If you’re buying a franchise, timing is rarely negotiable. The vendor wants certainty, the franchisor has a timeline, and settlement dates don’t move just because a bank credit team is still working through approvals. That’s where bridging loans for franchise purchase can make the difference. At Secured Lending, we’ve advised and assisted borrowers through franchise acquisitions where the opportunity was right but bank timing wasn’t. We have also facilitated over 500 strategic commercial loans to bridge the gap. Secured Lending can help you move fast with a bridging loan for franchise purchase. Contact us today to assess your scenario.
Why Franchise Purchases Often Need a Bridge
Even strong borrowers can hit delays when buying a franchise. Banks are thorough, and franchise deals add layers: reviewing franchise agreements, validating projected earnings, confirming fit-out costs, and assessing the business model. None of that is “bad.” It’s just slow.
Meanwhile, you may need to:
- secure the site before another buyer steps in
- pay a deposit by a fixed date
- settle and take over the business quickly to protect revenue continuity
- complete fit-out, equipment, or initial stock orders before opening
- act on a time-limited discount or incentive from the vendor or franchisor
Bridging finance is built for this. It’s short-term funding that helps you complete the purchase now, while longer-term funding (often a bank loan) is finalised in parallel.
Bridging Finance to Purchase a Franchise Ahead of Bank Approval
When you’re waiting on a bank, the risk isn’t just inconvenience. The real risk is losing the deal, or being forced into a rushed, unfavourable contract variation.
A well-structured bridging loan can give you:
- speed and certainty for urgent settlement
- the ability to negotiate as a “ready buyer,” not a “maybe buyer”
- breathing room to complete bank approval properly, without missing deadlines
- a clear plan to refinance out once the bank facility is in place
The practical point: bridging is not meant to replace your bank funding long-term. It’s designed to keep momentum while the bank process runs its course.
Key Benefits of a Bridging Loan for a Franchise Purchase
Used correctly, bridging finance is a tool for control.
- Certainty of execution
You can commit to settlement with confidence, rather than hoping the bank hits an internal deadline. - Speed
For the right scenario, bridging can support fast outcomes, including same day settlement or funding within 24 hours when timeframes are tight. - Flexibility around timing
You can align the bridge term with expected bank approval timelines and settlement dates. - Protects your cash position
Instead of overcommitting liquid funds, you preserve working capital for wages, stock, marketing, and fit-out costs. - Simplifies decision-making
You move forward with the franchise purchase while keeping your longer-term bank strategy intact.
How Secured Lending Makes Bridging Work in the Real World
A bridging loan only helps if it lands on time, is structured sensibly, and has a clear exit. That’s what we focus on.
We Structure for Speed Without Cutting Corners
Franchise transactions move fast, but you still need discipline. We review your scenario, confirm the security position, and map out the settlement pathway. If it’s an emergency timeline, we prioritise what matters: the settlement date, the security, and the exit strategy.
We regularly assist with:
- deposits and balance-of-purchase funding
- urgent settlement timeframes where bank approval is pending
- short-term funding to cover franchise fit-out or launch costs tied to settlement
We Coordinate Around Your Bank, Not Against It
Many borrowers assume taking a bridge will “mess up” their bank application. It doesn’t have to. When managed properly, bridging can be a neat interim step while the bank completes their process.
We help you keep the story clean:
- confirm what documentation the bank is likely to request
- structure the bridge so it’s easy to refinance out
- keep timeframes realistic so you’re not forced into multiple extensions
Clear Loan Parameters That Match Serious Acquisitions
Franchise purchases range from compact owner-operator models to multi-site acquisitions. Our role is to match funding capacity to the opportunity. Depending on your security and scenario, you may be able to borrow up to $10million.
You also need pricing clarity. Depending on the deal and risk profile, we can discuss options with an interest rate starting at 9.2% p.a. (Final pricing and approval depend on your circumstances and security.)
Secured Business Loans Designed for Urgent Timeframes
Speed matters most when settlement is locked in. We arrange secured business loans that are built for short timeframes and clear exits. If your matter is genuinely urgent, we can assess whether same day settlement is achievable, or whether funding within 24 hours is realistic.
This is especially relevant when you’re dealing with:
- vendor pressure and expiring contracts
- franchisor requirements tied to handover dates
- a bank that is supportive but simply not ready in time
Private Lender Support Across Australia
Some deals can’t wait for bank timeframes. Secured Lending operates as a private lender in Australia, and we operate Australia wide: Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Canberra. We are a non-bank lender, which means we can be responsive when a private lender urgent solution is needed for urgent settlement or an emergency timeline.
A Practical Process That Keeps You in Control
You don’t need a complicated funding experience. You need a clear plan.
In most franchise bridging scenarios, we focus on:
- confirming the purchase timeline and settlement date
- assessing the property security and loan amount required
- documenting the exit strategy (often refinance to a bank facility)
- coordinating valuation and legal steps efficiently
- keeping you updated so you can manage the vendor and franchisor with confidence
How We Can Help
If you’re buying a franchise and the bank isn’t ready yet, you don’t have to lose the opportunity or accept unnecessary stress. Secured Lending can review your scenario, structure a bridging loan that supports urgent settlement, and help you move forward with a clear path to refinance once bank approval comes through. Secured Lending is a short-term lending solution you can rely on. When you’re ready, our team is here to help you move quickly and confidently. Our team specialises in urgent short term loans solutions, including commercial bridging finance.
FAQs
1) Can I use bridging finance if my bank has pre-approval but not formal approval?
Yes. Bridging finance is commonly used when the bank is supportive in principle, but formal approval and documents won’t be ready before settlement.
2) How fast can a bridging loan settle for a franchise purchase?
If the scenario is straightforward and security is clear, we can assess options for fast outcomes, including same day settlement or funding within 24 hours where feasible.
3) What security is required for a franchise bridging loan?
Bridging is typically secured by real property. The strength and position of the security will influence how much you can borrow and how quickly we can proceed.
4) How much can I borrow for a franchise acquisition?
Subject to security and suitability, you may be able to borrow up to $10million. We structure the loan amount around the settlement requirement and your exit plan.
5) What is the typical exit strategy for franchise bridging finance?
Most commonly, the exit is refinancing to a bank or long-term commercial facility once formal approval is completed. Sometimes the exit is sale of an asset or business recapitalisation, depending on your strategy.
6) Is bridging finance only for distressed or last-minute situations?
No. Many capable borrowers use bridging as a deliberate tool to secure an opportunity while the bank finalises due diligence. It’s often about timing, not trouble.
