Development Finance
Our number one aim is to complete bridging loan and development finance cases in the quickest possible time frame, and our average throughput from acceptance of the offer to completion and pay-out is no more than a few days. We would never confess to being the cheapest lender in town, but as far as we are concerned, we are the most flexible and quickest. We have very few standard lender requirements; however, we are totally responsible in our lending capacity. We complete all paperwork and get to know all of our clients in depth from the beginning, which most importantly includes ensuring a solid and firm exit route.
Important features of development finance products include:
- Bespoke funding to suit all requirements
- Available for new developments and conversions
- Suitable for single and multi-unit projects
- Funding for joint venture projects
- Available for residential and semicommercial properties
- Land purchases included
- Finance for any level of experience
Typical financial features of development finance products include:
- Up to 90% loan to cost
- Up to 70% loan to Gross Development Value
- Funding is available from £25,000 to £10 million
Development finance loan term
All development finance products are tailored to meet the unique requirements of the project being undertaken. A typical development finance bridging loan will be issued for a maximum period of 24 months.
Some development finance loans may be issued for as little as six months if the borrower wishes to repay the loan as quickly as possible. Early repayments can pave the way for preferential interest rates and lower overall borrowing costs.
How to apply for property development finance
The key to a smooth development finance application lies in conducting extensive research and performing due diligence. Lenders expect applicants to ensure all possible eventualities have been factored in and the project’s success is assured.
It is the viability of the project upon which the lender will base their decision, so providing as much supplementary evidence as possible is essential.
An experienced property developer with an established track record may find it easier to qualify than a first-time developer. However, the flexibility of development finance enables specialist lenders to create bespoke packages to suit almost all requirements.
Applying for development finance via an experienced broker is essential to ensuring you get the best possible deal.
Repaying a development finance loan
Development finance will only be granted by the lender when a clear exit plan has been outlined by the applicant. The three most common exit strategies for development finance are as follows:
- Sale of the finished property or site: upon completion of the project
- Refinancing with a specialist exit product: a loan typically issued at a lower rate of interest, enabling the developer to pay off the initial loan and bridge the financial gap until the property is sold.
- Long-term refinancing: where the development finance loan is switched to a more conventional long-term loan. This is often the preferred option for developers looking to maintain ownership of their property, either for personal use or to let out.
For more information on any of the above or to discuss the features of development finance in more detail, call us for an obligation-free consultation.
Uk’s Best bridging loan rates from 0.55%
How it works
Get in touch
Clients approach UK Bridging Loans either directly or via introducers. Basic questions by way of a “fact-finding” process are used by UK Bridging Loans to determine if the lending requirements are a possibility.
Fast approval
An immediate yes or no answer is given, and if suitable, a quotation is formulated and forwarded to the client, usually by email.
Formal offer
A formal offer is produced for any client wishing to proceed and forwarded for signature, again, usually by email.
Representative visit
Each client is visited at the security address for the signature of the remaining loan paperwork, including a CH1 land registry charging order. We will also collect any additional pre-requested documentation.
Dedicated underwriting
The signed documentation was immediately sent to our underwriters. Our model is based on very quick completions, as each deal is funded using all of our own money. On rare occasions, we may request additional information.
Payment of funds
Average completion from initial acceptance to pay-out is usually just a few days. We rarely require valuations or additional legal representation. The land registry charge will be removed once the bridging loan is repaid.
Who can use bridging finance?
Age
The applicant could be too old to obtain a standard high-street mortgage, as most mortgage lenders now prevent borrowing beyond what is deemed “normal retirement age”.
Property conditions
The property may be in a condition where it is not suitable for mortgage financing, and as such, a bridging loan could be used to complete the purchase and any required work prior to refinancing.
Credit
The applicant may have had some adverse credit, however minor, which was previously acceptable to lenders but now no longer fits the high street lending criteria.
Income
The applicant may have difficulty proving the income requirements needed for more regular financing. This may be due to poor self-employment records, a break from work, a reduction in self-employed workloads, or overtime.
USP’s
Superfast completion, often within days
Quick auction finance
2nd charge behind the bridging lender
Pure equity-based lending
Loans from £25,500
Land, with or without planning
3rd charge (consent is not always required)
2nd charge behind the equity release lender
Residential and commercial
A free legal option
2nd charge (consent is not always required)
Adverse credit is considered
Up to age 85
Valuations are not always required
No monthly payments
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by development finance?
Development finance is a type of loan that is specifically designed to help developers finance the construction or refurbishment of property. It is typically used for projects that are considered to be high-risk or speculative, such as the development of new homes or the conversion of commercial buildings into residential units.
How does development finance work?
Development finance is arranged through specialist development finance lenders, who will assess the project’s feasibility and the developer’s track record. If the lender approves the project, they will provide the necessary funding in stages as the development progresses.
Can you get 100% development finance?
In some cases, it is possible to get 100% development financing. However, this is usually only for projects that are considered to be very low-risk. More commonly, developers will need to have a deposit of between 10% and 25% of the project’s total value.
How much can you borrow with development finance?
The amount of development finance you can borrow will depend on the size and value of the project, as well as your financial resources and track record. However, most lenders are willing to lend up to 70% of the project’s gross development value (GDV).
How much deposit do you need for development finance?
The amount of deposit you need will depend on the lender and the project. However, as mentioned above, it is typically between 10% and 25% of the project’s total value.
Who is eligible for development finance?
Development finance is typically available to experienced developers who have a proven track record of success. However, some lenders may also consider first-time developers with a strong business plan and a clear understanding of the risks involved.
How long does it take to get development finance?
The time it takes to get development finance will vary depending on the complexity of the project and the lender. However, in most cases, it will take between 4 and 8 weeks to secure funding.
How much development finance can I borrow?
Development loans are disbursed gradually from an established lending pool, in contrast to conventional residential or company mortgages. Generally speaking, lenders will only contribute up to 75% of the cost of the land purchase and up to 95% of the cost of building.
What is the exit fee for development finance?
Exit fees are charges that are typically applied when you repay a development finance loan early. They can vary from lender to lender, but they are typically between 1% and 3% of the loan amount.
Bridging loan uses
Opening Hours
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Sun: 11am-5pm
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