Bridge Loan Calculator

Calculate bridge loan cost when buying before selling your current home.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: CFPB — Owning a Home

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Monthly Bridge Payment

$1,062.50

Total Bridge Cost

$9,375.00

Equity in Current Home

$250,000.00

Bridge Loan Costs

Monthly Interest Payment$1,062.50
Total Interest (6 months)$6,375.00
Closing Costs$3,000.00
Total Cost of Bridge$9,375.00

Current Home Sale

Current Home Value$450,000.00
Mortgage Balance- $200,000.00
Equity$250,000.00
Selling Costs (agent, closing)- $27,000.00
Net Proceeds$223,000.00

After Sale

Net Sale Proceeds$223,000.00
Repay Bridge Loan- $150,000.00
Remaining After Repayment$73,000.00
StatusSale proceeds cover bridge loan
True Cost of Bridging$9,375.00

Use the Bridge Loan Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

When you have to buy a new home before the old one sells, a bridge loan fills the gap, and this tool estimates what that gap financing costs. Amid the shifting interest rates and property values of 2026, getting a clear read on the upfront expense, from interest to fees, is what keeps the transition smooth and free of nasty surprises, and it lets you decide with the numbers in front of you.

Total cost comes from adding estimated interest to the typical closing fees. The interest piece draws on the principal loan amount, the estimated annual interest rate (e.g., 9.5% in 2026), and the expected loan term (e.g., 6 months), while closing fees, commonly 1-3% of the loan amount, sit on top to round out the full estimate.

The most expensive miscalculation is assuming your current home sells on schedule, since every week of delay adds to the bill, so pad the sale window when you plan. Rates and fees on bridge loans range widely from one lender to the next, which makes shopping several of them worth the effort.

Example: Bridge Loan for a $400,000 Purchase

  1. 1 Step 1: Input your current home's estimated value ($500,000), the down payment you'll make on your new home ($100,000), the estimated bridge loan interest rate (9.5%), and the expected loan term (6 months).
  2. 2 Step 2: The calculator determines the bridge loan amount needed (e.g., $100,000 to cover the down payment), calculates the interest accrued over 6 months ($4,750), and adds estimated closing fees (e.g., 2% or $2,000).
  3. 3 Step 3: The estimated total bridge loan cost is $6,750. This includes $4,750 in interest and $2,000 in closing fees.
  4. 4 Step 4: This $6,750 represents the additional expense of using a bridge loan to facilitate your home purchase before selling your current property. This cost should be factored into your overall budget and compared against the potential benefits of securing your new home quickly.

Source: CFPB — Owning a Home · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bridge loan for buying a home?
A bridge loan is short-term financing (6-12 months) that lets you buy a new home before selling your current one. It uses your current home equity as collateral. You pay both the bridge loan and your existing mortgage until your old home sells.
How much does a bridge loan cost?
Bridge loan rates are typically 2-3% higher than standard mortgages (8-10%+ in 2026), plus 1-3% in origination fees. On a $200,000 bridge loan for 6 months, total costs could be $8,000-$13,000. This is the cost of convenience for not having to sell before buying.
What are alternatives to a bridge loan?
Alternatives include a home equity line of credit (HELOC) at lower rates, making an offer contingent on selling your current home, negotiating a rent-back agreement with your current buyer, or using a sale-leaseback program. Each has trade-offs in cost, speed, and competitive positioning.