, and confirmed they could service it comfortably while the Marrickville property was listed. They purchased unconditionally, sold the Marrickville home six weeks later at a strong price, and cleared the bridge without stress.
Common Questions
What people ask us about bridging loans.
Bridging finance has more moving parts than a standard home loan. Here are the questions we hear most often.
Don't let timing cost you the right property.
Book a free bridging assessment with Lorenzo or Tom. We'll run the numbers, explain the options, and tell you honestly whether it makes sense.
Echidna Equity Pty Ltd ACN 678 592 713. Credit Representative Number 562940 of Australian Credit Licence 384704. Suite 302, 13/15 Wentworth Ave, Sydney NSW 2000. General information only. This does not constitute financial or legal advice and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Credit criteria, terms and conditions apply. Bridging finance involves risk, including the risk that the sale of an existing property may not occur within the bridging period. Interest rates, fees and product features are subject to change without notice. We recommend seeking independent legal and financial advice before proceeding with bridging finance.