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 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.