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Development finance, done right

Fund ground up builds, conversions and heavy refurbishments with clear, side by side options. We handle lenders, valuation and legals so you can focus on delivery.

Crane Construction

Key facts for development finance

A quick snapshot to help you decide if development finance fits your scheme. Speak to us for a straight view on feasibility and timelines.

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  • Schemes. Ground up residential, conversions, heavy refurbs and select commercial. We also arrange complementary products such as pre planning, bridging, marketing period loans and pre let commercial where suitable. 

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  • Security. First charge over the site. Second charge or additional security can support higher leverage where appropriate. We will explain risks, covenants and intercreditor points before you commit.

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  • Sizing. Facilities are typically structured against LTGDV and LTC with staged drawdowns. We model cash flow, interest, fees and contingencies so you can see total cost in pounds.

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  • Speed. Early heads of terms are often possible once core information is ready. Valuation, QS and legal work drive the overall timeline. We keep everyone moving.

What is development finance?

Development finance is a short to medium term facility that funds land purchase and build costs for a scheme.

 

Drawdowns are staged against verified progress. Interest is usually rolled up and repaid from sales or a refinance at practical completion.

 

We compare lenders, secure the right structure, and manage due diligence so you keep momentum on site.

Development finance we can arrange

Choose a route that fits the phase of your project. If more than one path could work, we set out the trade offs clearly.

Residential development

New build, conversion and heavy refurbishment for experienced developers
Single units through to multi unit schemes. Build to sell or build to rent.

Bridging for acquisitions

Short term funding to secure sites before a development facility is in place
Useful for auction timelines or while planning is finalised.

Pre-planning finance

Acquisition funding for sites without consent, subject to overall case strength
Typically refinanced to a full development facility once consent is secured.

Marketing period loans

Funding to hold completed units through the sales period. Helps avoid forced sales and supports pricing strategy.

Pre-let commercial

Facilities for schemes with agreed pre lets and suitable covenants. We will confirm appetite, leverage and covenants for your case.

Sustainability incentives

Access to lenders that reward strong energy outcomes. Tell us your EPC targets and we will map suitable options.

Common uses of development finance

  • Acquire and build: purchase the site and fund build costs with staged drawdowns

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  • Consent uplift: secure a site pre planning, add value, then convert to a build facility

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  • Refinance and finish: move from bridge to development, or from development to a marketing period facility to see sales through

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  • Pre-let commercial schemes: deliver and hold income where covenants and pre lets support the loan

Costs and fees in plain English

We set out every cost in pounds before you proceed. You will see what is payable up front, at each drawdown and on exit.

Up-front

Valuation, QS, environmental and legal due diligence. We coordinate scopes and access and manage report queries.

During the build

Interest on drawn funds, monitoring surveyor fees and any non utilisation if applicable. We build a monthly cash flow so you know projected interest and headroom.

On exit

Lender completion fees and any exit fees. We confirm early repayment provisions and extension options.

How it works

Our process keeps due diligence tight and the programme moving.

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1. Discovery and information pack
We confirm objectives, timescales and exit. You share drawings, cost plan, programme, CVs, appraisal, planning status and professional appointments.

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2. Indicative options
We compare lenders, leverage, pricing, covenants and conditions. You see a simple monthly cash flow and total cost to exit.

 

3. Due diligence
Valuation, QS and legal work begin. We manage RFIs and keep all parties aligned.

 

4. Approval and legals
Facility and security are finalised. Conditions precedent and subsequent are agreed and tracked.

 

5. Drawdown and monitoring
Funds are released in stages against QS sign off. We monitor programme, costs and sales or refinance milestones.

Eligibility and key metrics

Eligibility varies by lender and scheme. Use this as a guide and speak to us for a clear view of feasibility.

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  • Experience: a track record in similar scale projects is preferred
    First time developers considered with a strong professional team and support.

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  • Leverage: facilities are usually sized against LTGDV and LTC with defined contingency. Additional security and equity can improve overall leverage.

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  • Exit: pre sales, short term lets or a refinance to term. We test sales rates and lender stress to ensure the route is realistic.

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  • Planning and technical: clear consent, robust design, fixed price or well evidenced cost plan and an experienced contractor. We highlight gaps and help you close them before credit review.

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  • Commercial schemes: appetite driven by pre lets and covenant strength. We confirm income quality and any required cover ratios.

Development finance FAQs

What can development finance cover?

Land purchase, build costs, professional fees and contingencies. Some facilities can also fund interest and fees within the loan, subject to leverage and appraisal.

How is the facility drawn?

Funds are released in stages following QS inspections. Drawdown schedules match your programme and cash flow which helps control interest on undrawn amounts.

How long does it take?

Terms can be issued quickly once the information pack is complete. The overall timeline depends on valuation, QS and legal work. Clean reports and prompt replies keep things moving.

Do I need experience?

Experience helps. Strong consultants, a capable contractor and a realistic programme can support a first scheme. We will be honest about lender appetite.

Can I fund 100 percent of costs?

Not via senior debt alone. Additional security, equity and in some cases mezzanine can increase total leverage. We will explain risk, cost and intercreditor arrangements.

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t: 01322 912578

a: 12 Quadrant Court, Charles Park Crossways Business Park, Dartford, Kent, DA9 9AY

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© 2025 by Elevate Business Finance Limited

Elevate Business Finance Limited is a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 16723734). Registered office: 5 West Ct, Enterprise Rd, Maidstone ME15 6JD.

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We’re registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office for the processing of personal data (Registration No. ZB999675).

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We act as a credit broker, not a lender, and introduce UK businesses to finance providers. We may receive a commission from a lender which can vary depending on the lender and product. We will confirm the nature of any commission arrangement to you before you proceed.

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We only advise on and arrange unregulated property finance for business purposes. We do not advise on or arrange Financial Conduct Authority regulated mortgage contracts (including regulated bridging loans) or consumer buy-to-let mortgages. If the property is, or will be, occupied by you or a close family member, we may be unable to assist.

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