Development Finance
Funding to build, convert, and develop.
From ground-up new builds to conversions and heavy refurbishments, we source development finance that matches your project. Phased drawdowns, GDV-based lending, and mezzanine bolt-ons — all from our panel of specialist development lenders.
Discuss Your ProjectWhat is Development Finance?
Development finance is specialist lending designed for property development projects. Unlike standard mortgages, the loan is based on the completed value of the project (the Gross Development Value, or GDV) rather than the current value of the site.
Funds are released in phased drawdowns as construction progresses, with each stage verified by a monitoring surveyor. This structure means you only pay interest on the funds you've drawn, and the lender has confidence that the project is on track.
Interest is typically rolled up into the loan rather than paid monthly, so you don't need to service the debt during the build period. The loan is repaid when you sell the completed units or refinance onto long-term finance.
Why Work With Us
Complex Structures
Experienced in structuring multi-phase developments, joint ventures, and deals with multiple funding layers including senior debt and mezzanine.
Phased Drawdown Expertise
We understand how staged funding works and can structure drawdown schedules that align with your build programme and cash flow.
Mezzanine Bolt-Ons
Need to stretch beyond senior debt limits? We can source mezzanine finance to bridge the gap and reduce the equity you need to put in.
First-Time Developer Support
New to development? We work with lenders who support first-time developers, often with additional mentoring or monitoring built in.
Who is This For?
- Ground-up developers building new residential or commercial schemes
- Refurbishment and conversion specialists transforming existing buildings
- First-time developers taking on their first project
- Experienced developers scaling up to larger schemes
- Joint venture partners looking for flexible funding structures
How It Works
Share your project
Tell us about the site, your plans, build costs, GDV, and timeline. We'll review and advise on the best funding structure.
We structure the deal
We identify the right lender, negotiate terms, and structure the drawdown schedule to match your build programme.
Fund and build
Once approved, funds are drawn down in stages as your build progresses. We stay involved throughout to ensure smooth drawdowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GDV-based lending work?
GDV stands for Gross Development Value — the expected value of the completed project. Lenders typically offer up to 60-70% of the GDV as a loan. For example, if your completed scheme is worth £1m, you could borrow £600-700k. The loan is drawn down in stages as construction progresses, with each drawdown verified by a monitoring surveyor.
What LTV and LTGDV can I expect?
Senior development finance typically offers up to 70% of total project costs (LTC) and 60-65% of GDV (LTGDV). With mezzanine finance layered on top, you can sometimes achieve up to 90% LTC. The exact terms depend on your experience, the project, and the lender.
How do phased drawdowns work?
Development finance is released in stages rather than as a lump sum. An initial tranche covers the site purchase, then further drawdowns are released as construction milestones are hit. A monitoring surveyor visits the site to verify progress before each drawdown is released. This protects both you and the lender.
Can I get development finance as a first-time developer?
Yes, though options are more limited. Some lenders require previous development experience, but others specialise in funding first-time developers — often with the support of a professional project team. We'll match you with the right lender and help present your project in the strongest possible light.
How long does it take to arrange development finance?
Typically 4-8 weeks from initial enquiry to first drawdown, depending on the complexity of the project and the lender's due diligence requirements. Having your planning consent, build costs, and professional team in place before applying will speed things up significantly.
Have a development project in mind?
Share your project details and we'll come back to you with funding options. No upfront fees, no obligation.
Get Started