Development Finance Guides
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
Office-to-Residential Conversion Finance: Funding Change-of-Use Projects
Office-to-residential conversion finance: funding change-of-use projects requires specialist development finance rather than traditional mortgages. Most conversions use construction loans covering 60-70% of project costs at SOFR plus 350-550 basis points, with 18-36 month terms and 30-40% equity requirements.
Development Finance vs Commercial Mortgage: When Permanent Debt Makes More Sense
Development finance is short-term funding for construction projects with higher rates (6.5-10%) and 12-24 month terms, while commercial mortgages are long-term loans for completed properties at lower rates (4-7%) over 5-25 years.
Development Finance vs Bridging Finance: Which Fits Your Property Project?
Development finance suits ground-up construction projects with staged funding needs, while bridging finance works best for quick property acquisitions and light refurbishments requiring immediate full funding.
Pre-Planning Development Finance: Can You Borrow Before Permission Is Granted?
Yes, you can borrow money before planning permission is granted, but it typically requires specialist bridging finance rather than traditional development finance. Pre-planning funding helps developers secure land, fund planning applications, and position projects for full development finance once permission is obtained.
Development Finance for Brownfield Sites: Remediation, Planning and Lender Risk
Development finance for brownfield sites requires specialist lenders who understand contamination risks, extended remediation timelines, and complex planning processes.
Commercial Development Finance UK: Warehouses, Industrial Units and Business Parks
Commercial development finance UK for warehouses, industrial units and business parks provides £100k to £50m+ funding for developers building or converting industrial properties. These specialist facilities cover land acquisition, construction costs, and project delivery with flexible criteria and development-focused exit strategies.
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.
What Is Development Finance? Complete UK Guide for Developers
Development finance is short-term, property-secured funding for land acquisition and construction or major conversion. The lender normally releases money in stages after monitoring progress.
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.