Bridging finance up to 75% LTV using a RICS-qualified desktop valuation — no physical surveyor visit required. Suitable for standard residential, buy-to-let and light refurbishment cases where speed matters and comparable evidence is available. As a direct lender, we make our own decision and issue same-day indicative terms.
A desktop valuation works where a RICS-qualified valuer can form a confident opinion from available market evidence without inspecting the property in person. These are the conditions that make it viable.
We confirm the likely valuation route before you pay any valuation fee. Tell us the property address and we will confirm desktop, AVM or full inspection — before you commit any costs.
When a desktop valuation may not be possible: If the property is rural with few comparables, is listed, non-standard construction, or its condition significantly affects its value, a physical inspection may be required. We will tell you this upfront. There is no fee to find out.
Call us or send the property address. We will confirm within hours whether a desktop valuation is viable, what LTV is realistic, and whether there are any property-specific concerns before you proceed. This costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
A desktop valuation bridging loan is short-term property finance where the lender accepts a professional remote valuation instead of a physical inspection. The valuation is still real — it is produced by a RICS-qualified valuer using comparable sales, Land Registry records and local market data — but the valuer does not visit the property.
A desktop valuation is not an estimate or an algorithm. A qualified human valuer reviews the evidence and issues a professional opinion. Our underwriting team uses that opinion as the basis for the lending decision — which is why we can lend up to 75% LTV on the result.
Removing the physical visit eliminates one of the main causes of delay in bridging — waiting for a surveyor to travel to and inspect the property. No access needs to be arranged. The valuation is returned typically within 48–72 hours of instruction.
AF Credit is a direct principal lender. We make our own credit decisions — no broker, no external credit committee. When the desktop valuation is returned, our underwriting team reviews it directly and moves into legals. That means fewer steps and faster responses.
Important distinction: A desktop valuation bridging loan is not the same as a "no valuation" bridging loan. There is a valuation — it is just conducted remotely by a qualified professional rather than in person. If you are looking for a route with no valuation at all, see our no valuation bridging loans page which covers AVM and existing report routes.
We would rather tell you this upfront than after you have paid fees. A desktop valuation has limitations, and some properties or scenarios will require a full physical inspection before we can lend.
Desktop valuations can support light cosmetic works where a valuer can assess condition and impact from available evidence. Where structural work, conversion, extension or development is planned, a physical inspection is needed to assess current condition, scope of works and GDV.
Highly individual assets — unusual architecture, very large footprints, unique location or mixed-use exposure — often have limited or no comparable evidence. A desktop valuer cannot form a reliable opinion without it. A physical inspection gives our team the detail needed to make a credit decision.
Timber frame, steel frame, prefabricated, concrete panel, single-skin brick and similar construction types carry risks that a remote assessment cannot fully evaluate. Condition and structural integrity can be critical to value in a way that a desktop process cannot address.
A desktop valuation relies on comparable sales data. Where transactions are infrequent — rural areas, isolated locations, specialist rural property — a valuer may not be able to support a confident opinion remotely.
Listed status affects what can be done to a property and can significantly influence value, maintenance obligations and exit route. A physical inspection allows a valuer to assess the property's actual condition and listing implications in a way that remote review typically cannot.
AF Credit's desktop valuation route is for residential and buy-to-let property. Pure commercial assets — offices, retail units, industrial premises — require a different valuation approach. See our commercial bridging page for more.
If your property falls into any of these categories, we will tell you at enquiry stage — before any valuation fee is instructed. We may still be able to lend, but with a full physical inspection rather than desktop. The enquiry is free and same-day.
Most bridging lenders that offer desktop valuations cap them at 65%–70% LTV — below their full-inspection ceiling. AF Credit lends up to 75% on desktop-valued properties. That is the same maximum as a full physical RICS inspection. Here is why the difference matters in practice.
