# Refurbishment Bridging Finance: Light vs Heavy Source: https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/refurbishment-bridging-finance Last updated: 2026-10-03 > How refurbishment bridging works - light and heavy refurbishment, staged drawdowns, monitoring, the value after works and planning a credible exit. ## Refurbishment bridging finance: light and heavy works. Refurbishment bridging funds the purchase of a property that needs work, and sometimes the cost of the works, before the property is sold or refinanced at its improved value. Lenders treat "light" and "heavy" refurbishment differently, and works money is usually released in stages as the work is completed. Written by [Bjorn Laku](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/bjorn-laku), Director & CMO. Reviewed by the Cashbook Finance lending team. ### Three things lenders look at in a refurbishment. The day-one loan, the works budget and the value after works all have to line up. Scope #### Light or heavy? Cosmetic and internal works are treated closer to a standard bridge; structural work and change of use attract more scrutiny. Drawdowns #### Works money in stages Funding for works is often released after a surveyor confirms each stage is complete. Contingency #### Budget for overruns Lenders expect a buffer for cost and time overruns, often funded by the borrower. ### Bring the schedule of works to the first conversation. Share the purchase, the works, the costs and the exit, and a director will give you a straight view on how it could be structured. ### The value after works must be evidenced, not assumed. Lenders look at the current value and the expected value once works are complete, supported by comparable evidence. [Loan-to-value](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-glossary#term-loan-to-value-ltv) is checked at each stage, not just at the start. Projects that move into new building or major construction are usually better suited to development finance, which is designed for staged build risk. - Prepare a costed schedule of works and contractor details - Show experience with similar projects - Plan a sale or refinance at the improved value, with a buffer for delays ### Check the project fits a refurbishment bridge. If the plan relies on everything going right, the structure needs more headroom. #### Works Scope within light or heavy refurbishment, not new build. #### Headroom A loan-to-value that still works if costs rise or values soften. #### Exit A sale or refinance evidenced at the improved value. 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) - [Auction bridging finance](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/auction-bridging-finance) - [Bridging finance LTV guide](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-ltv-guide) - [Bridging finance valuations](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-valuation-guide) - [Bridging finance vs commercial mortgage](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-vs-commercial-mortgage) - [Bridging vs development finance](https://www.cashbookfinance.co.uk/blog/bridging-finance-vs-development-finance) --- 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.