Development Finance. Without the Fuss.
Development finance explained for UK property projects — compare planning status, site value, build costs, GDV, experience, exit route, and lender fit.
Development finance explained
Use these guides to understand how property development finance is assessed, what evidence lenders need, and how planning, costs, GDV, and borrower experience shape funding options.
What to compare before funding a development
Planning position
Full planning, outline planning, permitted development, and pre-planning cases can all attract different lenders and terms.
Cost stack
Compare site purchase price, current site value, build costs, contingency, professional fees, and interest reserves.
GDV and profit margin
Lenders assess the gross development value and whether the projected margin leaves enough room for delays or cost overruns.
Drawdown structure
Development funding is usually released in stages, so check monitoring surveyor requirements and cash-flow timing.
Experience and exit
Your track record and planned exit, such as sale, refinance, or rental, can materially affect lender appetite.
Latest guides
Development Finance Drawdowns: How Stage Payments and Monitoring Surveyors Work
Development finance drawdowns are staged payments released by lenders as construction milestones are completed and certified by an independent monitoring surveyor. This process protects both lender and developer by ensuring funds are released only when work is verified complete, typically taking 10-20 working days per drawdown request.
Development Finance for First-Time Developers: What Lenders Need to See
First-time developers can access development finance from approximately 30-40 specialist lenders in the UK, but they'll face stricter criteria including higher equity requirements (minimum 20%), lower loan-to-value ratios (50-60% LTGDV), and higher interest rates (8-12% annually).
Development Finance for Part-Complete Projects: Rescue Funding and Refinancing Options
Development finance for part-complete projects: rescue funding and refinancing options provide capital to developers whose projects have stalled, run over budget, or need additional funding to reach completion.
Development Finance for Student Accommodation and Co-Living Schemes: Complete UK Guide
Student accommodation and co-living developments now command specialist development finance facilities from £5 million to £50 million, with lenders offering up to 75% loan-to-cost ratios for projects that meet specific occupancy and location criteria.
Development Finance with Adverse Credit: Can Builders Borrow After Defaults or Insolvency?
Yes, builders can access development finance with adverse credit through specialist lenders who focus on project viability and property security rather than credit scores.
Ground-Up Development Finance: From Land Purchase to Practical Completion
Ground-up development finance: from land purchase to practical completion is a specialist funding solution that covers the entire development cycle, from initial site acquisition through construction phases to final project delivery.
HMO Development Finance: Funding Conversions and Multi-Let Projects
HMO development finance provides £100k to £50m+ funding for converting properties into Houses in Multiple Occupation, typically offering 65-70% of Gross Development Value (GDV) at rates from 0.75% monthly. Specialist lenders assess projects on rental yield potential, conversion costs, and exit strategy rather than traditional mortgage criteria.
Land Acquisition Finance UK: Funding Sites Before Development Starts
Land acquisition finance UK provides developers with funding to purchase development sites before construction begins, typically through bridging loans or specialist development finance.
Mezzanine Finance and JV Equity: UK Development Funding Compared
UK property developers seeking funding beyond traditional senior debt face two primary options: mezzanine finance provides structured secondary loans up to 90% of project costs, while JV equity partnerships can deliver 100% funding in exchange for profit sharing and reduced developer control.
Development Finance questions
The important details before you check eligibility.
What is development finance?
Development finance is property funding for construction, conversion, refurbishment, or ground-up projects, often released in stages as works progress.
Do I need planning permission?
Many lenders prefer full planning permission, but some will consider outline planning, permitted development, or pre-planning cases depending on the project.
What is GDV?
GDV means gross development value: the estimated value of the completed project. It is a core input for lender affordability and loan sizing.
Can first-time developers get finance?
Some lenders consider first-time developers, but experience, professional team quality, deposit level, and project complexity become especially important.
Ready when you are
Explore development finance options
Answer a few questions to see whether development finance could fit your project. It only takes about 2 minutes, with no hard credit check to start.