Development Finance

From ground-up new builds to major conversion projects, we arrange development finance for property professionals and first-time developers. Staged funding, competitive rates, and access to lenders who understand construction.

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Project types we finance

Ground-up development

New build residential and commercial projects, from single houses to multi-unit developments. Finance covers land purchase and construction costs with staged drawdowns.

Heavy refurbishment

Major renovation projects involving structural changes, extensions, or complete internal redesign. Typically where planning permission is required or the property is uninhabitable.

Conversions

Converting commercial property to residential, barns to homes, offices to flats, or any change of use that requires significant building work.

Land purchase

Funding to purchase land with planning permission (or realistic prospect of planning) with the intention of development. Can be standalone or rolled into the development facility.

Mixed-use developments

Projects combining residential and commercial elements, such as ground-floor retail with residential above. Specialist lenders who understand the complexities of mixed-use schemes.

First-time developers

New to development? We work with lenders who are comfortable backing first-time developers, provided the project is well-planned with a realistic budget and experienced build team.

Key details

£1m+

Typical minimum loan

65–70%

Of GDV

18–36 months

Typical term

Up to 90%

Of total costs

How development finance works

Initial assessment

We review your project — the site, planning position, build costs, projected GDV, and your experience. We then identify the most suitable lenders and structure the finance accordingly.

Facility agreed

The lender issues terms setting out the loan amount, drawdown schedule, interest rate, and conditions. We negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf.

Staged drawdowns

As construction progresses, a monitoring surveyor inspects the site and certifies completed work. Funds are released at each stage — typically foundations, wall plate, roofing, first fix, second fix, and completion.

Exit

The loan is repaid through selling the completed units or refinancing onto long-term debt (commercial mortgage or buy-to-let). We can assist with the exit finance as well.

Frequently asked questions

What types of development can be financed?

We arrange finance for ground-up new builds, heavy refurbishments, conversions (commercial to residential, barn conversions, etc.), land purchases with planning, and mixed-use developments. Projects typically range from single-unit builds to multi-million-pound schemes.

Do I need development experience?

While experience helps, many lenders will consider first-time developers — particularly for smaller, simpler projects. Having a strong team (architect, builder, project manager) and a realistic budget can offset a lack of personal experience. We know which lenders are most open to first-time developers.

How does staged drawdown work?

Rather than receiving the full loan upfront, funds are released in stages as construction progresses. The lender's monitoring surveyor inspects the site at each stage and confirms that work has been completed to the required standard before releasing the next tranche. This protects both you and the lender.

What is Gross Development Value (GDV)?

GDV is the estimated market value of the completed development. Lenders use this figure to determine how much they'll lend. A typical maximum is 65-70% of GDV, or up to 90% of total development costs. We'll help you prepare realistic GDV projections that lenders will accept.

How long does development finance typically run?

Most development finance facilities run for 18-36 months, depending on the project scope. The finance is designed to be short-term — you repay through selling the completed units or refinancing onto long-term debt.

Got a development project?

Tell us about your plans and we'll structure the right finance package for your project.

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Or call us: 0115 967 0888