Tag: commercial Real Estate investors

Commercial bridge loan concept showing a large apartment and commercial development with construction cranes, modern office buildings, architectural blueprints, and investment planning tools for commercial real estate financing.

Commercial bridge loans provide short-term funding for large apartment and commercial development projects. They help non-US citizens buy commercial properties, secure development sites, or cover financing gaps before long-term financing is available.

Before applying, it is important to understand how commercial bridge loans work for large development projects. Knowing the loan process and repayment strategy can help you prepare for a smoother financing experience. Learn more about the bridge loan process before moving forward.

Planning your next commercial development? America Mortgages can help you explore bridge loan options that fit your investment goals. Our team works with non-US citizens and can help you find the right financing solution for your commercial project.

Commercial bridge loan concept showing a large apartment and commercial development with construction cranes, modern office buildings, architectural blueprints, and investment planning tools for commercial real estate financing.

Why Do Non-US Citizens Choose Commercial Bridge Loans?

Non-US citizens choose commercial bridge loans because they provide fast, short-term funding. These loans help investors secure commercial properties without waiting for long approval times. They also support large apartment and commercial development projects.

ReasonBenefit
Fast fundingHelps investors close deals quickly.
Flexible financingSupports different commercial property types.
Short-term solutionCovers funding gaps before permanent financing.
Property-based approachGives more flexibility for many investors.
Competitive advantageHelps secure valuable opportunities faster.

Commercial real estate moves quickly. Good opportunities do not stay on the market for long. A bridge loan helps investors act without unnecessary delays. This can make a big difference in a competitive market.

Many investors also use bridge loans as part of a larger financing plan. They may refinance later or replace the loan with long-term financing. This approach provides more flexibility while the project moves forward.

Which Commercial Development Projects Benefit Most from Bridge Loans?

Commercial bridge loans work best for projects that need quick funding before long-term financing is available. They are commonly used for apartment communities, mixed-use buildings, office spaces, retail centers, hotels, and industrial properties. They also help investors secure time-sensitive opportunities.

Commercial bridge loans are commonly used for:

  • Large apartment and multifamily developments.
  • Mixed-use commercial developments.
  • Office buildings.
  • Retail centers and shopping plazas.
  • Hotels and hospitality projects.
  • Industrial and warehouse facilities.
  • Land purchases for future commercial property development.
  • Value-add properties that need renovation before refinancing.

Every commercial project has different needs. Some investors buy land before construction begins. Others purchase properties that need improvements before long-term financing becomes available. Bridge financing helps during this transition. It gives investors more time to complete their projects and arrange permanent funding.

Large commercial developments often move through several stages before completion. A bridge loan can support these changing needs by providing temporary financing at the right time. This gives investors more flexibility while they prepare for the next phase of the project.

How can non-US citizens qualify for commercial bridge loans?

Non-US citizens can qualify for commercial bridge loans by meeting the lender’s financing requirements. Approval usually depends on the property’s value, the investment plan, available funds, and a clear exit strategy. Each lender reviews these factors before making a lending decision.

Table showing the key factors lenders consider when evaluating commercial bridge loan applications, including investment plan, property location, cash reserves, ownership structure, and exit strategy.

Every lender follows its own review process. They may ask for financial records, property information, and project details. The exact requirements depend on the property and the financing structure.

International investors should prepare their information before applying. This includes financial records, property details, and business information when required. Having everything ready can help reduce delays during the application process.

What should investors know before financing large commercial developments?

Financing a large commercial development requires careful planning. Investors should understand the project costs, financing timeline, repayment strategy, and potential risks before applying for a commercial bridge loan. Good preparation can support a smoother financing process and reduce unexpected delays.

Project Costs and Budget

Estimate all project costs before seeking financing. Include land, construction, permits, taxes, and contingency expenses. A realistic budget helps you plan better and avoid funding gaps during development.

Repayment Strategy

A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution. Before borrowing, decide how you will repay the loan. Many investors refinance into a long-term loan or sell the completed property once the project reaches its next stage.

Market Demand

Study the local real estate market before investing. Strong demand can support occupancy and improve the project’s long-term value. It also helps you make informed investment decisions.

Timeline and Exit Plan

Large commercial developments often take longer than expected. Build flexibility into your timeline and prepare for possible delays. A clear exit plan can also help you transition to permanent financing more smoothly.

Research from PwC and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) shows that successful commercial real estate investments depend on careful planning, market research, and disciplined financing decisions. Understanding these factors before starting a large commercial development can help investors manage risk and make more informed financing choices.

Move Your Commercial Development Forward with America Mortgages 

The right financing can help keep your commercial development moving. Commercial bridge loans provide short-term funding for property purchases, land acquisition, and other projects that need fast access to capital before permanent financing is available.

Every project is different. The right loan depends on your investment goals, property type, and timeline. Understanding your options early can help you make informed financing decisions and keep your project on track.

Ready to move your commercial development forward? Contact our team at America Mortgages for personalized guidance on commercial bridge loans for non-US citizens. You can also email [email protected] or call +1 (845) 583-0830 to discuss your project and explore the right financing solution.

