Leonard Lee
Head of International Mortgages, GMG
What Is a Spain Bridging Loan?
A Spain bridging loan is a short-term, asset-based financing solution secured against your Spanish property — or against international property you already own.
Unlike Spanish bank mortgages, which require proof of income, strict debt-to-income ratios (typically capped at 35%), and months of documentation, GMG bridging loans are approved based on property value and a clear exit strategy — not bureaucracy.
✅ No income proof or DTI restrictions
✅ Open to non-residents and foreign nationals
✅ Approval in 24–48 hours
✅ Funding in 5–10 days
✅ No Spanish NIE number required to begin
Perfect for investors, entrepreneurs,homeowners, developers, and HNW individuals who need to act fast in Spain's competitive property market.
Why Spain? Why Now?
Spain is one of Europe's most active markets for international real estate investment. Foreign buyers account for over 15% of all Spanish property transactions, drawn by:
- Prime markets: Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, Ibiza, Mallorca, Valencia
- Rental yields: ~5% gross in major cities
- Golden Visa pathway: Property investment of €500,000+ qualifies
- Strong capital appreciation in coastal and urban markets
Yet Spanish banks routinely cap non-resident LTVs at 60–70%, require 8–12 weeks for mortgage approval, and reject complex income profiles — costing investors their deals.
GMG solves this.
Why Choose a GMG Spain Bridging Loan
| Advantage | GMG Bridging Loan | Spanish Bank Mortgage |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Approval in 24–48 hrs | 8–12 weeks to process |
| LTV | Up to 65% of property value | 60–70% for non-residents |
| Eligibility | Based on asset value + exit plan | Income proof, DTI ≤35%, NIE required |
| Borrower Profile | Non-residents, expats, complex income | Residents preferred; non-residents restricted |
| Loan Structure | Interest-only | Capital repayment |
GMG bridging loans are ideal for investors with complex income, self-employed clients, retirees, and overseas buyers who cannot satisfy Spanish bank documentation requirements.
When to Use a Spain Bridging Loan
Bridging loans unlock capital whenever timing and liquidity are critical:
- Buy Before You Sell — Secure your Spanish property now; repay when your existing asset sells.
- Auction Acquisitions — Spanish property auctions require completion in 30–40 days. Bridging finance delivers.
- Development Finance — Fund land acquisition, planning, or project completion on Spanish real estate.
- Equity Release — Unlock equity from an existing Spanish property for investment, business capital, or tax planning.
- Chain Break — Your purchase is ready but your buyer has withdrawn. A bridging loan keeps the transaction alive.
- Golden Visa Investment — Move quickly to secure qualifying Spanish property for residency purposes.
Exit Strategies
Every bridging loan requires a credible repayment plan.
Common exits in the Spanish market include:
- Property sale → Repay with sale proceeds
- Refinance to Spanish mortgage → Transition to long-term bank finance once documentation is in order
- Refinance to international mortgage → Leverage GMG's 23-country network for optimal financing
- Liquidity event → Asset sale, inheritance, business exit, or portfolio rebalancing
Eligible Properties
- Residential: Apartments, villas, fincas, townhouses, penthouses, GCB-equivalent estates
- Commercial & Mixed-Use: Offices, retail units, hotels, mixed-use buildings
- Development Land: Licensed development plots and partially completed projects
- High-Value Markets: Madrid, Barcelona, Marbella, Ibiza, Mallorca, Valencia, Seville, Alicante
Approval is based on property value and market liquidity — not borrower income.
Note: Properties with unresolved planning issues, incomplete registration, or restricted rural classifications may require additional due diligence. GMG's team will guide you through this.
Example: Closing a Marbella Villa Before Your Paris Apartment Sells
You identify a €2M villa on the Costa del Sol, but your Paris apartment hasn't yet sold.
A Spanish bank won't move in time — and won't accept overseas income documentation.
GMG structures a bridging loan against the Spanish property (up to 65% LTV) and funds within days.
When your Paris apartment completes, proceeds repay the bridge and you retain a prime Spanish asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How fast is approval?
A: 24–48 hours with funding typically in 5–10 business days.
Q: Do I need to be a Spanish resident or have a NIE?
A: No. GMG bridging loans are fully available to non-residents and foreign nationals. A NIE is not required to initiate a bridging loan, though it will be required for property registration.
Q: Is there a maximum loan size?
A: Minimum €500,000; we regularly fund transactions of €5M–€20M and above for prime Spanish properties.
Q: What's the typical loan term?
A: 6 to 18 months with extension options available.
Q: Can I use a non-Spanish property as security?
A: In certain structures, yes. Speak to our team about cross-border security arrangements.
Q: What about Spanish property taxes and purchase costs?
A: These (typically 10–15% of purchase price) must be planned for separately. GMG's advisors can help structure your transaction accordingly.
Why GMG for Spain
- International expertise across 23 countries — including deep Spain market knowledge
- No income proof, no DTI restrictions, no residency requirements
- Interest-only structure for maximum cash flow flexibility
- Fast, personalized service from GMG's international bridging team
- Seamless transition to long-term GMG mortgage finance when ready
Get Started Today
GMG specializes in asset-based bridging finance built for international investors and property owners navigating complex cross-border transactions. Whether you're acquiring in Madrid, developing on the Costa del Sol, or unlocking equity from an Ibiza villa, GMG moves at the speed your opportunity demands.
1️⃣ Book a Free Consultation – Share your property details and exit strategy.
2️⃣ Receive a Loan Estimate – Preliminary LTV and cost breakdown within 24 hours.
3️⃣ Fund Your Spanish Property – Close in days, not months.
