The study found 37% of brokers are “positive” about the future of the market over the next year, with another 35% describing themselves as “very positive”.

Only 7% of brokers described themselves as negative on growth, with the remainder (14%) being “neutral”.

When asked if they expected to see an increase in demand for bridging loans over the next 12 months, 74% of brokers said they did.

While 24% expected to see no change in deal volumes, only 2% expected to see a decrease in demand.

Overall, brokers expected to see 16% more deals in 2025 than 2024, with one in every seven brokers (14%) forecasting demand to rise by more than 20%.

B&W’s data revealed that brokers predicted refurbishment products to be the most in-demand bridging option, with commercial products, development exit, and residential products following closely, while a smaller share anticipates growing demand for auction products.

Over half of brokers reported higher enquiries compared to a year ago, while one-third saw no change, and one in seven experienced a decline.

Overall, bridging enquiries have risen by nearly one-fifth over the past year.

According to the research, brokers prioritise transparency and certainty (58%) when choosing a bridging finance provider, followed by access to lending managers, speed, and efficiency.

Strength of relationships (37%) and reputation (30%) also play key roles.

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Respondents were allowed to choose multiple answers.

Commenting on the question, one broker said: “I'm driven by achieving the best possible outcome for my client, what that looks like varies from client to client and deal to deal.”

On what can prove a contentious topic of discussion regarding the presentation of criteria by lenders, 48% of respondents said that lenders should disclose the full range of criteria for their lending products, ideally formatted as ‘from XX, up to XX’.

One broker commented: “Lenders should set pricing for LTV and property type.”

Damien Druce, COO at Black & White Bridging (pictured above), commented: “The overwhelming optimism of brokers highlights not only the resilience of the short-term lending market, but also its potential.

“With 74% of brokers anticipating a rise in bridging loan demand, and refurbishment products leading the charge, it’s clear brokers see significant opportunities ahead.”

Damien continued: “Current robust business volumes confirm the market is thriving and suggest these forecasts are not pie in the sky stuff.

“The surge in current trading, with 53% of brokers reporting higher enquiries over the course of the past 12 months and, overall, a 199% rise in bridging loan volumes over the past year, offers a solid bedrock for optimism about the future.

“Brokers have every reason to be confident in the opportunities ahead.”