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Development Loans for New Builds

Welcome to Advocate Finance, your trusted mortgage broker for securing Property Development Loans.

Whether you’re planning a new build, converting an existing property, or undertaking a large-scale renovation, our tailored financing solutions are designed to support your project.

From initial consultation to securing funds and managing drawdowns, we provide expert guidance to ensure the success of your property development venture.

What we cover on this page

Is it difficult to obtain a Property Development Loan?

Securing a property development loan can be more challenging than a standard buy-to-let mortgage due to the complexity of development projects. 

Lenders assess factors such as the feasibility of your plans, the property’s potential value post-development, and your experience in similar projects. Detailed project proposals, cost estimates, and a solid exit strategy are typically required. 

At Advocate Finance, we simplify the process by connecting you with lenders who understand the unique needs of property developers.

Could I use a Bridging Loan instead of a Property Development Loan?

While bridging loans can be used for certain stages of property development, they are typically designed for short-term needs, such as purchasing land or properties quickly. Bridging loans lack the tailored features of property development loans, which are structured to fund comprehensive projects, including construction and large-scale renovations.

Property development loans offer staged drawdowns, allowing funds to be released as the project progresses, and interest-only payments during the build phase to manage costs. For extensive development projects requiring continuous funding, a property development loan is a more suitable option. At Advocate Finance, we help determine the best financial solution based on your project’s scale and timeline.

We can source Property Development Loans for:

  • Land With Planning / Pre-Construction
  • Residential Developments
  • Regulated Self Build
  • Commercial Development Sites
  • Developer Exit / Pre-Sell Loans
  • Senior Stretched Loans
  • Planning Gain
  • Mezzanine Finance / Junior Debt
  • Third-Party / Joint Venture (JV)
  • Vendor Deferred Schemes

Key Features: Property Development Loans

  • Loan Amounts: Finance from £250,000 to £10 million, depending on the project scope and complexity.
  • Loan-to-Gross Development Value (GDV): Up to 70% of the GDV, providing flexibility for larger developments.
  • Flexible Loan Terms: Terms ranging from 6 months to 3 years, ideal for construction timelines.
  • Staged Drawdowns: Funds released incrementally as project milestones are achieved.
  • Interest-Only Payments: Manageable interest-only payments during the development phase.
  • Wide Property Eligibility: Suitable for new builds, conversions, and mixed-use developments.
  • Exit Strategy Options: Refinance with a long-term mortgage or sell the completed development.
  • Credit Flexibility: Financing available for both experienced developers and those with less experience or diverse credit profiles.

The Importance of Feasibility Studies and Planning Permissions

Before applying for a property development loan, conducting a feasibility study and securing the necessary planning permissions are critical steps. Lenders rely on these to assess the viability of your project and your ability to meet timelines and budgets. Feasibility studies detail the projected costs, potential profits, and market demand, while planning permissions ensure compliance with local regulations. Advocate Finance helps you navigate these processes, increasing your chances of securing funding.

Steps to Securing a Property Development Loan

Step 1
Initial Consultation

Begin with a consultation to outline your development goals, the property or land details, and your financial requirements. Our expert advisers assess your project’s feasibility and recommend suitable loan products tailored for property development.

Step 2
Preparing a Detailed Project Proposal

Lenders require a comprehensive project proposal that includes architectural designs, cost estimates, timelines, and an exit strategy. Advocate Finance helps you compile the necessary documentation to ensure your application meets the lender’s expectations.

Step 3
Loan Application Submission

Submit your loan application along with supporting documents, such as feasibility studies, planning permissions, and market analysis. Our team ensures the application is accurate and thorough to minimise delays.

Step 4
Loan Approval and Initial Drawdown

Once approved, the initial stage of funding is released. Subsequent drawdowns occur as your project reaches key milestones, allowing for steady progress while keeping interest costs under control.

Step 5
Development Phase

With funding secured, carry out the construction or refurbishment works as planned. Advocate Finance remains available for ongoing support during this stage.

Step 6
Post-Development Valuation

Upon completion, a valuation determines the property’s new market value based on its Gross Development Value (GDV). This is essential for calculating profits or refinancing options.

Step 7
Transition to Exit Strategy

Once the development is complete, we assist in transitioning to your chosen exit strategy, whether that’s refinancing with a long-term mortgage or selling the finished property to release your profits.

Benefits of Property Development Loans

 

Advantages
Disadvantages

Tailored for Development Projects:

Specifically designed for large-scale projects, including new builds, conversions, and refurbishments.

Complex Application Requirements:

Applications often require detailed plans, feasibility studies, and planning permissions, which can take time to prepare.

Staged Drawdowns:

Funds are released incrementally as project milestones are achieved, reducing interest costs and ensuring smooth cash flow.

Market Risks:

The success of a development depends on market conditions and post-completion valuations, which may fluctuate.

High Loan-to-GDV Ratios:

Up to 70% of the Gross Development Value, enabling access to substantial funding for ambitious projects.

High Initial Investment:

Development projects typically involve significant upfront costs for land acquisition and construction.

Increased Property Value:

Development projects significantly enhance the market value of the property, offering higher resale or rental potential.

Regulatory Challenges:

Ensuring compliance with planning permissions and building regulations can add complexity and potential delays.

Flexible Exit Strategies:

Choose to refinance with a long-term mortgage or sell the completed property to release profits.

 

Wide Eligibility:

Suitable for various property types, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.

 

Expert Support:

Lenders familiar with development projects provide tailored financial products to meet your needs.

 

Why Choose Advocate Finance for Property Development Loans?

Expertise and Experience

  • Advocate Finance has extensive experience in arranging property development loans for a wide range of projects.
  • Our team understands the complexities of development financing and provides expert guidance to help you navigate every stage of the process.

 

How Can YOU Benefit from Our Advice?

  • We tailor financial solutions to fit your specific project needs, offering comprehensive advice on funding options, including staged drawdowns and post-completion refinancing.
  • If speed is critical, we prioritise your case to meet deadlines and keep your project on track.

 

Competitive Fee Structure

  • FREE assessment with an experienced mortgage adviser.
  • No upfront fees: Fees are only payable when your loan is secured.
  • Capped fees: For 99% of our clients, fees are capped at £395.Check out our testimonials & Google reviews to see how we’ve helped other developers.

 

Comprehensive Range of Services

  • From bridging loans and development finance to long-term refinancing, Advocate Finance offers a complete suite of financial products.
  • We ensure you have the funding required for every stage of your property development project.

FAQs on Property Development Loans

Yes, most property development loans require planning permission to be approved. This ensures the project complies with local regulations and provides lenders with confidence in the project’s viability.

The timeline varies depending on the project’s complexity but generally ranges from 6 to 24 months. Financing options with staged drawdowns can help manage cash flow throughout this period.

Property development loans can be used for various projects, including new builds, residential or commercial conversions, and mixed-use developments. Projects must demonstrate strong feasibility and market potential to qualify.

Staged drawdowns release funds incrementally as key project milestones are reached. This reduces overall interest costs and ensures funds are available as the project progresses.

Ready To Take The Next Step?
Get in touch today to explore your options for

Property Development Loans

Our expert team of mortgage brokers are here to guide you through every stage of the process.