In Austin, many investors need a bridge not to buy, but to get out of a loan that is coming due before the property is leased. Others want to build infill units under the city's newer code. Either way, the question is how fast you can close and how cleanly you can refinance.
In short: Our top pick for bridge loans in Austin is LendingStreet. We fund 1-8 unit investor purchases, rehabs and payoffs from $150,000 to $5M+, with rates from 7.99% and closings in as little as 10 days. Once the property is leased, we refinance into a 30-year DSCR loan that qualifies on rent. In Austin, budget taxes on the full value with no homestead exemption, check the flood map near creeks and confirm what the HOME code allows on your lot.
LendingStreet is our top pick for Austin investors who need short-term money on 1-8 unit property, whether to buy, renovate or pay off a loan that is coming due. Bridge loans run from $150,000 to $5M+, with rates from 7.99% and closings in as little as 10 days. They are interest-only, some programs fund up to 90% of cost and up to 100% of the rehab, and there is no appraisal on some bridge programs. Larger balances usually need a full valuation.
Once the property is leased, we can refinance into a 30-year DSCR loan that qualifies on rent, with no W-2s or tax returns and LLC borrowers standard. Get a quote with the form below or call (877) 298-1001.
Investors searching for bridge lenders often compare national names like CoreVest, Dominion Financial, Lima One and Roc Capital. Here is how LendingStreet stacks up on the scenarios that matter most for investors in Austin, TX. In every scenario below, LendingStreet is the best fit.
Figures for other lenders are as stated on each lender's own website as of November 2026. Lender terms change, so verify current terms with any lender before you apply. Ready to see your numbers? Use the form below or call (877) 298-1001.
| Scenario | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge loan above $3M | LendingStreet | Our bridge program runs from $150,000 to $5M+. CoreVest states single-asset bridge loans from $75K to $2M+, and Roc Capital states stabilized bridge loans up to $3,000,000. |
| Bridge close in about 10 days | LendingStreet | We can close in as little as 10 days. CoreVest states its bridge loans typically close within 2 to 4 weeks. |
| Property in any state, including DC | LendingStreet | We lend in all 50 states and DC. Lima One states it lends across 46 states, and Dominion Financial lists 49 states plus DC. |
Austin investors typically weigh a local bank, a local hard money lender and private money. In general terms, here is how they compare for residential bridge loans.
| What investors need | LendingStreet | Typical local bank | Typical hard money or private lender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay off a maturing loan quickly | As little as 10 days | Often weeks, with full review | Often fast |
| Lend before units are leased | Yes, bridge terms | Often reluctant | Varies |
| Rehab money | Up to 100% of rehab on some programs | Limited | Varies |
| Long-term exit | In-house 30-year DSCR refinance | Possible, with tax returns | Usually none |
| Loan range | $150,000 to $5M+ | Varies | Limited by available funds |
| LLC borrowers | Standard | Sometimes | Usually |
Close in, bridge deals often involve older bungalows and ranch homes in East Austin neighborhoods such as Govalle, Holly, Johnston Terrace and the MLK corridor, plus Montopolis, Dove Springs, St. Johns, Windsor Park and the North Lamar area. Many are teardowns or additions, and the city's HOME code changes now allow up to three units on most single-family lots and smaller minimum lot sizes, which has opened up infill duplexes and small multi-unit builds.
In the suburbs, investors buy in Round Rock, Pflugerville, Manor, Hutto, Leander, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Kyle, Buda and Del Valle, where newer homes and builder inventory are common. Demand from the university, state government and tech employers keeps renters coming. Buildings with 9+ units are commercial; see /commercial.html.
After the run-up in prices and the reset that followed, many Austin investors hold construction loans, bank balloons or private notes that are coming due on properties that are finished but not yet leased, or leased but not yet seasoned. A bridge pays off the old loan and buys a few months to lease up and refinance.
Bridge loans also fit quick purchases: estate sales, homes that need too much work for a bank, and wholesale contracts. Texas courthouse foreclosure auctions happen on the first Tuesday of the month and generally require payment at the sale, so most investors buy those with cash.
Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes are high, and investors do not get homestead exemptions. The appraisal districts in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties set values as of January 1, and the combined rate includes the county, city, school district and other units. Budget on the full rate applied to the property's value, not the seller's bill.
Updated rainfall data led Austin to expand its mapped floodplains, so homes near Onion, Shoal, Williamson and other creeks may need flood insurance or face limits on additions. Hail and wind drive premiums across Central Texas. Confirm the flood map, insurance quotes and local tax rates before you commit.
This example is illustrative and not a quote. An investor finished a new duplex in East Austin with a construction loan that is now maturing, with a payoff of $455,000. The units are not leased yet, so a long-term lender cannot use their rent. A bridge loan of $470,000, about 73% of the $640,000 value, pays off the construction loan and closing costs. The estimated interest-only payment is about $4,112 a month, about $16,450 over a four-month lease-up.
Once both units lease at $2,250, a DSCR refinance of $480,000, about 75% LTV, pays off the bridge. Estimated principal and interest is about $3,193. Taxes are budgeted at $1,013 a month on the full value, since there is no homestead exemption, and insurance at $210. The payment is about $4,416 and DSCR is about 1.02x, just above the 1.0x standard minimum. In Austin, rents relative to prices leave little room, so check the tax line before you choose your loan amount.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Property value | $640,000 |
| Maturing construction loan payoff | $455,000 |
| Bridge loan | $470,000 |
| Bridge loan-to-value | About 73% |
| Estimated monthly interest-only payment | $4,112 |
| 4 months of interest-only payments | $16,450 |
| DSCR refinance loan | $480,000 |
| Refinance LTV | About 75% |
| Estimated principal and interest | $3,193 |
| Property taxes | $1,013 |
| Insurance | $210 |
| Total monthly payment | $4,416 |
| Monthly rent (two units) | $4,500 |
| DSCR | About 1.02x |
Austin's rules for non-owner-occupied short-term rentals in residential areas have been restrictive and have changed more than once, and many suburbs and HOAs set their own limits. Check the city's current licensing rules before planning a nightly-rental exit; our STR program can qualify on projected revenue for properties that can legally operate.
Most Austin bridge loans exit on 12-month leases. The DSCR refinance has a 1.0x standard minimum, cash-out up to 75% LTV, up to 80% on some rate-and-term programs and 30-year terms, and sub-1.0 programs exist for tight files. Seasoning varies by program.
Ask each lender the same questions:
Our top pick is LendingStreet. We offer bridge loans from $150,000 to $5M+, rates from 7.99%, closings in as little as 10 days and an in-house refinance into a 30-year DSCR loan once the property is leased.
Yes. We finance non-owner-occupied 1-8 unit investment property across Travis, Williamson and Hays counties, and in all 50 states and DC.
Yes. That is one of the most common Austin uses. The bridge pays off the old loan and gives you time to lease up before the DSCR refinance.
The city's HOME changes allow up to three units on most single-family lots. Confirm zoning, permits and any deed restrictions before you buy.
Property taxes are high and rents are modest relative to prices. A slightly smaller loan or a sub-1.0 DSCR program can help.
It depends on the flood map. Expanded floodplains mean more homes near creeks need coverage, so check before you buy.
Only if city and HOA rules allow it for your property. Most investors plan on long-term leases.
In as little as 10 days when title, insurance and entity documents are ready.
2-3 competing quotes from 30+ capital sources. No credit pull. No commitment.
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