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to get approved for a bridge loan?

Approval is usually much faster than a traditional loan. If your documents are ready, many commercial bridge loans can close within a few weeks, although the timeline depends on the property’s details.

Q2: Will I need a US credit history to apply?

Not always. Some lenders look more at the property’s value, your available funds, and your repayment plan than your US credit history. This makes commercial lending more accessible for many international investors.

Q3: How much down payment is usually required?

The required down payment depends on the lender, property type, and your investment profile. Most international investors should expect to contribute a reasonable amount of equity to qualify for financing.

Q4: Can I use a bridge loan to secure a property before selling another investment?

Yes, many investors use bridge financing to buy a commercial property before another investment is sold. This helps them act quickly without missing valuable opportunities.

Q5: Can I use a bridge loan to refinance an existing commercial property?

Yes, a bridge loan can refinance an existing commercial property while you arrange long-term financing or improve the property’s value. This gives you faster access to funds and greater flexibility.

Overseas Mortgage

Investing in the largest real estate market in the world – the United States – can be a fantastic way to create future passive income. If you’re a non-US passport holder (foreign national) or a U.S. expat living overseas (Singapore or Hong Kong, for example), you may find it can be very complicated if not impossible when looking for a mortgage loan to buy real estate in the U.S.. Even American expats returning home and buying property in America fail to qualify for a mortgage loan from U.S. banks. Mainly because they don’t have a credit footprint or earned income in the U.S..

Read on to discover how you can easily obtain a U.S. mortgage loan regardless of your passport or place of residence.

America Mortgages happy family in front of property in the US

Meet the American mortgage loan experts right here in Singapore!

Creating a portfolio of real estate or a single property investment is a proven way to build wealth and pass down a legacy to your family. Asset appreciation, high rental yields, no stamp duty, low barrier to entry and a stable market are some of the factors that make the U.S. real estate market a fantastic investment.

However, before you go shopping for that new home with a pool in Florida or a penthouse apartment in Manhattan, the first step is getting a non-committal approval for a mortgage loan.

America Mortgages (AM) was set up in Singapore earlier this year to unlock the U.S. real estate market for buyers living outside America. The company is a subsidiary of Global Mortgage Group (GMG), the largest international mortgage ‘originator’ for U.S. real estate.

GMG was co-founded in 2019 by Donald Klip and Robert Chadwick, both ex-institutional bankers. The two Americans met in Singapore in 2018 and became friends. Robert’s professional experience was in U.S. mortgages, and he was a seasoned investor in U.S. real estate. Donald was a hedge fund manager and investment banker in Asia with global real estate investing experience.

Donald Klip and Robert Chadwick

As expats themselves, both Donald and Robert realised that obtaining a mortgage from a “traditional” bank in a country where you don’t live and/or hold a passport is frustrating and often impossible. This led to them establishing GMG. GMG now has loan options in the U.S., Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK and various locations in Europe, to name a few.

How America Mortgages helps you get a mortgage loan in America

While GMG specialises in residential, commercial, construction and bridge financing in different countries, America Mortgages’ sole focus is providing market rate mortgages specifically for the U.S. 100% of their clients are either U.S. expats or foreign nationals living overseas. Due to a very focused expertise, AM approves 97% of loans submitted.

Here are the key highlights of a U.S. mortgage loan for foreign nationals and U.S. expats:

  • For a non-U.S. citizen: maximum loan-to-value (LTV) is 75% for purchase and 70% for refinance and equity release
  • For a U.S. expat: maximum LTV is 80% for purchase and 80% for refinance and equity release
  • Minimum loan amount of US$150,000 and maximum of US$50,000,000
  • Fixed term options of 5, 10 and 30 years
  • All loans amortised over 30 years, regardless of borrower’s age
  • 10-year fixed interest-servicing-only payments available
  • Mortgage loans available in all 50 states
  • Self-employed and employed borrowers allowed
  • No U.S. credit or footprint required

So, whether you’re a global investor, buying a holiday home for yourself, an apartment for your child when they attend university or simply growing your investment portfolio to pass down to your children, it’s possible for you to buy property in America!

* Indicative values; rates are terms are subject to change

Property in the US America - America Mortgages

The biggest myth of buying real estate in the U.S.

Although AM suggests that buyers should get advice from their attorney or tax advisor on investing in any real estate market, the myth of the States being a highly taxed country for buying U.S. real estate couldn’t be further from the truth.

For one, regardless of whether you’re an American citizen or a foreign national, there’s no stamp duty when purchasing property in the U.S. There are also no government limitations or restrictions on when or where a foreigner can purchase or sell property in America. Since there aren’t any cooling measures, this means that savvy investors are able to take advantage of properly researched locations and asset types. Yields and appreciation galore!

America Mortgages has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, The Mortgage Daily, Canadian Business Journal and other notable publications for its open architecture approach as well as providing borrowers with access to both in-house AM and third-party solutions to make informed decisions.

