Last updated: May 2025
Foreign nationals can use bridge loans to purchase U.S. commercial property quickly by leveraging short-term financing based on the value of the real estate.
These loans provide speed and flexibility, often without requiring a U.S. credit history or domestic income verification.
Most bridge loans are issued by private lenders, enabling foreign buyers to compete effectively and close transactions within days.
Is it possible for foreign investors to buy U.S. property?
Yes, it’s possible. 2024 saw foreign investment in U.S. real estate reach $42 billion.
Bridge loans offer a fast, practical path for foreign investors to acquire U.S. commercial properties without the need for U.S. income or credit documentation.
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What is a bridge loan for foreign nationals?
A bridge loan—often used in international property strategies—is a short-term loan secured by the real estate itself.
This financing solution allows foreign nationals to invest in U.S. commercial real estate without needing U.S.-based income documentation, tax returns, or credit scores.
Bridge loans are typically:
- Interest-only
- Short term (usually 6 to 24 months)
- Based on the property’s appraised value and income potential, not the borrower’s credit file
In other words, a bridge loan allows international buyers to move quickly while arranging permanent financing or planning a resale strategy.
Why foreign nationals choose bridge loans
Traditional lenders in the U.S. often require:
- A domestic credit score
- U.S. tax returns
- W-2 income or employer verification
Since most international buyers lack this documentation, bridge loans—often issued by private or hard money lenders—offer an accessible financing alternative.
These interim loans focus on the asset’s collateral value rather than the borrower’s financial history in the United States.
What types of commercial properties can foreign nationals buy with bridge loans?
Foreign investors can use bridge loans to purchase a wide range of U.S. commercial properties, including:
- Mixed-use developments
- Apartment buildings with 5+ units
- Retail strip centers and storefronts
- Office buildings or co-working hubs
- Light industrial or warehouse space
These income-generating properties often support loan payments through rental revenue, which may also improve refinance options down the line.
Bridge loans can align with a diverse range of commercial investment strategies, from mixed-use development to stabilized multifamily assets.
What are the requirements for a foreign national to qualify?
Although bridge loans are flexible, lenders still require certain documents from foreign nationals. These typically include:
- A valid passport or visa
- Proof of funds to cover down payment and closing costs
- A signed purchase contract or letter of intent
- U.S.-based legal entity (usually an LLC) to hold title
- Third-party appraisal or Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO)
- Optional: A U.S. bank account and a legal contact in the United States
Lenders may also request proof of residency status and documentation showing the source of funds, particularly for large acquisitions.
In summary, securing a bridge loan for foreign nationals typically involves demonstrating property value, available funds, and legal structure in the U.S.
Benefits and risks of bridge loans for foreign investors
Key Benefits:
- No U.S. credit score or tax return required
- Fast closings—often in under 2 weeks
- Flexible loan structures and terms
- Focus on property income and potential
Key Risks:
- Higher interest rates than bank loans (commonly 8% to 12%)
- Short repayment windows (6 to 24 months)
- May require origination points or prepayment penalties
Bridge loans are most effective when supported by a well-defined exit strategy, such as refinancing or a value-add resale.
Despite higher interest rates, a non-resident bridge loan remains one of the most flexible options for time-sensitive or unconventional investment scenarios.
What happens after the bridge loan closes?
Once a foreign national acquires a U.S. property using a bridge loan, the next step usually involves one of two strategies:
- Refinance: If the property has stabilized and generates strong rental income, the investor can refinance into a long-term loan, often at a lower interest rate and with better terms.
- Resell: Sometimes, the investor may renovate, reposition, or enhance the property’s value, then sell it for a profit before the bridge loan matures.
Most bridge loans are interest-only during the loan term. Rental income often covers these payments, but some investors choose to cover the costs from reserves or offshore income.
How foreign investors use bridge loans to build equity
Many foreign nationals also use bridge loans as a strategic entry point into long-term U.S. property investing.
- Example: Acquiring a Class B multifamily building through a bridge loan can provide the investor time to renovate units, stabilize rents, and increase net operating income (NOI) before refinancing into permanent commercial financing.
This buy-improve-refinance model is popular among experienced international investors, including foreign real estate buyers, non-resident investors, and international commercial property buyers, who want to build equity quickly while bypassing traditional lending barriers.
In such cases, the bridge loan acts as both a financing solution and an investment tool, allowing buyers to reposition underperforming commercial assets in high-demand U.S. markets.
Are bridge loans a smart strategy for foreign nationals?
Yes, when used with a clear investment strategy.
When paired with an investment plan, bridge loans can be a valuable tool for foreign nationals. How?
- These loans offer flexible, asset-based financing for buyers who may not qualify for traditional lending due to a lack of U.S. credit or income documentation.
- With fast closings and competitive terms, bridge loans support time-sensitive purchases and value-add opportunities.
- A bridge loan for foreign nationals can bridge the gap between opportunity and ownership in U.S. commercial real estate.
Partnering with a lender experienced in international property loan strategies is key to long-term success.
Why Marquee Funding Group is a top choice for foreign nationals
Marquee Funding Group specializes in bridge loans for foreign nationals purchasing U.S. commercial real estate. As a direct private lender, not a bank, Marquee offers:
- Fast underwriting decisions
- Flexible loan terms
- A relationship-driven approach tailored to international buyers
Unlike conventional lenders, Marquee evaluates each deal based on the property’s value and borrower equity, not U.S. credit history.
With experience in funding over $1 billion in commercial projects, the team understands foreign buyers’ unique challenges and how to close deals efficiently.
Submit your loan scenario to us right now, and let’s get your U.S. property portfolio on the right track.