# Auction Bridging Finance in 28 Days Source: https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/auction-bridging-finance Last updated: 2026-10-03 > How bridging finance is used to buy property at auction - the completion deadline, what to arrange before bidding, valuation, legal pack and exit. ## Auction bridging finance: buying property at auction. At a traditional UK property auction, the fall of the hammer means exchange of contracts, a deposit is paid on the day, and completion usually follows within about 28 days. That is often too fast for a mortgage, so buyers use bridging finance. The key is to prepare before you bid, because the deadline does not move. Written by [Bjorn Laku](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/bjorn-laku), Director & CMO. Reviewed by the Cashbook Finance lending team. ### The three things to settle before you bid. The hammer exchanges contracts. Everything that matters to the lender has to be clear before that moment. Lending view #### Get an initial view first Confirm the lender is comfortable with the property type, expected value and loan size before auction day. Legal pack #### Read the legal pack Title, leases, searches, special conditions and extra fees can change the deal, or the lender's appetite. Exit #### Test the exit A sale or refinance needs to work at realistic values and timings, not just in the best case. ### Know your numbers before the hammer falls. Share the lot, the legal pack and your exit plan, and we will give you a straight view on fit before you bid. ### About 28 days is not long for valuation, legals and funds. At a traditional auction, completion commonly follows exchange within about 28 days. The valuation, legal due diligence and the loan all have to complete inside that window. A valuation below the hammer price reduces the loan, and late title or lease problems can stall completion. Missing the date can cost the deposit and more. - Arrange the deposit and costs before auction day - Instruct a solicitor who can act quickly - Have a fallback if the valuation comes in low ### Use these checks to decide whether to bid. If any of these is uncertain, the deadline turns a risk into a cost. #### Property A lendable property type, condition and tenure. #### Value A realistic value against the likely hammer price. #### Exit A credible sale or refinance route and timing. Illustrative guidance only; eligibility, pricing and terms are confirmed after review. Bridging finance is secured against property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not maintain repayments on a loan secured against it. **Related guidance:** [Bridging finance](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/bridging-finance) · [Pricing & decisions](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/pricing-decisions) · [Eligibility](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/eligibility) · [Case studies](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/funding-scenarios) ### More guides on bridging finance - [Bridging loans in London](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/bridging-loans-london) - [Bridging finance LTV guide](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-ltv-guide) - [VAT bridging loans](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/vat-bridging-loans) - [What slows down bridging completion](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/what-slows-down-bridging-completion) - [Bridging finance exit strategies](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-exit-strategy-guide) - [Bridging finance glossary](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-glossary) --- Cashbook Finance. Cashbook Finance Limited is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 782472. Company number 10723098. Registered office: Cumberland House, 24–28 Baxter Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex SS2 6HZ. Registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office under reference ZB545200. All finance is subject to eligibility, satisfactory due diligence, credit approval and agreed terms. Invoice finance, trade finance and bridging finance may not be suitable for every business. The availability, structure, amount, pricing, fees, security requirements and completion timescales of any facility will depend on the applicant’s circumstances, the quality of the supporting evidence provided and our assessment of the proposed transaction. Any figures, examples, rates or timescales shown on this website are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an offer, commitment or guarantee of finance. Terms and conditions apply. Bridging finance is secured against property. Your property may be repossessed if you do not maintain repayments on a loan secured against it. Applicants should obtain independent legal, financial and tax advice where appropriate.