£20,000 extra borrowing capacity matters if you need to cover an auction deposit, refurbishment budget, chain break shortfall or refinance gap. It can be the difference between a deal that works and one that doesn't — without needing to find additional funds from savings or a second charge.
A full physical RICS inspection costs more than a desktop valuation because a surveyor must travel to and inspect the property in person. That cost difference is not trivial — particularly on smaller loans or lower LTV cases where valuation fees are a meaningful proportion of total deal costs.
With AF Credit, you access 75% LTV at desktop valuation cost. You do not need to pay for a physical inspection to unlock our maximum leverage.
Desktop valuation fee is typically lower than a full inspection — exact fee depends on the property and the appointed surveyor. We confirm the fee before instruction.
AF Credit offers three valuation routes. The right one depends on your property type, timeline and loan size. Here is how they compare.
| Route | How it works | Max LTV | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AVM | Computer algorithm (Hometrack). No human involvement. Instant output. | 65% LTV | Free | Minutes | Standard residential in active markets. Must meet AVM confidence threshold. Narrowest property coverage. |
| Desktop valuation This page |
RICS-qualified valuer. Remote assessment using comparables, Land Registry data, market evidence. Professional opinion — not an algorithm. | 75% LTV | Lower than full inspection | 48–72 hours | Standard to mid-complexity residential and BTL. Light refurbishment. Wider coverage than AVM. Same max LTV as physical inspection. |
| Full RICS inspection | Surveyor physically inspects the property. Most detailed report. Assesses condition, access, structural elements. | 75% LTV | Higher | 5–10 working days | Complex, unusual, rural or high-value property. Heavy refurbishment. Non-standard construction. Where physical condition is critical to value. |
Desktop is the sweet spot for most bridging cases. It covers a far wider range of properties than AVM, delivers the same 75% LTV as a full physical inspection, and completes in 48–72 hours rather than 5–10 working days — at lower cost. For standard residential and BTL bridging where speed matters, it is usually the right route.
This is a distinction worth being clear about, because the two terms are often used interchangeably in the market when they describe different things.
A professional valuation is still produced. A RICS-qualified valuer reviews the property remotely using comparable evidence and issues an opinion of value. There is a valuation fee. The valuation report is a real professional document. Because we have a qualified opinion to underwrite against, we can lend up to 75% LTV on eligible properties.
The difference from a full inspection is the method — remote rather than physical — not whether a valuation takes place.
AF Credit's no-valuation route uses either an AVM (automated algorithm output) or an existing RICS valuation report, with no new professional assessment commissioned. There is no desktop valuation fee in this route. AVM is capped at 65% LTV and is limited to standard residential property that meets the confidence threshold of the automated model.
See our no valuation bridging page and AVM bridging page for more detail on those routes.
Where desktop fits: Desktop valuation sits between AVM and full physical inspection. It provides a human professional opinion at lower cost and faster turnaround than a full inspection, covering a wider property range than AVM. It is the right route where AVM cannot support the case but a full inspection would be excessive or too slow.
We do not quote exact figures before we know the deal, because they vary by case. What we can tell you is what typically applies and why. No hidden costs — we confirm everything before you commit.
All figures are indicative. Final costs are subject to underwriting, valuation outcome and legal due diligence. Terms are not a commitment to lend.
The calculator below lets you model gross loan, interest, arrangement fee, valuation fee and legal fees against your scenario. Adjust the interest type and rate to match your case. Results are indicative.
Rates can be higher than 0.79% depending on case risk. Higher LTV, weaker exit, unusual property, adverse credit or shorter comparable evidence in the area can all push rates above the headline. We will confirm the rate that applies to your deal at indicative terms stage — before you commit any costs.
The more you can tell us upfront, the faster we can confirm desktop valuation viability and issue indicative terms. You do not need all of this on day one — start with the property address and loan amount and we will guide you from there.
Send us the property address and required loan amount and we will confirm whether desktop valuation is viable before you pay any fees. Same-day response on all qualifying enquiries.
