Is Bridging Finance Right for Me? A Simple Checklist Before You Apply
You are waiting on money you know is on the way. But right now, your account does not reflect that. Bills are due, opportunities are time-sensitive, and the gap between today and your expected payout feels wider every day. So, you ask: is bridging finance right for me?
This checklist will help you confirm if Taurus Capital’s RAF Bridging or Property Bridging finance solutions are right for you before you apply.
What Is Bridging Finance, in Plain Terms?
Bridging finance is short-term funding that helps you access money now, while you wait for a confirmed payment from a property sale or RAF Claim to arrive. It is not a long-term loan. It is not a credit facility. It is a temporary solution designed to close a specific timing gap.
When you have funds on the way from a property sale or RAF Claim, bridging finance moves some of that value forward so you can act today rather than wait.
Do You Have a Confirmed Source of Repayment?
Bridging finance works when there is a clear, confirmed payout on the way.
The repayment source is what makes the advance possible. Without it, the product is not a fit.
For example, Taurus Capital offers three types of bridging finance, which require specific repayment sources. Those are a confirmed house sale on which a conveyancer is working or an awarded RAF claim on which an attorney is working. There are further stringent requirements for FlexiCap, Structured Term Finance.
In either case, if you can answer yes to the question below, you may be in the right place:
I am waiting for money that has been confirmed from a house sale or an RAF claim and is on its way to me.
Quick Checklist: Signs That Bridging Finance may be a Good Fit
Work through this list. The more boxes you tick, the more likely bridging finance is the right solution for your situation.
- You are waiting for a confirmed RAF settlement or award to be paid out.
- You have a property that has been sold and is awaiting transfer or registration.
- You are an attorney or law firm waiting on fees tied to a settled matter.
- You have documentation that supports your expected payout.
Do these apply to you? Bridging finance is worth exploring. If only a few of them apply, read the section below before proceeding.
When Bridging Finance is not the Right Fit
Bridging finance solves a timing problem. It does not solve a cash flow crisis, a debt problem, or an uncertain income situation.
Taurus Capital is committed to being transparent with you from the start. Here are the situations where we are unlikely to be able to assist:
- Your property has not yet been sold. Bridging finance is only applicable with a confirmed sale.
- You are an RAF claimant whose case has not yet been settled or awarded.
- Your expected payout is either unconfirmed or dependent on an uncertain outcome.
- You are looking for long-term funding or a replacement for a bank loan.
- You have no clear repayment source or timeline.
- You need funding to cover ongoing operational losses, not just a short-term gap.
This is not a judgment on your situation. It simply means bridging finance is the wrong tool for the job. We would rather tell you early.
Similarly, we only accept specific security for our asset-backed finance. Examples include non-primary residence property (unencumbered or with available equity) or JSE-listed shares.
Non-eligible collateral or repayment sources include retirement savings or pension funds, endowment policies, primary residences, future inheritance, crypto assets, vehicles, collectables, art, jewellery, and other movable household goods. Nor do we accept surety from family or friends.
Four Questions to Ask Yourself First
Before contacting any bridging finance provider, work through these four questions. They will give you clarity on whether the product is right for you
- Do I know exactly where the repayment is coming from?
You should be able to name the source, whether it is an RAF award, a property transfer, a legal settlement, or another confirmed payment.
- Do I have documentation to support it?
A settlement agreement, a sale agreement, a court order, or a letter of confirmation significantly strengthens your application.
- Do I know roughly when the funds are expected?
Bridging finance is structured around your repayment timeline. A vague “sometime this year” is harder to work with than a specific expected date.
- Is this a temporary gap or an ongoing shortfall?
If you need funds to cover a once-off delay, bridging finance may be a good option. If you are consistently short every month, you need a different kind of solution.
Not to be Confused: What Bridging Finance is not
To avoid any confusion, note that bridging finance is not:
- A personal loan for general expenses without a confirmed repayment source.
- A deposit or purchase facility for buying property.
- A solution for RAF claimants who have not yet settled their claim.
- A long-term debt instrument.
- A substitute for business funding or investment capital.
Taurus Capital specialises in short-term funding solutions. That means we are very good at what we do—and very clear about what we do not do.
What Happens if You are a Good Fit
If you have worked through this checklist and most of it applies to you, the next step is straightforward. Taurus Capital will assess your situation, review your documentation, and give you a clear answer quickly. We do not believe in wasting your time with drawn-out processes.
Our solutions include RAF Attorney Advances for legal practitioners, as well as bridging finance for property sellers and other confirmed payment scenarios. If you are a claimant rather than an attorney, speak to our team about the right product for your circumstances.
Consider Timing
The best time to explore bridging finance is before you are under serious pressure. If you can see a gap coming, reach out early. The more time you have, the more options you have.
If you are already under pressure, do not delay. Taurus Capital can move quickly when the paperwork supports it.
Use Taurus Capital’s bridging finance solutions to close the gap between now and your expected funds.
