Can you get a loan to buy an apartment, even if it’s not your first home or you’re eyeing a fixer-upper? You’re not alone. With traditional banks tightening their lending criteria, many real estate investors and homebuyers are now turning to private lenders for fast, flexible financing options.
Whether you’re planning to purchase a rental unit, renovate a small multifamily building, or flip a condo for profit, getting an apartment loan is possible with the right lender.
Let’s examine how apartment loans work, what private lenders like Trentium Capital offer, and what you need to qualify.
Can You Get a Loan for an Apartment?
Yes, you absolutely can. Getting an apartment loan is common in residential and investment real estate markets. But the type of loan you need depends on your intent, whether you’re buying to live, rent, flip, or renovate.
When traditional banks say “no” due to credit score, down payment size, or property condition, private lenders step in with flexible solutions like:
- Bridge loans for short-term funding until permanent financing is arranged
- Fix and flip loans for renovating and reselling apartments quickly
- Construction loans if you’re building or converting an apartment property
Private lenders like Trentium Capital evaluate deals based on the property’s value and potential, not just your income or W-2s.
Types of Loans You Can Use for an Apartment
When purchasing, renovating, or investing in an apartment, the correct type of financing can make all the difference. Private lenders offer diverse loan options tailored to unique investment strategies, timelines, and property conditions. Here’s a deeper look at the most relevant types of loans you can use for an apartment:
1. Bridge Loan (Short-Term Financing)
Use Case: Fast apartment purchases, auction deals, or waiting on permanent financing.
A bridge loan acts exactly as the name suggests: It helps you “bridge” the gap between needing immediate capital and arranging long-term financing. If you’re buying an apartment building quickly before selling another property or your bank financing is delayed, a private bridge loan can help you close in days instead of weeks.
Features:
- Term: 6–24 months
- Fast closing: Often within 5–10 business days
- Interest-only payments
- No long approval processes or red tape
Perfect for: Investors who need speed, flexibility, and a clear exit plan, such as refinance or sale.
2. Fix and Flip Loan
Use Case: Buying an underpriced or distressed apartment unit to renovate and sell.
This loan is designed for investors who spot potential in worn-out apartments. A fix-and-flip loan helps you buy, renovate, and resell for a profit, all using borrowed capital. Lenders base loan amounts on the After-Repair Value (ARV) rather than the current price.
Features:
- Funding covers both purchase and renovation
- Loan based on ARV (up to 75%–80%)
- Short-term: usually 6–12 months
- Ideal for cosmetic upgrades, kitchen/bath remodels, or layout changes
Perfect for: First-time or experienced investors looking for quick returns through renovation-based value addition.
3. Construction Loan
Use Case: Ground-up apartment construction or major structural conversion projects.
If you plan to build a new apartment complex, convert an office into residential units, or add new units to an existing building, a construction loan from a private lender gives you the staged funding you need. Unlike traditional banks, private construction lenders focus on your plan’s feasibility and projected value.
Features:
- Disbursed in draws as construction milestones are met
- Interest-only payments during construction
- Higher LTV based on the finished property value
- Short to mid-term (12–24 months)
Perfect for: Developers, contractors, or property owners planning new builds or heavy rehab projects.
4. Rental Investment Loan
Use Case: Buying an apartment to rent out for a steady monthly income.
Private lenders also offer long-term financing options for investors looking to build wealth through rentals. These loans are based more on the cash flow potential of the apartment than on your W-2 income.
Features:
- Terms: 5, 10, 30 years (interest-only or amortized)
- DSCR-based underwriting (Debt Service Coverage Ratio)
- Lower documentation requirements than banks
- Great for portfolio expansion and passive income
Perfect for: Buy-and-hold investors who want monthly rental income without going through traditional mortgage hoops.
5. Cash-Out Refinance Loan
Use Case: Pulling equity from a renovated apartment or rental unit to invest elsewhere.
Once you’ve improved or stabilized an apartment building, you can refinance at its new, higher value and pull out cash to reinvest. A cash-out refi loan with a private lender helps you recycle capital across multiple deals.
Features:
- Refinance based on the new appraised value
- Extract equity for new projects
- Ideal after a successful fix-and-flip or rehab-to-rent project
- Competitive interest rates with flexible terms
Perfect for: Experienced investors looking to scale their portfolio without tying up all their cash.
Why Choose Trentium Capital?
At Trentium Capital, we help real estate investors move fast and close confidently. Whether you’re buying an apartment to fix and flip, need short-term bridge financing, or are building from the ground up, we’ve got your back.
Fix & Flip Loans
Finance your purchase and renovation. You can receive up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of the rehab costs.
Bridge Loans
Close deals quickly and access capital for short-term opportunities while you wait for long-term financing.
Construction Loans
Ground-up or major renovation? We fund in phases based on milestones, so you stay on track.
Ready to Finance Your Next Apartment?
Don’t let the bank slow you down. Whether a fixer-upper condo or a multi-unit building, Trentium Capital offers fast, flexible, and investor-friendly apartment loans to help you seize the right opportunity today.