Desktop valuation removes one of the biggest delays in bridging — surveyor scheduling and travel time. The fastest completions come from running valuation and legal due diligence in parallel from day one.
There are a number of bridging lenders that accept desktop valuations. Here is what is different about AF Credit's approach.
We are the lender. No broker between you and the credit decision. No committee to refer to. Decisions from the people who underwrite the loan.
Most lenders cap desktop valuations at 65%–70%. We lend up to 75% — the same as our full RICS inspection ceiling — on eligible properties.
We issue indicative terms the same day on qualifying enquiries. Rate, LTV, structure and fee confirmed before you spend any money.
We tell you whether desktop valuation is viable for your property before you pay the valuation fee. No surprises after you have committed costs.
We instruct valuation and legals on the same day. Neither process waits for the other. That is how we achieve 5–10 working day completions.
Repay early without penalty after the 3-month minimum. If your exit completes ahead of schedule, you pay interest only to the redemption date.
We lend based on the security, the LTV and the exit strategy. If we cannot make a case work, we tell you quickly so you can look at alternatives.
From small residential bridges to larger investment transactions. One underwriting team, consistent process and direct decisions throughout.
Estimate your gross loan, net advance and total interest cost. Adjust the interest type, rate and fees to match your scenario. Results are indicative — final terms depend on the property, your profile and exit strength.
Use open market value, or purchase price if buying.
AF Credit lends up to 75% LTV on desktop-valued properties.
Minimum 3 months. Match to your exit timeline.
From 0.79%/month. Case dependent on property, profile and exit.
Retained reduces your day-one net advance. Serviced requires monthly payments.
Typically lower than a full physical inspection. Confirmed before instruction.
Indicative — varies by solicitor, charge type and complexity.
Send us the property address and required loan amount and we will confirm whether desktop valuation is viable and issue same-day indicative terms — before you pay any fees.
Figures are indicative and do not constitute an offer or commitment to lend. Final terms are subject to valuation, underwriting and legal due diligence.
These completed deals all used a desktop valuation. No physical surveyor site visit was required on any of them.
Desktop valuation on an £875,000 probate property. 32% net LTV. Funded in 12 days. Property sold at £862,000 on the open market. No physical inspection required.
Read the case study → Chain break · BristolDesktop valuation completed a chain break purchase in Bristol in 5 working days. Borrower proceeded on the same timeline as a cash buyer with no physical inspection required.
Read the case study →Call or send us the property address. We confirm viability and issue indicative terms the same day — no cost, no commitment.
Complete the fields below and we will confirm whether desktop valuation is viable and issue same-day indicative terms. No cost, no commitment.
Call our team directly. We will confirm desktop valuation viability and issue indicative terms on the call.
Call 01451 514 563Regulated bridging loans — where you or a close family member will occupy the property — are not offered directly by AF Credit. Where a case appears to be regulated, we may refer the enquiry to an appropriately regulated intermediary.
Straightforward answers to the questions we get asked on most desktop valuation enquiries.
Yes. Desktop valuations are widely used across the bridging market. The level of acceptance varies by lender, property type and case risk profile. AF Credit, as a direct lender, confirms upfront whether a desktop valuation is viable for a specific property — before you pay any valuation fee.
No. An AVM (Automated Valuation Model) is a computer algorithm — fast, free, but narrow in coverage and typically capped at 65% LTV. A desktop valuation is produced by a RICS-qualified human valuer using comparable sales, Land Registry data and local market knowledge. Desktop valuations cover a wider range of properties, can factor in light refurbishment context, and support up to 75% LTV with AF Credit. They are different products.
Yes, with AF Credit. We lend up to 75% LTV on desktop-valued properties — the same maximum as a full physical RICS inspection. Most bridging lenders cap desktop valuations at 65%–70% LTV. The actual LTV on your specific case depends on the property type, location, exit strength and your profile, and is subject to underwriting and the valuation outcome.