The AM team says that it shouldn’t have to be confusing, overwhelming or foreign to obtain a U.S. mortgage to buy property in America; they have loan officers throughout Asia and around the world with the depth of experience and knowledge required for resolving complex issues foreign national and expat borrowers may have that U.S. banks and brokers don’t know how to handle.

Far from being on the outside looking in, now what real estate investors get is a front-and-centre window into the U.S. market. You can open and close a transaction all while sitting in your living room in Singapore without ever getting on a plane!

Hear from an America Mortgages client

“The service and personal attention that we received from Donald and Robert was exceptional. They were patient and took the time to answer all of our questions while leading us through the mortgage process. Everything was handled professionally, efficiently and faster than the service we usually receive from our banks. We will definitely recommend America Mortgages to our friends and colleagues.” – Janey Schueller, Singapore

Written in collaboration with:
America Mortgages
americamortgages.com

Bridge Financing

For those who are new to investing in real estate, the common question is, what is bridge financing? A better question is, what is bridge financing, and how does it benefit commercial Real Estate investors?

For investors that are well versed in bridge financing, you understand the importance of having access to reliable and reputable bridge lenders. Bridge financing is short-term financing, sometimes referred to as private money, smart money, or hard money. Private individuals and not banks typically make bridge loans, so the interest rates on bridge loans are higher than bank loans. International bridge lending allows non-U.S. citizen / Foreign Nationals to invest in the U.S. or other global Real Estate projects by quickly and efficiently providing the needed capital.

Many commercial real estate investors who were able to purchase distressed commercial properties in recent years made out very well. To act on multiple opportunities simultaneously, many real estate investors have turned to bridge financing.

BRIDGE FINANCING BENEFITS INVESTORS IN 3 IMPORTANT WAYS:

– BF allows investors to make their money go further. For example, if two properties come together at the same time, an investor can purchase both properties using a bridge loan on each purchase.

– It removes partners or family members from a deal. Investing with family members or business partners can be tricky. Bridge loans can remove other partners from the equation, allowing an investor more freedom and flexibility with a newly acquired asset.

– Bridge loans fund faster than bank loans. If an opportunity is good, it won’t last long. Bridge loans have fewer requirements than bank loans and thus close quicker. Bridge financing allows investors can grab a fleeting opportunity before another investor snatches it up.

INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE FINANCING FOR GLOBAL / INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE PROJECTS?

America Mortgages’ extensive network offers numerous options for BF regardless of your citizenship. Whether for a hotel project in Spain, land in Thailand, or a dairy farm in India, America Mortgages is your solution for reliable capital sourcing.

OUR CAPITAL NETWORK AND EXPERIENCE FOR INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE LENDING EXPANDS BORDERS.

With over 70 combined years of experience in the mortgage and investment banking industry, and with access to funds worldwide, America Mortgages will consider most international bridge funding requests. Currently, we offer bridge lending on international and foreign borrowers with a minimum loan amount of US$3mm with no maximum with a maximum of 50% LTV/LTC.

Get in touch with us today to learn more about the structures and options of bridge financing solutions at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Bridge Financing?

Bridge financing is a short-term loan designed to provide immediate capital until long-term financing or another source of funding becomes available. It is commonly used by real estate investors who need to act quickly on property purchases, acquisitions, refinancing, or development opportunities. Because bridge loans prioritize speed and flexibility, they often have shorter repayment terms and higher interest rates than traditional bank loans.

2. Who Can Benefit from Bridge Financing?

It is ideal for commercial real estate investors, property developers, Foreign Nationals, U.S. Expats, and businesses that need fast access to capital. Investors often use bridge loans to purchase investment properties, fund renovations, acquire distressed assets, or complete transactions before arranging permanent financing. It is especially valuable when timing is critical and conventional lending may take too long.

3. How Does Bridge Financing Differ from Traditional Mortgage Loans?

Unlike traditional mortgages, bridge financing focuses on speed, flexibility, and short-term funding. Bank mortgages typically require extensive documentation, lengthy underwriting, and longer approval times. Bridge loans, on the other hand, are structured to close quickly, allowing investors to secure opportunities before competitors. Once the project is completed or long-term financing is arranged, the bridge loan is usually repaid or refinanced.

4. Can Foreign Nationals Qualify for Bridge Financing?

Yes. Many international lenders provide bridge financing for qualified Foreign Nationals and overseas investors purchasing real estate in the United States and other global markets. Eligibility depends on the property’s value, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), the investor’s experience, and the overall strength of the transaction. Specialized international mortgage providers can often structure bridge loans that traditional banks cannot offer.

When Should You Use Bridge Financing?

It is most useful when you need immediate funding to secure a time-sensitive investment. Common situations include purchasing distressed properties, participating in auctions, refinancing existing debt, funding renovations, acquiring commercial real estate, or bridging the gap until permanent financing is approved. For investors seeking speed, flexibility, and the ability to move quickly in competitive markets, bridge financing can be an effective solution.