No. A desktop valuation is completed remotely — the valuer does not need to physically inspect the property. No access needs to be arranged. The valuer uses comparable sales data, Land Registry records and local market evidence to form a professional opinion. The result is typically returned within 48–72 hours of instruction.
Yes. Desktop valuation bridging is well suited to auction purchases where the 28-day completion deadline makes a physical inspection difficult to arrange. We issue same-day indicative terms on auction enquiries and can instruct the desktop valuation immediately on agreement of terms, keeping your timeline tight.
For light cosmetic refurbishment — new kitchen, bathroom, flooring, decoration — yes. A RICS-qualified desktop valuer can assess current condition and factor in the impact of planned works from comparable evidence. For heavy structural refurbishment, conversion or development, a full physical inspection is typically required, as condition and build scope are critical to the valuation.
If the desktop valuation is below the anticipated value, the available loan is calculated against the valuation figure, not the purchase price or your estimate. This can reduce the LTV and net advance. AF Credit always informs you of the final loan position once the valuation is received. You are not obligated to proceed if the terms change materially from the indicative offer. We try to identify potential valuation concerns at enquiry stage to reduce surprises.
Yes. Buy-to-let properties are well suited to desktop valuations where the property is standard residential stock with good comparable evidence in the area. AF Credit considers BTL bridging on desktop-valued properties up to 75% LTV, subject to property type, location and exit strength.
AF Credit typically completes desktop valuation bridging loans in 5–10 working days from formal application. The desktop valuation itself takes 48–72 hours. By instructing valuation and solicitors on the same day and running both in parallel, we avoid the delays that stack up in a sequential process. The single biggest variable outside our control is solicitor speed — instruct an experienced solicitor early.
Regulated bridging loans — where you or a close family member intend to occupy the property — are not offered directly by AF Credit. Where a case appears to be regulated, AF Credit may refer the enquiry to an appropriately regulated intermediary. The majority of desktop valuation bridging we fund is unregulated: auction purchases, investment property, BTL, re-bridges and equity release from investment assets.
A desktop valuation bridging loan still involves a real professional valuation — conducted remotely by a RICS-qualified valuer. A no-valuation route uses either an AVM (automated algorithm) or an existing RICS report, with no new valuation commissioned. Desktop valuation sits between AVM and a full physical inspection in terms of cost, speed and property coverage. See our no valuation bridging page for more on those routes.
Desktop valuations work best on standard residential houses, flats and BTL properties with conventional construction and good comparable evidence nearby. Properties that typically require a full physical inspection include rural assets with limited comparables, listed buildings, heavily modified structures, non-standard construction and properties where physical condition materially affects value. We confirm viability at enquiry stage — at no cost to you.
Typical costs include: interest from 0.79% per month (case dependent); an arrangement fee (usually a percentage of the gross loan); a desktop valuation fee (typically lower than a full RICS inspection); and legal fees. Interest can usually be retained, rolled or serviced. No early repayment charge after the minimum 3-month term. All figures are indicative and subject to final underwriting terms.
AVM and existing RICS routes. No new valuation commissioned. Complete in 5–7 days on eligible properties.
View product → Zero valuation costAutomated Hometrack valuation on eligible residential property. Instant, no fee. Up to 65% LTV.
View product → Most popularChain breaks, auction, uninhabitable property, buy before you sell. Up to 75% LTV.
View product → 28-day deadlineDesktop valuation options available for auction purchases. Same-day indicative terms.
View product → Light and heavy refurbFund purchase and renovation. Light refurb on desktop valuation. Heavy refurb with full inspection and staged drawdowns.
View product →Tell us the property address, loan amount and exit route. We will confirm whether desktop valuation is viable and issue indicative terms the same day — at no cost and with no commitment to proceed.
Subject to valuation, underwriting and legal due diligence. Terms are indicative and not a commitment to lend. Regulated bridging loans are not offered directly by AF Credit; where a case is regulated, AF Credit may refer the enquiry to an appropriately regulated intermediary.